Ambassador Team

Mid-Season Checkpoint Meeting – July 14

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the virtual Mid-Season Checkpoint meeting on July 14th.  While the technology was not always our friend, you provided excellent feedback in the chat, and through the two polls that were conducted.

If you were unable to attend the meeting, you can view the slide presentation by signing into MAP and going to Files on the Home Page or in the MyProfile Drop Down Menu.  You’ll find the presentation under General Information - Presentation Mid-season Checkpoint Meeting July 14, 2025 .

Let us share the highlights of the meeting:

• Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Ambassadors form ONE PROUD TEAM dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience 

• There is a new tool – the digital Green Book – with information on accommodations, dining, attractions and more; use the QR code found on the bulletin board in the Lounge to add the file to your phone and have the data available at your fingertips

• Mentorship training is coming to a close; surveys have been distributed to our 14 mentors and 30 mentees to assess the program’s first season and gather feedback to make it even better in 2026

• Language buttons are now being worn by our multi-lingual Ambassadors; they’re a very talented group able to converse with visitors in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, Turkish and Filipino

Two polls were conducted during the meeting.

Weather Cancellations Poll  (% of responses in brackets)

1.     When a heat warning Is issued by Environment Canada for Niagara-on-the-Lake (temperature in the 30’s and humidex 40 or higher) how would you prefer the daily Kiosk and Walking shifts be handled?

• Cancel all Kiosk and Walking Shifts (34%)

•  Let Ambassadors decide what they prefer to do (24%)

• Continue with all shifts encouraging hydration and frequent breaks (21%)

• Cancel only walking shifts (14%)

• Shorten all shifts to 1 vs 2 hours (7%)

Based on your feedback and our concern for your well-being, the protocol now in place is to cancel kiosk and walking shifts when heat warnings are in effect.  We’ll contact you by 9:30 am on the day of your shift to advise of the change.  Ambassadors who, at any time, experience personal discomfort with weather conditions should feel free to advise Tourism Staff and withdraw from their shift. 

Heartbeat Poll (% of responses in brackets)

2.     What word best describes how you feel about your Ambassador experience so far this season?

• Unhappy (0%)

• Somewhat Unhappy (0%)

• All right (6%)

• Good (33%)

• Delighted (61%)
  

We thank everyone who participated in the Heartbeat Poll.  The results are important and reinforce the need to keep our focus on ways to improve the Ambassador experience.  Our goal is to see everyone select the “delighted” category. 

Welcome Mandy Shanks to the Leadership Team

Welcome Mandy Shanks to the Leadership Team in a newly created role:  Operations Lead.

Mandy will monitor and manage the scheduling process helping us respond to cancellations and open shifts.  With her experience both as an Ambassador and as a Visitor Counsellor at Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake, she’s an ideal person to take on this new role.

Experience NOTL

Did you know

…that it is a 23.4 km (approximately 14.5 miles) drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls, an estimated 25-minute trip.

 …that the Niagara Apothecary was established circa 1820 and is now a National Historic site of Canada.

 …that there is a defibrillator (AED) located on the first floor of the Courthouse on the wall opposite the washrooms.

 ...that wheelchairs and walkers can be rented from Simpson’s Pharmacy 1882 Niagara Stone Road…note; they are closed on Sunday’s

 …that the Gardens at the Pillar and Post Hotel are inspired by Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France

 …that anyone with a Canadian Veteran’s license plate or a handicap sticker can park for free anywhere in NOTL

 …that there is an ATM in the Tourism Office (Canadian cash only).

 …that you can print, scan, fax and copy at the NOTL Library…library membership is not required

 …that the closest gas station is the Petro-Canada on Mary Street

Community Site Visits - July

Educational Community Site Visits for Ambassadors continued apace from the end of June through July, with no fewer than visits to 8 locations. Community partners ‘Niagara Parks’ & ‘Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake’ were most generous in their hosting and storytelling from which Ambassadors emerged richer for their knowledge.

