Niagara Region | Fall 2026 | niagararegion.ca

Fall 2026 Issue

Niagara Comes Together – Supporting Our Communities After the Flood 

Recent flooding across Niagara left many residents with the difficult task of cleaning up and recovering. As floodwaters receded, damaged furniture, carpeting, flooring, drywall and other household items were placed at the curb. For affected families, the cleanup represented more than removing damaged material - it was part of the difficult process of restoring their homes and getting back to normal. 

To support residents affected by the flooding, Niagara Region worked with local municipalities and its waste collection contractors, Miller Waste Systems and GFL Environmental, to provide enhanced waste collection services for several weeks. We thank the Miller Waste and GFL collection crews for their hard work and dedication through long days in challenging conditions as they removed large amounts of wet and heavy material, often while some were also dealing with flooding at their own homes. 

We also recognize the important role residents played throughout the cleanup. Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as collection services were adjusted to respond to changing needs. Following temporary collection instructions and preparing materials properly for collection helped crews work safely and efficiently. 

It was a challenging summer, but Niagara once again showed what we can accomplish when we work together. Thank you to residents, local municipalities, Miller Waste, GFL and all of the staff and crews who supported the flood response and cleanup. 

No One Wants to See Your Junk!

Keeping Niagara clean takes all of us. Household waste does not belong in parks, ditches, public litter bins or along roadways. Illegal dumping harms shared public spaces, attracts pests and takes time and resources to investigate and clean up. 

These tips can help keep Niagara clean and beautiful. 

1. Know Before You Throw 

Not sure what to do with an unwanted item? Check the Niagara Region Waste App or niagararegion.ca/waste to find the proper disposal option. 

For any type of household waste, taking a few moments to check where it belongs can help keep our shared spaces clean. 

2. Large Items Don’t Have to Be a Large Problem 

That old couch does not have to sit at the curb in hopes that someone takes it. 

Eligible large items, such as furniture, mattresses, or toilets, can be scheduled for free curbside pickup. Once scheduled, place your items at the curb according to the collection instructions on your collection day. 

3. Keep Household Waste Out of Public Litter Bins 

Public litter bins are for small amounts of waste generated while you're out and about, such as coffee cups, wrappers and pet waste. 

Household waste doesn't belong in public litter bins. Putting waste in the right place helps prevent spills, pests and unnecessary cleanup. 

4. See Illegal Dumping? Report It 

If you see illegally dumped material or witness someone dumping, report it to help keep Niagara beautiful. 

Illegal dumping can be reported through the Niagara Region Waste App, online at niagararegion.ca/waste, or by calling the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141. 

A reward of up to $200 may be available if the report leads to a conviction. 

Let’s keep Niagara beautiful. Stop illegal dumping. 

From Landfill to Learning Landscape – Glenridge Naturalization Site

The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site is a good example of how a former landfill can be transformed to benefit the community and the environment. Today, the site is a naturalized area that supports habitat restoration, environmental education, recreation, and community events. 

The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site serves as a living classroom where residents can connect with nature and learn about Niagara’s local environment. To demonstrate what that looks like, on Aug. 18, Niagara Region partnered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to host a Tree Check Month event at the site. More than 40 residents attended a guided walking tour and workshop focused on invasive species and their impact on forest health. 

With support from Youth Ambassadors, participants learned how to identify early signs of tree stress and invasive pests, including small holes in bark, sawdust at the base of trees, dead branches, and premature leaf loss. The event demonstrated how simple observations can help protect Niagara's urban forest. 

The Tree Check Month event demonstrated how the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site can bring residents together through environmental education and stewardship. Its transformation from a former landfill into a thriving natural space highlights the long-term value of restoration and the role residents can play in protecting local ecosystems. 

Fall Road Safety Roundup: Safer Roads Start with All of Us

Fall is a busy season for Niagara Region Transportation Services—and our work to support safer Regional roads continues across Niagara.

Our team has been and will continue to implement road-safety enhancements in community safety zones and school zones, including:

· Updated “School Zone Ahead” signs with flashing amber beacons
· Refreshed “School Ahead” pavement markings at entrances to school zones 
· Seasonal centreline bollards, which help reinforce posted speed limits and encourage drivers to slow down.

Seasonal bollards: a reminder

Centreline bollards are a seasonal traffic-calming measure in community safety zones and school zones. They will be removed before winter road operations and maintenance begin, so our crews can safely carry out snow clearing, salting, and other essential winter services.

Shorter days mean more care behind the wheel

As summer moves into the rear-view mirror, darker mornings and evenings can make it more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, students, and other road users. Drivers are encouraged to be aware, remain alert, and exercise extra caution on the roads.

As an early reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026. While mornings will become lighter, evening darkness will arrive earlier—making it especially important to stay alert during the afternoon and evening commute.

Know the rules at pedestrian crossovers

Pedestrian crossovers — also known as PXOs — are specially marked crossings that require drivers and cyclists to stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely. They are identified by specific pavement markings and pedestrian crossing signs, and some locations also include flashing lights or pedestrian push buttons.

When a pedestrian is waiting to cross or is crossing at a PXO:

1. Drivers and cyclists are required to stop - behind the marked yield line.
2. Make eye contact with the pedestrian, where possible.
3. Wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road before proceeding.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at pedestrian crossovers. Failing to stop can result in fines and demerit points—and, more importantly, can lead to serious injuries. Learn more by visiting Niagara Region’s Pedestrian Crossovers webpage. (Pedestrian Crossovers - Niagara Region, Ontario)

Let’s work together to make every trip safer this fall, whether we are driving, walking or cycling.

Standout 2026 Season for the Water Wagon

The 2026 Water Wagon season is soon wrapping up with outstanding success! This year, our dedicated Water Wagon crew attended 101 service days, bringing access to drinking water to communities across Niagara.

From track meets and charity fundraisers to major festivals like Port Colborne Canal Days and Pelham Summerfest, the Water Wagon was a welcome sight on hot summer days. Residents, and even their furry companions, stayed hydrated with free, ice-cold tap water while learning more about where it comes from.

But the Water Wagon offers more than just a drink. Each stop provides a chance to spark meaningful conversations with staff about Niagara Region’s water and wastewater systems. Through interactive displays, visitors discovered the impact of so-called “flushable” wipes on underground pipes and gained insight into how Niagara Region treats and delivers safe, high-quality tap water.

Planning your 2027 event?

The Water Wagon can be booked up to one year in advance for public events in Niagara region that:

· Expect at least 400 guests
· Are at least four hours long
· Are free and open to the entire community

Our 2027 calendar is already filling quickly. Be sure to submit your request early on our website to secure this popular service!