This May, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake unveiled a new visitor kiosk constructed by students and faculty in Niagara College’s School of Trades.
The structure, located on Queen Street next to the Niagara District Court House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was constructed by 55 students in professor Craig Brown’s Term five practical project course as part of the Construction Renovation Technician (Co-op) program.
“This project was ideal for our course as it involved unique materials and techniques, including pine board and batten, cedar shingle roofing, bending PVC, and constructing an arched doorway,” said Brown.
The project kicked off in July of 2024 when Vladimir Haltigan and David Laing from the Town of NOTL’s Ambassadors program connected with NC about their plans for a tourism kiosk where volunteers could store pamphlets and seek shelter from the elements.
“The challenge of building a movable structure provided valuable learning opportunities for students,” said Brown.
The structure was made up of supplies sourced from local retailers, and was modeled after the historic sentry box installed during the War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations. The kiosk was fitted with a vintage lock from England.
Yonelissa Encarnacion Lagares was one of the students who worked on the kiosk. Originally from the Dominican Republic where she worked as an architect for over 14 years, Lagares recently completed the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program at Niagara College, where she was able to combine her design background with practical skills in construction.
“It was a pleasure to be part of this project,” said Lagares. “The construction process involved everything from understanding the plans, framing, sheathing, and roofing, to installing door, window, finishes and paint. It was a great opportunity to apply the skills we developed throughout the program and to learn how to work efficiently as a team. Every step of the process gave us a better understanding of building systems and how to solve real-world construction challenges on-site.”
“Having Teacher Craig guiding and supporting us throughout the process made the experience even more meaningful,” said Lagares. “It was amazing to take part in something so hands-on and to see the final result being used in the Niagara-on-the-Lake community.”
“Niagara College was pleased to support this fantastic community project which will help welcome visitors to our beautiful region and showcase the incredible craftsmanship of our students,” said Leo Tiberi, Dean of the Schools of Media, Trades and Technology. “Thank you to the students and faculty who devoted their time and skills to constructing the new kiosk.”
Visitors to NOTL will see volunteer ambassadors in blue vests near the kiosk every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving.
Related media coverage:
- The St. Catharines Standard: ‘A beautiful example of community spirit’: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s ambassador program kicks off 2025 with new kiosk
- Thorold Today: Niagara-on-the-Lake Ambassadors program returns this summer