Niagara Parks:  Laura Secord Homestead & Mackenzie Printery

The historical significance and the stories of the Laura Secord Homestead and the role that very brave woman played in those turbulent and very uncertain times were eagerly internalized by the Ambassadors. Home of Canada's most famous heroine, Laura Secord, from 1803 to 1835, her homestead was the starting point of her perilous 32-kilometre journey to warn the British of an imminent American surprise attack during the War of 1812. As they were guided through the Education Space and the House itself the Ambassadors asked many questions…. including, if there was any connection with Laura Secord chocolates. Officially…NONE! Other than, in 1913 a young entrepreneur in Toronto decided to enter the candy business. The name ‘Laura Secord’ would provide his shops with a wholesome image! And wholesome to this day it remains, as well as her reputation!

Just a short walk away was the historic landmark Mackenzie Printery where William Lyon Mackenzie began his political career with his newspaper, the Colonial Advocate, dedicated to political and social reform in Upper Canada. There, Ambassadors had hands-on experiences with a working linotype and operating heritage presses, including a rare Louis Roy Press, the oldest printing press in Canada and one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world, to a modern automated Heidelberg press.

A memorable morning with stories clearly imprinted on the Ambassadors to share with visitors.

Niagara Parks: White Water Walk

Travelling down over 200 feet (70 metres) in a 1935 elevator, replete with brass fittings set up the excitement to come for Ambassadors. A short walk through a narrow exit tunnel suddenly exposed the raw power and peril of the Niagara River and its whitewater rapids, some of the wildest in North America. So close is the US border… just across the Gorge, that you feel like you can touch it!  Ambassadors strolled on the ¼ mile boardwalk along the shoreline, stopping at informative signboards and photo spots, including a unique selfie station. The roaring river and crashing waves, as well as the 410-million-year-old rock layers of the Niagara Gorge were perfect backdrops for great photos.

Truly the power of nature at its finest!

Niagara Parks: Butterfly Conservatory

On a hot, sunny, summer day, Ambassadors visited the Butterfly Conservatory. Opened in 1997, it is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America. Guided by butterfly expert, Francine, she explained that the Conservatory normally features over 2000 vibrantly coloured butterflies from over 40 species, which flutter freely throughout winding pathways adorned with lush vegetation and trickling waterfalls. Yet today, due to the sunshine outside, over 4000 butterflies graced the tropical surroundings. Butterflies are sourced in the chrysalis stage from several countries and were hatched right there for their incredibly short lifespan of just 2-5 weeks. Ambassadors experienced a fascinating view of butterflies in their pupae stage at the Emergence Window, hanging right there to dry their wings before taking their first flight.

While the White Water Walk was raw power, this was the beauty & wonder of nature at its gentlest!

Winery Visits

• The Hare Wine Co.

 ‘Experiences, Well Poured’ certainly describes Hare Wine Co. From the moment Ambassadors arrived the ‘HareTage’ hospitality shone through. They had a great learning experience and appreciated the stories of the winery through its uniqueness: from the only winery with a Courtyard, to the reclaimed antique brickwork of the building complex, and the barnboard furniture in the Retail/Hospitality area, which displays unique antique maps of original Land Grants in NOTL. Fascinating. The Function Room for events and VIP Room/Patio give additional dimensions to guests’ options, including over 80 events a year:  business events, weddings, and performances in the Niagara Jazz festival

Presently, Hare grows Cabernet Franc, Riesling & Vidal grapes on 20 acres for their Small Batch high-quality array of VQA wines …. perhaps Icewine too in the future? Additionally, they source from local growers’ grapes for Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pint Noir and Merlot wines, as well as producing a unique ‘Haretage’ Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced from the owner’s Bulgarian heritage.

Creative uses of land and their bounty for sure.

• DeSimone Vineyards

Just along Niagara Stone Road (Hwy 55) is De Simone Vineyards, one of NOTL’s newest wineries, which opened in 2017. Set up as a small, cozy winery, this family vineyard prides itself on producing fully Organically Certified wines. To achieve that certification is quite an achievement.

The De Simone family story is a perfect example of working hard for every penny they earned. They came to Canada from Italy in 1967, originally running three variety stores in St Catharines before buying this 40-acre fruit tree farm in 1991, and opening a family-run fruit stand that still exists to this day. Now, 17 of those acres are under production with vines, producing a wide variety of both red & white wines.

