🌊 Friday, February 27, 2026
All the news that's fit to get wet
☁️ Weather — NY Side
Good morning, Niagara Falls, NY! Bundle up for one last chilly morning before the thermometer shows some mercy. Today (Friday, Feb. 27) we're looking at a high of 42°F with sunshine and clouds mixed. A few flurries are possible — because it wouldn't be February without one final parting shot — and winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. That's a noticeable jump from yesterday's bone-dry 28°F, so enjoy it. The mist from the Falls will feel practically tropical.
Looking ahead through the week: Saturday tops out around 42°F, Sunday dips back to a high of 23°F, Monday manages 25°F, Tuesday climbs back to 39°F, and Wednesday settles near 42°F. Classic Niagara: one day it's practically spring, the next you're chipping ice off your windshield with a library card.
| Day | Condition | High | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri Feb 27 | Sunshine/clouds, flurries possible | 42°F | 36°F |
| Sat Feb 28 | Mix of sun and cloud | 24°F | 16°F |
| Sun Mar 1 | Cold, mostly cloudy | 23°F | 14°F |
| Mon Mar 2 | Mix of sun and cloud | 25°F | 16°F |
| Tue Mar 3 | Partly sunny | 39°F | 24°F |
Dress in layers. Or don't — but don't call us when you're cold.
🔗 Full forecast: National Weather Service Buffalo
🍁 Weather — Ontario Side
Bonjour, Niagara Falls, ON! As of Thursday evening, the observed temperature at St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport was -4.2°C, partly cloudy, with a wind chill of -9 and humidity at 71%. Brisk. Very Canadian. Very February.
For today (Friday, Feb. 27), the forecast is clearing with a high of 6°C. Tonight clouds move back in, with a low of 2°C. Saturday sits at 6°C with a mix of sun and cloud. Sunday brings periods of snow with a high of -2°C. Monday sees a mix of sun and cloud at -4°C. By Tuesday, there's a 40% chance of snow or rain and a high of 2°C. Wednesday looks cloudy but relatively mild at 5°C. February giveth (6 degrees!) and February taketh away (Sunday: snow, -2, sigh).
This morning will be cloudy with clearing near noon. Wind becomes southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 late in the afternoon. High of 6°C. Wind chill of -9 in the morning. That wind gust, combined with the mist off the Falls, will give your face a free exfoliation.
| Day | Condition | High | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri Feb 27 | Cloudy then clearing | 6°C | 2°C |
| Sat Feb 28 | Mix of sun and cloud | 6°C | -7°C |
| Sun Mar 1 | Periods of snow | -2°C | -11°C |
| Mon Mar 2 | Mix of sun and cloud | -4°C | -9°C |
| Tue Mar 3 | 40% chance snow/rain | 2°C | 0°C |
Dress in layers. Or don't — but please don't complain to your neighbours about it. They're Canadian. They know.
🔗 Full forecast: Environment Canada
🗽 NY Side News
Niagara University Mourns Beloved Student and Hockey Player Bradly Burden
A 22-year-old Niagara University student was killed early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Niagara Falls. The crash happened around 1 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue. The student, identified by school officials as Bradly Burden, was driving a 2015 BMW when the vehicle spun out of control, struck a light pole, and then hit chain-link fencing.
Burden was from Anchorage, Alaska, majoring in management in the Holzschuh College of Business Administration and was also a member of the men's club hockey team. The investigation is believed to be centered on excessive speed and road conditions on Main Street, which were described as "icy and snow-covered" at the time of the crash.
"He was one of those teammates you need on every team, he was one of those friends you need in every life," said teammate Peyton Abbott. The second student involved has been released from the hospital and is continuing her recovery at home. The university is providing counseling and campus ministry support to students, faculty, and staff. Our hearts are with the NU community this week.
(WGRZ) (WKBW) (Niagara Gazette)
Governor Hochul Proposes Extra $6.2M for Niagara Falls as Crime Drops 35%
Niagara Falls could be in line for an unexpected increase in its annual allocation of state aid funding. Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that she will seek an additional $150 million in financial assistance for municipalities outside of New York City in her executive budget presented to the state legislature. Hochul said the request, which is subject to the legislature's approval, would assist cities in "relieving immediate fiscal stress."
The announcement comes on the heels of recent data crediting the state's Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program with measurable results in the Cataract City. Index crime declined 28% in Niagara Falls. Shooting incidents with injury in GIVE communities declined 24%, and the number of individuals shot declined 35% when comparing January through June 2025 to the same period in 2024.
That's genuinely good news — the kind of drop that's hard to argue with, no matter which side of the aisle you're on. Pothole season may have arrived, but the streets are safer than they've been in years.
Lockport Mayor's Former Secretary Arrested on Welfare Fraud Charges
Lockport Mayor John Lombardi III's now-former confidential secretary was arrested on welfare fraud charges. Paula Halladay Travis was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree welfare fraud, and first-degree filing a false instrument, following an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office.
