In this edition:
- Feds announce $177 million investment in wine industry
- Welland exceeds 2023 housing target by 176% and receives $1.72M reward
- Ontario expands eligibility for Electricity Support Program
- Niagara Region seeking applicants for new committees
- St. Catharines’ opens nominations for volunteer recognition, applications for food truck and vendor permits
- 10-storey Lundy’s Lane building hits 53% of Niagara Falls’ annual affordable units target
- Body Shop stores in Niagara will stay open following news of 33 closures
- Focus on Technology
Feds announce $177 million investment in wine industry
Today, during a visit to Trius Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an extension to the Wine Sector Support Program. With an investment of up to $177 million over the next three years, the program will continue to help the Canadian wine sector improve its competitiveness and adapt to the challenges it faces.
Welland exceeds 2023 housing target by 176% and receives $1.72M reward from Queen’s Park
Today, Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced Ontario is providing the City of Welland with $1,720,000 in funding through the Building Faster Fund after the city exceeded its 2023 housing target.
Welland broke ground on a total of 868 new housing units last year, unlocking an additional $573,333 by exceeding their 2023 target by 176 per cent.
Ontario expands eligibility for Electricity Support Program
The Ontario government is keeping electricity costs down for about 100,000 additional families by expanding the eligibility for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). New income eligibility thresholds, which have increased by up to 35 per cent, take effect today.
“Our government is increasing our investment in the Ontario Electricity Support Program by $50 million to provide targeted support to those who need it most,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy.
Niagara Region seeking applicants for new Transportation Steering Committee and Landfill Advisory Committees
Niagara Region currently has opportunities for qualified community members interested in participating in the new Transportation Strategy Steering Committee as well as members of the Humberstone and Niagara Road 12 Landfill Sites Public Liaison Committees.
Interested applicants can learn more about the Committee and the qualifications needed to apply by visiting the Regional Council webpage on the Region’s website and apply using the online application form.
St. Catharines’ opens nominations for Volunteer Recognition Awards and applications for food truck and vendor permits
Nominations are now open for the City of St. Catharines’ Volunteer Recognition Awards. These awards aim to honour outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to our community through their volunteer efforts.
Applications are also being accepted by the City for food truck and mobile vending cart operators to set up shop at City parks and facilities for the season.
Interested businesses can fill out an application anytime between March 1 and March 29. The application is available at stcatharines.ca/VendorPermit.
10-storey Lundy’s Lane building hits 53% of Niagara Falls’ annual affordable units target
A 10-storey building proposed for the northeast corner of Garner Road and Lundy’s Lane has garnered mixed reactions from Niagara Falls city councillors, despite a large number of its apartment units promised to be affordable.
Still, council approved official plan and zoning bylaw amendments Tuesday to permit the building that will contain 192 dwelling units and 1,330 square metres of commercial space.
A major selling point for some councillors is that 71 units will be deemed affordable.
Body Shop stores in Niagara will stay open following news of 33 closures
The Body Shop is keeping its Niagara stores open following news that it will be closing a number of locations across Canada.
The Body Shop Canada Limited says it will close 33 of its stores and halt its e-commerce operations as the company seeks to restructure itself under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
The Canadian subsidiary of the international cosmetics retailer says that it will immediately begin liquidating almost a third of its 105 stores.
Did you know?
The Canadian personal care and beauty industry amounts to $10.99 billion in revenue in 2022.
Focus on Technology
4 key digital transformation trends that should be on every company’s radar in 2024
Just as inflation and interest rates have impacted Canadian consumers, the shifting economic landscape has also had a significant effect on businesses. Many are increasingly looking for ways to do more with less, and turning to digital tools and solutions for help.
Canadian organizations have been talking about digital transformation for years, including adopting cloud-based technologies and automation, with many accelerating their strategies during the pandemic. But as the business environment shifts, the stakes to evolve – and realize value from digital investments – may be even higher.
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