Virtually everything is done by hand: picking, pruning, tying, leaf plucking, shoot thinning, cluster thinning and even planting. That’s total quality control from vineyard to bottle! And all Organic!

While at DeSimone, be sure to pick up one of their delicious homemade fruit pies. Mmmm!

• Wayne Gretzky Estates & Trius Winery

Both Wayne Gretzky Estates & Trius Winery, share adjoining properties. Along with ‘30 Bench’ and ‘Peller Estate Winery’ they are part of Andrew Peller Limited, Canada’s largest premium wine producer. They host thousands of guests each year and are regularly recognized within the tourism and hospitality industry for their best-in-class wines and dining experiences.

Wayne Gretzky Estates, due to its celebrity connection, is one of the most popular wineries in NOTL year-round. Producing a wide range of quality wines and spirits, together with creative outdoor space including an ice rink in winter, and rental skates available. The winery offers tastings, cocktail classes and casual or special event dining options, including the outside Whisky Bar Patio. Plus, in the Wine Garden, having a game of pool, ping pong or bocce ball is fun. More formal private events are held in the Atrium or Barrel Cellar.  The personal touches of the Gretzky family abound throughout, and radiate a special bond, especially for hockey lovers.

A location for the young and young-at-heart for sure.

Trius Winery is certainly ‘Iconic. Inspired. Innovative’. Under its former branding, Hillebrand, Trius burst onto the international wine scene in 1991 when ‘Trius Red’ became the first Canadian vintage to be recognized as the Best Red Wine in the World. Ever since the, Trius has continued to raise the bar for Canadian winemaking excellence, and today produces a wide range of whites, reds, icewines & sparkling wines. The Trius ‘Sparkling House’ is a must-visit spot with its mirrored walls, replete with a Rocker Swing, crafted as a cork holder, and, a Bubble Bath, if you please! Also, a visit to their ‘Billions of Bubbles Ahead’ sparkling cellar where 60,000 bottles of sparkling wine are fermented and stored is a pure joy. Food, too, plays a very important part at Trius, with their signature restaurant warranting mention, no less, as a ‘Michelin Recommended Establishment’. Lunch on the patio or dinner inside are equally delicious, and the frequent special dining events are well worth exploring. 

A sparkling destination for wine lovers & foodies.

All these experiences for Ambassadors at Niagara Parks attractions & local NOTL wineries make them want ‘to burst with excitement’ and share that information with visitors to encourage them to visit.

Upcoming Community Site Visits

Don’t miss these amazing opportunities to learn more about our incredible Niagara.

Sign up NOW in MAP

Future of the Royal George Theatre

As Ambassadors, we receive frequent questions from visitors on “what’s happening with the Royal George?”.  You may also have questions or comments as residents. In both cases, it’s important that we are aware of the latest information.  
The Shaw now has an online resource where you’ll find the most current information posted https://shawfest.com/about/future-of-royal-george/ .  

They have also offered to meet with us to discuss and answer any questions.  Please note that answers to questions about changes to the preliminary drawings of the proposed rebuild will not be available until later in August after the Shaw has considered input received from the Community. 
Depending on the level of Ambassador interest, we can work with the Shaw to schedule either a group meeting or offer individual conversations.  Please send a note to info@notl-ambassadors.ca if you would like to participate and we’ll get back to you with arrangements. 

Final Thoughts

Year End Recognition Event - October 20th

All ambassadors are invited to join us for the Year-End Recognition event to be held at the Pillar & Post Barn, on Monday October 20th.  Details to follow.  Save the date!

Emergency Call List

When last minute shift cancellations occur, we reach out to Ambassadors on our Emergency Call list first, to see if they can fill a shift gap.  If you would like to be placed on the Emergency Call List, please send a note to info@notl-ambassadors.ca . 

Ambassador Handbook

If you would like to review a hardcopy version of the Ambassador Handbook, there is one stored in the Ambassador Lounge. There is also a reference sheet posted in the Lounge with the QR code, if you would like to scan to access with your phone.  You can always access the most recent version in MAP Files TRAINING-Ambassador Handbook.

Contact Us

If you have any comments or questions about the Communications you receive, please send an email to kathryn@notl-ambassadors.ca