Inaugural Golden Hour Gala Raises over $65,000 in Celebration of Conservation at Ball's Falls

 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation’s fundraiser unites conservation supporters across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. 

LINCOLN, Ont. (July 28, 2026) – Against the backdrop of Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, community leaders, local partners and conservation supporters gathered for the inaugural Golden Hour, raising more than $65,000 for conservation across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. 

Hosted by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) on July 24, the new signature fundraiser celebrated—and generated meaningful support for—the lands and waters connecting communities across Niagara, Hamilton and Haldimand. 

Funds raised through Golden Hour will support conservation and stewardship initiatives across the watershed, helping to restore natural habitats, improve watershed health, enhance environmental education and care for conservation areas that provide opportunities for recreation and connection with nature. 

The event welcomed municipal and community leaders alongside Foundation supporters, sponsors and conservation partners from across the watershed. 

Guests experienced live performances by acclaimed Canadian indie-folk band Great Lake Swimmers and opening act Minuscule, along with curated music by DJ Marinko. The evening also showcased Niagara’s local character through food and refreshments featuring regional partners, including Chef Brad Rempel, Bench Brewing Company, and Château des Charmes. 

Timed with the setting sun, the evening culminated in the inaugural Golden Hour toast overlooking Ball’s Falls—a celebration of the lands and waters that sustain the region, the people who care for them and the conservation legacy being built together. 

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation thanks the sponsors, donors, volunteers, performers, vendors and guests whose contributions helped bring the inaugural event to life. Building on this year’s success, the Foundation plans to establish Golden Hour as an annual signature fundraiser for conservation across the watershed. 

Event photos and highlights are available at npcf.ca/goldenhour. 

—30— 

QUOTES FROM THE EVENING’S SPEECHES 

“The Foundation exists to turn connection into action. We bring donors, businesses and community partners together to help conservation projects go further and create opportunities that would not be possible through public funding alone. Our hope is that tonight becomes the beginning of an annual tradition and a growing community of support around the Foundation." 

Brett Harrington, Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation 

“For more than 80 years, conservation authorities in Ontario have worked with communities to protect the natural systems on which we all depend. Through Golden Hour, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation gives people a direct way to participate in that legacy and helps the NPCA extend the reach and impact of its work.” 

Rob Foster, Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 

“The Foundation creates a bridge between NPCA’s work and the people, businesses and community partners who want to help move it forward. That partnership is not simply about raising funds. It is about expanding what is possible—for habitat restoration, environmental education, resilient communities and conservation areas like Ball’s Falls.” 

Leilani Lee-yates, Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 

-30- 

About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority: 

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.  

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.  

For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca  

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates.  

Questions related to the above release should be directed to: 
Jacob Pozzobon 
Communications and Public Relations Assistant 
Cell: 905-325-6127 
jpozzobon@npca.ca  

NPCF Launches Cheers to Conservation

 THOROLD, Ont. (June 25, 2026) – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is launching Cheers to Conservation, a new cause-marketing and fundraising program that connects local wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries with meaningful conservation outcomes across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

Launching this summer with founding pilot sponsors Château des Charmes and Bench Brewing Company, the program gives participating producers a way to align their products with local environmental action while offering residents and visitors a simple way to support conservation through purpose-driven purchases.

Funds raised through the program will support projects such as tree planting, habitat restoration, and other watershed health initiatives.

Customers can support the initiative by purchasing bottles and cans marked with the Cheers to Conservation logo found at participating wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries, as well as select retail locations, including the LCBO where available, and by making optional donations at checkout. Program materials will help customers learn more about the conservation efforts their purchases support.

The program also invites additional wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries to join as sponsors, connecting their products and customers to local environmental impact through product contributions, point-of-sale materials, and engagement opportunities.

The pilot phase will focus on activating early partners, testing customer engagement, and building a model that can expand to additional Niagara beverage producers in the future.

Niagara’s beverage industry is closely connected to the land and water that support local agriculture. Healthy soil, clean water, resilient natural areas, and functioning watersheds all contribute to the conditions that allow our local producers to thrive. Through Cheers to Conservation, NPCF is creating a way for the businesses that depend on Niagara’s landscapes to help protect and restore it.

Whether you’re looking to support through participating producers or interested in becoming a Cheers to Conservation sponsor, visit npcf.ca/c2c to learn more or get involved.

—30—

QUOTES

“Cheers to Conservation reflects the strong connection between Niagara’s landscapes, waterways, and the businesses who depend on them. By connecting local producers and customers to on-the-ground conservation work, this program helps turn community participation into lasting benefits for our shared lands, waters, and natural spaces. We’re grateful to Château des Charmes and Bench Brewing Company for helping launch this pilot and hope their leadership inspires more producers to get involved.”

Brett Harrington, Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation

“At Château des Charmes, every guest experience is shaped by the land around us, from the vineyards they explore and the wines they taste to the natural beauty of Niagara that draws them here. As a sustainability-certified winery, we see Cheers to Conservation as a meaningful way to connect those experiences to the protection of the soils, water, biodiversity, and natural spaces that make the watershed so special. We are proud to support this pilot and help invite our guests to be part of local conservation.”

