Author: Niagara Compass
Women in the Skilled Trades in Ontario: Programs & Support (2026)
Women remain significantly underrepresented in the skilled trades, especially in construction and manufacturing — but that’s changing, and Ontario has a real…
Trades & CareersTrades vs. University in Ontario: The Honest Comparison (2026)
Should you go to university or into the skilled trades? It’s one of the biggest decisions a young person (or a career-changer)…
Trades & CareersPre-Apprenticeship & OYAP: Getting Into the Trades Before You Commit (2026)
The hardest part of starting a skilled-trades career is often the very first step: landing a sponsor when you have no experience.…
Trades & CareersElectrician Career in Ontario: Training, Licensing & Pay (2026)
Becoming an electrician is one of the most reliable career bets in the skilled trades — strong demand, good pay, and a…
Trades & CareersCWB and Red Seal Certification, Explained (2026)
If you’re getting into welding or another skilled trade, two certifications come up again and again: the Red Seal and, for welders…
Trades & CareersApprenticeship in Ontario: How It Works, Step by Step (2026)
The skilled trades offer something rare: a path to a well-paid career where you earn while you learn, with no university debt.…
Across the BorderCross-Border Shopping from Niagara: When It’s Actually Worth It
Living in Niagara means the U.S. is right there — Buffalo and its malls, outlets, and grocery stores are a short drive…
Across the BorderNEXUS in 2026: Is It Worth the Application?
For anyone living in Niagara, the U.S. border is part of daily life — shopping, sports, family, day trips. So the NEXUS…
Wine & HarvestNiagara Icewine Season: When, Where & How to Taste It
Niagara is the largest producer of icewine in the world, and there’s no better place to experience this uniquely Canadian dessert wine…
Beyond the FallsA Local’s Guide to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the Off-Season
In summer, Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is packed — tour buses, full patios, and crowded sidewalks along its pretty Queen Street. But ask anyone…