Gary Zalepa says the title for Niagara on the Lake goes back to Upper Canada
We're getting an explanation from Niagara on the Lake's Lord Mayor on why he is called just that.... Lord Mayor, instead of just Mayor.
Gary Zalepa confirms it's part of British heritage, the title is the only one of its kind in Canada, and goes back to Canada's founding.
"Niagara on the Lake was the 1st capital of Upper Canada, which is today Ontario. This was the home of the 1st legislature, for Upper Canada, the municipality that hosted that, the mayor was typically a Lord Mayor."
He adds for a time it wasn't used, until the municipality asked the Crown for it to be reinstated.
He still gets people asking about it. "Why 'Lord Mayor', because they don't hear that very often in Canada. When they hear the story, and why, and the background, more people are interested and fascinated. I think Canadians really like to connect to their heritage."
He admits some people poke fun at it, but he takes that with a good sense of humour.
Fire Recruits Fundraising this Weekend
Extension Granted for Subdivision Construction
Niagara Region Wins Repair Award
Former Niagara Resident Faces Child Porn Charges
Fort Erie Making Use of Sand Dunes
Long-Term Care Home Gets Official Open
$45,000+ in Drugs in St. Catharines House
Niagara Earns Provincial Award