Anne Givens, President, Château des Charmes

“As a proud B Corp, sustainability is a core value at Bench Brewing, from recycling nine million litre’s of water each year through our closed loop purification system to supporting conservation across Niagara. We are excited to have our loyal customers learn about the incredible work by the NPCF and hopefully inspire positive community action.”

Matt Giffen, Founder & President, Bench Brewing Company

-30-

About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management. 

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery. 

For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Jacob Pozzobon
Communications and Public Relations Program Associate
Cell: 905-325-6127
jpozzobon@npca.ca

NPCF Launches Golden Hour Signature Fundraising Event at Ball’s Falls

LINCOLN, Ont. (June 22, 2026) – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is pleased to announce the launch of Golden Hour, a new signature fundraising event bringing together live music, local food and beverage, and community in celebration of conservation across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

Golden Hour will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 6 p.m., offering guests a one-of-a-kind evening in one of Niagara’s most iconic natural settings.

Designed as both a celebration and call to action, Golden Hour will highlight the importance of protecting and restoring the natural spaces, waterways, and ecosystems that sustain the Niagara Peninsula. Proceeds will support local stewardship initiatives that enhance watershed health, restore habitats, and care for conservation lands for current and future generations.

Set at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in Lincoln, the evening will bring together visitors, sponsors, local vendors, and community partners in support of a healthier, more resilient natural environment.

Guests will enjoy a live performance by acclaimed Canadian indie folk band Great Lake Swimmers, with an opening performance by Minuscule and soundscapes from DJ Marinko.

The event will also feature elevated food offerings from Niagara’s very own Chef Brad Rempel, along with craft beverages from Bench Brewing Company and other local providers.

A special highlight of the night will be the Golden Hour Toast, where guests will gather to raise a glass in celebration of conservation, community, and the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

Throughout the evening, attendees can take part in a curated silent auction hosted in the historic big barn, featuring a selection of items and experiences connected to the region. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for prizes including a print by renowned Canadian photographer and artist Edward Burtynsky, valued at $2,800.

Complimentary shuttle service, provided by Ride for Nature Sponsors E.S. Fox Limited, Robb McLeod, and Berg Equipment, will be available to help guests access the parking area from the barn with ease.

Public ticket sales are open now.

For more information about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event details, visit npcf.ca/goldenhour

—30—

QUOTES

“We are grateful for the important work of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation in inspiring community support and generating resources that help advance conservation across the watershed. The Foundation plays a vital role in connecting people, businesses, and community leaders to meaningful opportunities to protect, restore, and care for the natural spaces we all share.”
Leilani Lee-Yates, Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer, NPCA

“Conservation happens because people care. Golden Hour is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and celebrate their shared dedication to the natural spaces that make this watershed so special. We are proud to launch this inaugural event and look forward to seeing it grow into an annual tradition that continues to support conservation across the watershed.”
Brett Harrington, Chair, NPCF

-30-

About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management. 

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery. 

For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Jacob Pozzobon
Communications and Public Relations Assistant
jpozzobon@npca.ca

Understanding Proposed Provincial Changes to Conservation

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is closely following the Province of Ontario’s proposed legislative changes that could significantly affect watershed planning, environmental protections, and the long-standing structure of conservation authorities across Ontario.

As the charitable partner that raises funds to support Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), NPCF is directly connected to the conservation, education, and stewardship work delivered across Niagara, Hamilton, and Haldimand. As such, we are closely following these developments and working to keep our donors and community informed.

On December 5, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) held a special meeting of its Board of Directors to review the Province’s Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting related to the creation of new Regional Conservation Authorities (RCAs). During this meeting, the Board examined NPCA’s draft comment submission, discussed potential implications for local communities, and finalized its formal response to the province.

NPCA has shared detailed information about its review, including key considerations related to local representation, watershed-based service delivery, proposed restructuring, and the importance of science-based natural resource management. The Board’s formal resolution and all supporting materials are available through NPCA’s public channels.

NPCF also recognizes that these proposed changes have the potential to influence how conservation is delivered.  While NPCF does not participate in policy review or advocacy, we continue to actively track these developments, engaging with NPCA leadership, and ensuring our donors, partners, and community understand what is at stake for local conservation efforts.

We encourage community members, donors, and partners to review NPCA’s full update, including the ERO submission and meeting materials, to better understand the proposed changes and their potential implications.

Please visit the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s newsroom and access the full meeting agenda package and ERO submission.

NPCF will continue to stay engaged as the provincial review process moves forward.

Follow NPCF on Instagram, Facebook,  and LinkedIn for more updates.       

-30- 

About NPCF       

Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that support the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations. When you donate to  NPCF, you help fund conservation projects and programs that contribute to improve water quality, increase green spaces, and environmental research and education.       

Media inquiries to be directed to:       
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist      
Mobile: 905-933-0532       
jmcquillan@npca.ca