Halladay Travis allegedly collected over $3,000 in SNAP benefits fraudulently. Her court date is set for March 11. She was processed and released on an appearance ticket. The investigation involved SNAP benefits allegedly collected from April 2024 to September 2024.
The Niagara County Sheriff's Welfare Fraud division is apparently very busy — and very thorough. Filing a false instrument is an E felony. Snack theft from the public purse: not worth it. Not even close.
(Lockport Journal) (WGRZ)
Niagara Express Blotter: Snowblowers, 4 Loko, and the Winter's Greatest Hits
Police were called to Niagara Towers for a report of two snowblowers, a garage heater, and a propane tank stolen from the maintenance room. While reviewing video of the theft, a worker told police a suspect from the video had entered apartment 411. The suspect was taken into custody on a charge of burglary and grand larceny. He told police he was on drugs and had already sold the stolen goods.
Separately, police were called to a Pine Avenue 7-Eleven at 3:31 a.m. for a report of petit larceny. An intoxicated woman from 10th Street, stranded in the back seat of a car that was out of gas, allegedly stole 2 cans of 4 Loko valued at $6.59. She had no receipt. Alcohol can't be purchased after 2 a.m.
Local colour. You can't make this up, and nobody would want to.
107th Attack Wing Earns Top Recruiting Award; Niagara History Center Hosts "Soup & Story"
The recruiters of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Attack Wing have earned the Air Guard's top recruiting award in the state. The 107th, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, represents one of the region's largest employers and a cornerstone of the local defence community. A well-deserved honour.
The Niagara History Center is renewing its wintertime cabin fever "Soup & Story" event on Saturday, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., with a meal and a story. If your idea of a perfect Saturday involves hot soup and local history — and honestly, whose doesn't? — this is your weekend.
🏒 Bills & Sabres Update
Olympic gold medalist Tage Thompson returned to action Wednesday night, scoring a goal and adding an assist as the Buffalo Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1. Peyton Krebs also had a goal and an assist, and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 27 saves.
With 72 points, Buffalo is on pace to finish with 101, which would be its most in a season since 2006-07. Tonight the Sabres head to Florida to face the Panthers at 7 p.m., followed by a game in Tampa on Saturday. The dream is alive, and it smells like playoff hockey.
On the Bills front, new head coach Joe Brady addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as the offseason officially gets underway. The team also unveiled a brand-new jersey patch for the 2026 season, which will mark their first at the new Highmark Stadium. New digs, new patch, same Josh Allen. Let's go.
(NHL.com) (Buffalo News)
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Ford Passes the Amalgamation Hot Potato Back to Niagara's Mayors
The biggest story dominating Niagara, ON this week: should 12 municipalities become four — or maybe one? Following letters from Niagara's regional chair suggesting potential amalgamation, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he "is not going to make that decision," leaving the debate to the chair and 12 mayors. "It has to be from Niagara by Niagara," said Ford at a news conference in Niagara Falls on Wednesday.
Regional Chair Bob Gale is proposing a region-wide governance review that could reduce the number of elected officials — noting the Niagara region collectively has 126 municipal politicians, two more than the number of members of provincial parliament at Queen's Park — and potentially restructure municipalities through four-city or single-city amalgamation.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said he is in favour of amalgamating down to four cities, citing bloated property tax increases and "too many politicians." Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop said the town does not support forced amalgamation. No surprises there — nobody wants to be the guy who lost their town's name on their watch.
(CBC Hamilton/Niagara) (CTV News)
Niagara-on-the-Lake Says "Absolutely Not" — And Means It
A crowd of about 50 residents gathered ahead of Tuesday evening's NOTL council meeting. The push for amalgamation became public knowledge after Gale sent a Feb. 19 letter to Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing calling for a review of Niagara's governance structure.
Councillors pressed Niagara Region chair Bob Gale on the financial case behind the proposal to merge Niagara's municipalities, with one describing it as an "existential threat" to the community of NOTL. NOTL Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said he is "strongly" opposed to "any proposal that would see the Town absorbed through amalgamation" — a town with its own "distinct identity, proud history, and strong local governance."
At the NOTL meeting, Gale had to admit several times that he was "not aware" of numerous facts related to amalgamation, especially regarding how the practice never brings the windfall of cost savings predicted by proponents. Bringing the PowerPoint, but not the data. Bold strategy.
Regional Councillors Divided, Passionate, and Very Loud About the Whole Thing
Niagara Region's councillors are divided over the recent amalgamation proposal, meeting Thursday to discuss the future of the region's structure. Regional Chair Gale sent a letter to the province asking for municipal governance changes that could include amalgamating the 12 cities and towns into four. At the special meeting, councillors gave feedback to Gale, mainly blaming high costs on the current governance structure. Many were passionate in their opposition, saying there wasn't enough consultation before the letter was sent.
"Amalgamation can improve coordination but it does not automatically reduce costs," said Leanna Villella, Welland regional councillor.
