OUR PARTNERS 
Communiqué for NOTL Ambassadors and our Partners!

December 2024 - Holiday Edition

THE LEADERS' CORNER

From Your Co-Leads Laurie Harley & Vlad Haltigin

Another amazing and record-breaking Ambassador year comes to a close!

Let’s recount once more what we achieved together as NOTL Ambassadors in 2024:

  • Our Team grew to 74 Ambassadors in 2024, an increase of 35% and which included 32 new volunteers

  • We offered a record number of 24 community visits

  • In the recent "end of season Ambassador Survey" 98% of respondents felt their contribution added value to the visitor experience and 100% said they were proud to be an Ambassador

  • Visitor engagements totaled 12,084 - an increase of 30% over 2023

  • Visitors came from near and far representing over 70 different countries

  • Ambassadors' support extended beyond the regular summer season to include the January Icewine Festival, April Solar Eclipse, August Niagara 5000, and September Trisha Romance celebration

  • And to conclude the year, the Ambassadors helped to add to the Holiday Cheer in NOTL.  First, Ambassadors helped with creating the Holiday Garlands and distributing them to Heritage District merchants to display. Then, most recently the December 6th Candlelight Stroll was a magical opportunity to welcome NOTL residents and visitors alike to help celebrate the meaning & hope of the 2024 Holiday Season by supporting a local family in need.

And there will be so many familiar and new opportunities for us in 2025:

  • Ambassadors' will soon be back in action supporting the newly expanded and exciting NOTL Icewine Festival on Jan 18-29 & Jan 25-26.

  • The regular Summer Season will once more be over 22 weeks from May 16th (Victoria Day Weekend) till October 13th (Thanksgiving weekend)

  • Fingers crossed we will be having a new & impressive Seasonal Kiosk set up on site at the Court House, which will serve as a 24/7 information centre, even when Ambassadors are not on duty.  More info to come on this exciting development, in due course

  • Community site visits will again be a key part of our Ambassadors' continuing education on the many wonderful activities and attractions available in NOTL to share with visitors.  Standby for details, which are currently being worked with our many outstanding Partners

  • We will be welcoming several new Ambassadors to our team and Information & Orientation Sessions for them will be held in January through March

  • Standby, too, for new and updated training opportunities for our whole Ambassador team in March/April before the Summer Season commences

Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome on how we can make our Ambassador program even better for you.  Please don't wait for the end-of-year survey to share your thoughts.  Tell us what's on your mind.

Thank you for what each and everyone of you has done to make our NOTL Ambassadors program so special. We truly are ‘the voice of the visitor’. The Town, and beyond, recognize the incredible positive outlook you continue to create for visitors and residents alike.

Warmest Seasons Greetings to you & yours! Here’s to a bang-up 2025 for everyone!

Laurie and Vlad

EXPERIENCE NOTL

"Thank You" from the Shaw 

Thanks to the 37 Ambassadors who signed a letter of support for the Royal George Rebuild project.  As you’ll see, Tim Carroll and Tim Jennings send their appreciation for our support. Click here to view the letter.

Candlelight Stroll - A tradition of light and community 

The December 6th Candlelight Stroll was a magical experience bringing the community together to share in the true spirit of the holiday season.  It was a time to create holiday memories as guests lit their candles and enjoyed the 13 musical groups who performed along the parade route.  New this year was the “HO HO Passport” promoting visitors to explore and shop as 28 local merchants offered special discounts over the weekend. 

Nineteen Ambassadors, along with students from Vineridge Academy and community volunteers were there to welcome visitors and collect donations for candle sales. Funds raised this year went to the Kazemi Family who recently fled the Taliban in Afghanistan and embarked on a harrowing 47-day journey to Canada. They now reside in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  The results are in and we're proud to report this year's stroll distributed over 2,500 candles and raised over $12,000.  The Chamber presented a cheque to the Kazemi family on Tuesday.  

Emelyn Williams, Event Manager at the Chamber said it best: “ A heartfelt thank you for volunteering your time and energy into this beloved tradition to come together in support of a family in need!”
Trisha Romance Celebration Sep 15 Ambassador Recognition Event Oct 17

NOTL Christmas Parade

Residents and visitors experienced a wonderful afternoon in NOTL at the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday December 14th.  Numerous bands, floats, and dignitaries made their way through the streets of Old Town on a sunny, but chilly day.  We were especially thrilled to see our very own Laurie Harley in the parade, led by Ethan (the horse)!

Niagara-on-the-lake  Icewine Festival 2025 Re-imagined

The NOTL Ambassadors have been invited to partner with the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival to build a community volunteer team to support the re-imagined NOTL Icewine Festival.

For two weekends in January (18-19 & 25-26) Queen Street will be transformed into a picturesque winter wonderland with icewine and culinary creations, cozy fire pits, live ice carving demonstrations, family friendly activities and stunning light displays.

Ambassadors will be at the heart of the Village Volunteer Team.  You’ll have an opportunity to put your welcoming skills to work performing lots of new roles:  Greeters, Concierge Service, VIP Guest Services at the VIP Lounge and Snow Globes, Family Friendly Fun Igloo, to Hosting visitors on the Shuttle Bus from Niagara College to the Courthouse.

Icewine shifts are now open for sign-up in MAP!   

The Icewine Village highlights, including ticketed activities and pricing, are now available on the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival website. 

It’s going to be an exciting January in NOTL!!

OUR HOLIDAY WISH TO ONE AND ALL

We are so grateful to each and every NOTL Ambassadors for your commitment, your enthusiasm and your special talent for making our Town such a special place to visit. 

Whatever holiday you celebrate or however you mark this time of year, may you and those dear to you enjoy good health, abundant joy and a prosperous new year.    

Co-Leads: Vlad  & Laurie

Leadership Team: Kim, Cheryl, Patti, Kathryn, Elena, Shelley