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