"Niagara's current governance model is failing families, with nearly 25 per cent tax increases in a single term and a $2.7 billion infrastructure backlog pushing costs on to future generations," Gale wrote in an email to CBC News. "That's simply not sustainable for Niagara residents already struggling with the cost of living," Gale added. A $2.7B infrastructure backlog is a serious number — and a serious argument, even if the presentation has had some rough patches.
(CHCH) (Buffalo Toronto Public Media)
Niagara Falls, ON Named One of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers for 2026
The City of Niagara Falls (Ontario) is proud to announce it has been selected as one of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers for 2026. Somehow, in the middle of all the amalgamation drama and budget debates, the city still found time to be recognized as a great place to work.
The recognition acknowledges strong workplace culture, community investment, and employee benefits. Which is nice, because right now the city is trying to hold onto its identity, its budget, and its branding — all at once. Winning an employer award while potentially being absorbed into a mega-city is a very Niagara thing to do.
City of Niagara Falls, ON Wants Local Singers to Perform O Canada at Council
The City of Niagara Falls and City Council are offering a unique opportunity for local singers and musicians to perform O Canada at Council meetings throughout 2026. Because nothing sets the tone for a heated council debate about municipal governance like a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem.
If you've got pipes and a love for your community, this is your moment. Applications and details are available at niagarafalls.ca. We suggest practicing your high notes now — council chambers have notoriously tricky acoustics, and the pressure of 126 politicians watching is real.
Sarah Harmer Plays The Exchange TONIGHT in Niagara Falls, ON
Sarah Harmer is performing tonight, Saturday Feb. 28, at 7:00 PM at The Exchange in Niagara Falls, ON. Wait — that's tomorrow night. Which means tonight's the night to get your tickets sorted. The beloved Canadian singer-songwriter is a perennial favourite, and The Exchange is one of Niagara's cosiest rooms for live music.
If you're on the Ontario side and looking for something to do this weekend that isn't debating regional governance structures, this is absolutely it. Get there early. Buy a local brew. Enjoy the view.
📅 Events — Both Sides of the Border
Sat, Feb 28 | Sarah Harmer — The Exchange, Niagara Falls, ON. 7:00 PM. A beloved Canadian songwriter in one of Niagara's best intimate venues. (The Exchange)
Sat, Feb 28 – ongoing | Niagara History Center: "Soup & Story" — Niagara History Center, Youngstown, NY. 12 noon – 2 PM. Warm up with a meal and local storytelling this winter. A perfect Saturday antidote to cabin fever. (Niagara History Center)
Sat, Feb 28 | Buffalo Sabres @ Tampa Bay Lightning — Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL. 7:00 PM. Road trip for the Sabres on an incredible 101-point pace. Watch it at your local bar. (Sabres Schedule)
Fri, Mar 6 | Boy George with Culture Club — OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, ON. 8:00 PM. Karma chameleon lives. Icon. Legend. Very much still touring. (Ticketmaster)
Sat, Mar 7 | Buffalo Sabres vs. Nashville Predators — KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY. 5:30 PM. Home game during a playoff push — this one matters. Get there. (Ticketmaster)
Sat, Mar 7 | Music of the Night: The Concert Tour — Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON. A celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest hits. For everyone who still hums "Memory" in the shower. (Niagara Falls Convention Centre)
Sun, Mar 8 | Buffalo Sabres vs. Tampa Bay Lightning — KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY. 6:00 PM. Back-to-back home games for the suddenly very interesting Sabres. (Ticketmaster)
Wed, Mar 11 | Chubby Checker — Avalon Ballroom Theatre, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, ON. 3:00 PM. The man who invented the Twist. In person. At a casino. Perfect. (Allevents.in)
Thu, Mar 25 | The Fell — Evening Star Concert Hall, Niagara Falls, NY. The modern rock supergroup comes to town for an intimate show. (Niagara Gazette)
Year-round, daily | Falls Illumination — Niagara Falls, ON/NY. Illumination runs daily from 5:30 PM to 1 AM. Fireworks won't resume until summer. Free to watch from the Canadian or American side. Bundle up.
🌉 Across the Border
What a week it's been in Niagara — the kind of week that reminds you this region is never just a postcard. On the Ontario side, the biggest political drama in years has the whole peninsula buzzing: should 12 communities become four? Should old towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake — with their wine trails, their history, and their stubborn, wonderful sense of self — get folded into a bureaucratic mega-city? The mayors are shouting. The residents are packing council chambers. And Premier Ford, for his part, has executed the classic political move of dropping a grenade and walking calmly out of the room while saying "it has to be from Niagara by Niagara." Meanwhile, across the river in New York, the Niagara University community is mourning a young man who brought energy and kindness to everyone around him — a reminder that no budget debate, however heated, is the most important thing happening in any given week. Through it all, the Falls keep falling, Tage Thompson keeps scoring (three days after winning Olympic gold, no less), and somewhere in Niagara Falls, NY, someone is explaining to a judge why they stole two cans of 4 Loko at 3:31 a.m. Two cities, one waterfall, one Friday — we wouldn't have it any other way.
🌊 The Falls — "We cover both sides so you don't have to cross in this weather."
📸 Feature photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash