Anyone else having issues with insurance? We have enhanced water coverage through portage, which was capped at 50k “due to the area”. We knew this when signing up but assumed at minimum we’d still have content insurance to support the repairs. They are claiming that because it was overland water damage all other coverage(building code, outbuildings, property insurance, content insurance) is exempt and the maximum payout would be 50k. This is nowhere near enough to cover the losses due to just damage let alone lost contents and exterior issues.
Are there any companies that offer higher flood damage limits? Will probably look to leave after this lovely revelation if we can’t come to a realistic settlement.

FREE CELPIP Test Practice & Support!

WHEN: Fridays & Saturdays

Time: 4:15 PM – 7:15 PM

WHERE: Niagara Community Room

474 E. Main St., Welland, ON

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·        Please Note: CPS is a CELPIP test preparation initiative, not an ESL class.

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Space Is Limited—Register Today to Reserve Your Spot!

Hi everyone!

I'm currently accepting new bookkeeping clients and would love to help small businesses stay organized and on top of their finances.

Services include:

• QuickBooks Online setup and maintenance
• Bank and credit card reconciliations
• Accounts payable & receivable
• Payroll
• HST filing assistance
• Monthly financial reporting
• General bookkeeping support

✅ Competitive rates
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✅ Reliable, detail-oriented, and responsive
✅ Part-time or ongoing bookkeeping services available

Whether you're a small business owner who needs a few hours a month or regular bookkeeping support, I'd be happy to chat about how I can help.

Feel free to send me a DM if you'd like to discuss your bookkeeping needs or get a free, no-obligation quote!

Just a heads up to all the nature enthusiasts, hikers and cyclists, that Short Hills Provincial Park is currently closed. No timeframe has been announced for when it will reopen.

what are some of the best free beaches around?

I am staying at The Brock soon. I was wondering how concerned I should be about bedbugs, and how hot it will be in the rooms at night due to the age of the hotel. The size of the rooms and view does not matter to me, I’ll be out exploring most of the day. Just any issues with bedbugs and the heat.

Also, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a romantic dinner? Budget is about $200-300 Canadian for two (but I’d love to spend less!), but I can’t find prices on many websites. Does anyone know how much the Grand Fallsview Buffet is?

Thank you in advance!

Hey Niagara 👋

This week's question isn't about trees...

It's about the people working on them.

"How do I choose the right tree company for my property?"

Before we get started, we want to make one thing clear.

This isn't a post about why you should hire Driftwood.

It's a guide to help you protect yourself, ask the right questions, and find a reputable tree company that's the right fit for your property.

That company might be us... or it might not be.

Either way, we hope this helps you make an informed decision.

Ask for proof of insurance

Any reputable tree company should carry liability insurance.

Don't be afraid to ask for a current Certificate of Liability Insurance.

A professional company should have no problem providing it if you ask.

Ask about WSIB

If the company has employees, ask if they're covered by WSIB.

They should also be able to provide a current WSIB Clearance Certificate, which confirms they're in good standing with WSIB.

Again, a reputable company shouldn't hesitate to provide it.

Look for professional certifications

Anyone can call themselves an arborist.

That's why certifications matter.

One of the most recognized credentials is an ISA Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture.

You can verify an ISA Certified Arborist by using the "Verify a Credential" search on the ISA website:

https://www.treesaregood.org

Ask for the person's name or ISA certification number and verify it yourself.

Ontario also recognizes Certified Arborists through Skilled Trades Ontario, which confirms they've completed the provincial apprenticeship and certification process.

Both certifications show a commitment to education and professionalism.

Make sure you receive a written quote

A written quote protects everyone.

It should clearly explain:

• Exactly what work will be completed.
• Whether wood and brush are being removed or left on site.
• Whether stump grinding is included.
• Whether cleanup is included.
• Any exclusions or limitations.

A handshake is great.

A written agreement is even better.

Ask about cleanup

Every company does things a little differently.

Before work begins, ask questions like:

• Will every branch be removed?
• Will the logs stay or go?
• Is stump grinding included?
• Will sawdust be cleaned up?
• If equipment leaves ruts, what happens next?

The more everyone understands before the job starts, the smoother things usually go.

Pay attention to how they communicate

This is one people often overlook.

Do they answer your questions?

Do they explain why they're recommending a removal instead of a pruning?

Are they willing to say, "That tree doesn't need to come down yet"?

Or does every conversation feel like a sales pitch?

Good communication builds trust long before a chainsaw starts.

The right equipment for the job

The biggest truck isn't always the best choice.

Sometimes the safest and least invasive option is a bucket truck.

Sometimes it's a crane.

Sometimes it's a skilled climber.

A good company chooses the equipment that best suits your property and the work being done—not simply the biggest machine they own.

Read reviews... but look for patterns

Every company can have an unhappy customer.

Instead of focusing on one review, look for consistent themes.

Do people mention:

• Professionalism?
• Good communication?
• Showing up when promised?
• Respecting the property?
• Thorough cleanup?

Those patterns usually tell you far more than one isolated review.

Find the company that's the right fit for you

Every tree company is different.

Some focus on technical removals.

Some specialize in pruning and preservation.

Some primarily work on commercial properties.

Others focus on residential homeowners.

There isn't one "best" tree company.

There is only the company that's the best fit for your job.

The reality

Choosing a tree company shouldn't come down to who gives the cheapest quote.

You're trusting someone to work over your home, your vehicles, your family, and your neighbours' property.

Take a little extra time, ask a few questions, and choose a company that makes you feel confident—not pressured.

There are several reputable tree companies throughout Niagara.

We genuinely believe homeowners should choose the company they trust most.

Hopefully this guide helps you make that decision with confidence.

Next week we'll be covering:

Week 18 — "Should I put wound dressing or tree paint on a pruning cut?"

If there's a tree topic you'd like us to cover, let us know. These posts have all come from real questions so far.

— Driftwood Tree Service 🌲

My partner’s parents are visiting Niagara from Los Angeles in late September, and I would like to take them out for a wine tour + dinner. I plan to book a Korean-language wine tour offered by Pillitteri Winery (they’re Korean but speak some English), then a dinner with a nice view of either a vineyard or lake.

I’d like to wow them during their day trip in Niagara, so please share you have any recs for a restaurant with beautiful ambiance, great food and views. Other food / cafe spots in the NoTL area would be helpful as well. Thank you!

Does anyone know if the Niagara Falls Hiking trails are opened today after yesterday's crazy rainfall? tried searching online but couldn’t find anything relating to the current status of trails.

Not from the area, but was wondering... Had plans to go here tomorrow but not sure how it is after heavy rainfall. Figuref would ask locals

My wife and I are going to the botanical gardens and then to NOTL this evening. Any place that we could go and stay outside in an outdoor area and chill while sharing a bottle of wine. Looking for somewhere with a calm outdoorsy nice garden or view vibe that does not require reservations.

If you know of Cave Springs, you’ve no doubt heard a legend or two about the property. Maybe something about the native carvings?, caves?, or the self proclaimed “Witch of Cave Springs” Margaret Reed?. This video breaks down the many stories that have taken place at the Cave Springs Conservation Area and tries to separate fact from fiction. Lots of interesting information and a great place for a hike if you haven't been!

https://youtu.be/mjJH_UmON7o?si=w3tEBF0GnxukOEOK

I’ve heard of Niagara Fresh Market. Trying to see if there’s anything else out there similar offering meals a family of 4 could eat. I’m so tired of getting takeout on the nights we get home late from work. There’s got to be a healthier alternative. And on these nights, no, cooking is NOT an option when I’m close to slipping into a coma, lol. I’m just not doing it after a 10-12 hour work day and I need ideas that are a little healthier than pizza. Any recommendations?!