Members of the horse racing industry say their survival depends on their share of racetrack slot revenues.    They are appealing to the provincial government to keep an agreement that provides the money.    President of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association Sue Leslie calls the money "revenue sharing", not subsidy. Leslie says pulling the plug on this program would affect communities like Fort Erie that depend on the racetrack as an economic engine. She says the government approached them to venture in a partnership that would help both parties involved. To offset the cannibalization of racetrack customers, the 20 ... read more

Worried about becoming the victim of a cybercrime? If you live in St. Catharines odds are you're  pretty safe. According to internet security software firm Symantec, St. Catharines ranks in the top 10 of Canadian cities where residents are least likely to become the victims of cybercrime. Burlington on the other hand has been named Canada's riskiest online city. The survey took into consideration the number of web attacks originating in the city, malware infections and spamming I-P addresses. But being one of the safest cities may not be something to brag about. Symantec found residents in the safest areas ... read more

There's a strike at 407 ETR. The highway itself isn't impacted.  The service centre is staying open but "with reduced hours". The 105 on strike workers include customer service staff that handle billing questions & help drivers get new transponders.  They've walked off the job after weeks of negotiations between 407 ETR & CAW Local 414 failed to produce a new collective agreement. The job action has left people like Mike---a St. Catharines native living in Toronto---in the lurch. Last week he was billed for a $7 ride on Highway 407.  Problem is, his car has never been on the expressway. His spouse ... read more

The future of boat tours in Niagara Falls will be made public today. The provincial cabinet will be told which company was the successful bidder to run the boats & will give its consent to a new, long-term contract. A senior government source says not even the Premier knows whether the Maid of the Mist Steamboat company that has run tours since 1846 is holding on to the contract. The province ordered the Niagara Parks Commission to open the tour boats to competitive bidding in 2009, after complaints Maid of the Mist was given another 25-year untendered contract. Proposals were ... read more

Ontario horse farmers are rallying at Queen's Park today. They're asking the government not to scrap their deal with race track operators & horsemen on how slot revenues are handed out. The Finance Minister has said recently that horse racing's $345-million share could be pulled as the government looks for places to cut costs. The mayor of Fort Erie & manager of the Fort Erie Race Track say that could be devastating.  The town's track employs some 2000 people, both directly & indirectly. Meanwhile, Regional Councillors want the province to take on an impact study before making any changes to gambling. Last ... read more

Police are looking for the man behind a stabbing in St. Catharines. It happened Tuesday night on Vine St, near Carlton St. Cops says there was short fight between 2 men. The stabber ran off. The victim was rushed to hospital & treated for non life-threatening injuries. If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers or police at 905-688-4111x4272 read more

They are symbols of a life of service. Now, police say several maple leaf markers have been swiped from graves of fallen soldiers at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines. The case lead police to a Queenston St address. Police say some of the maple leaf markers were inside & they expect to recover the rest. Dave Jewers & Chris Brisley are charged with theft over $5000.  Brisley is also charged with breach of recognizance & is wanted by Hamilton police. read more

An agreement signed by the NRP, Fire Departments across the region and the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office will help in the fight against arson. Fire and police will now be able to rely on each other more, when it comes to the investigation of a deliberately set fire. Deputy Police Chief Joe Matthews says this agreement is a road map to understanding the role each agency has in the investigation. Matthews also says it's better to deal with arson in partnerships than individually. The arson task force has actually been around since 2003, it was just a matter of putting everything ... read more

Things are not looking good at the Lincoln County Humane Society. A strike deadline is now set for Thursday at midnight or Friday morning. Executive Director Kevin Strooband says the original date of February 21st was a miscalculation by the provincial conciliator. Strooband says the negotiating team will work hard to get a fair agreement. He hopes to meet with union reps again this week to try and avoid a strike. The organization will continue running with volunteers, board members and some dedicated staff in case of a strike. read more

Looks like you will soon have to pay more to put out more at the curb. The Region's Public Works committee has unanimously approved doubling the price of garbage tags from $1 to $2. The loonie pricetag hasn't budged since 1996 & doesn't  cover the cost to haul the bags away. The increase still has to be formally approved by Regional Council.  That should happen March 1st. read more