new to Ontario

Hey Everyone!

I've just relocated out to Ontario from Alberta, and have ended up in Niagara Falls. I've been looking around online for races, training locations, bike shops, etc, and figgured that I might as well put it out there to get the "locals" opinions.

Question 1) Can you swim in Lake Ontario, or is that a bad idea? I've heard bothsides of this one....

Question 2) Any good bike/tri shops in the Niagara Falls/St Cats/Buffalo areas?

Question 3) Races. I think that I'll stay at the Olympic distance and shorter for one more year. What is good/well run/fun around here?

Question 4) People drive like nuts around here!! Where is it safe to ride?

Any imput would be great.

Thanks

Brent