In response to Grant LaFleche's column Sept. 17, 'Dual-duty innovation now on life support.' Is it on life support — or has it been given new life?

The target has been set for 2017. When regional staff work to shape next year's budget over the next few months, they will do so with a one per cent tax hike in mind.

NIAGARA — Property taxpayers in Niagara will have to fork over a little more money to keep regional government services going in 2017, but most people will still be ahead of the game compared to inflation.

Arbitration. It's not a word officials want to hear as they tackle balancing a municipal budget and negotiating contracts with police officers and firefighters.

It was a good year for progress on a number of fronts in Niagara; the glass is more than half-full. A provincial court ruling elsewhere in the province prompted regional council to take a progressive step in confirming the tradition known as the separation…

A round of applause erupted in regional council chambers Thursday night after funding was approved to buoy Port Robinson ferry.

Regional politicians have backed away, for now, from endorsing a report that some of them said could set the stage for a fundamental shift in how Niagara chases down growth it's so hungry for.

Municipalities will have a chance to provide more input on a growth strategy being eyed by Niagara Region. Regional council opted Thursday night not to endorse the staff report but to send it to the 12 communities, as well as Niagara Peninsula Conservation…

St. Catharines has found a suitor for Morningstar Mill as it considers unloading the property. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority's board voted Wednesday to enter negotiations with the city to take over the mill for a two-year trial period.

It's an enduring Niagara crossing that only takes three minutes. With a growl, the pontoon swoops across the Welland Canal and completes a passage that has continued for 40 years. 'Bridge-It's outboard motors ease into a Port Robinson dock,…