In this edition:
- Convenience stores sell alcohol for first day in largest retail liquor expansion in a century
- Meridian unveils new branding: “Around Here, Banking is Different.”
- Welland community grant program will open September 13
- Niagara Region seeks input for next phase of future waste management plan
- Highway 406 lane closures permit resurfacing to support increased speed limit
- Dreams of rebuilding Royal George Theatre already underway
- New attraction to simulate flying over Niagara Falls; Niagara’s Fury closes for good
- Christopher Lazarz to take over as Algoma CFO effective January 1
- Welland politicians opt not to cut size of city council, want residents to speak first
- Focus on Human Resources
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Photo credit: Andrii / Adobe Stock
Convenience stores sell alcohol for first day in largest retail liquor expansion in almost a century
Starting today, all licensed convenience stores in Ontario are able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, marking the largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience in provincial alcohol sales since the end of prohibition almost 100 years ago. As of September 5, 4,187 convenience stores across Ontario are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, in addition to nearly 3,000 other licensed retail outlets as well as takeaway options from licensed bars and restaurants.
By the end of October 2024, as part of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales, every eligible convenience, grocery and big-box grocery store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages if they choose to do so.
Here’s a map of the new locations with convenience store licenses.
Image credit: Meridian Credit Union / YouTube screenshot
Meridian unveils new branding: “Around Here, Banking is Different.”
Meridian Credit Union has launched the latest phase of its new brand, emphasizing the core belief that “Around Here, Banking is Different.” The rebrand is a pivotal part of the broader “Meridian for Good” strategy, which aligns business success with a deep commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Photo credit: Harold Stiver / Adobe Stock
Welland community grant program will open September 13
The City of Welland’s updated Community Grant Program is an initiative that provides financial assistance to groups and individuals dedicated to offering services and programs that enrich the lives of Welland residents. From cultural and recreational activities to educational and social services, the Community Grant Program supports a broad range of local initiatives aimed at strengthening the community.
The application intake period will run from September 13 to October 15.
Photo credit: Regional Municipality of Niagara
Niagara Region seeks input for next phase of future waste management plan
Niagara Region is inviting public input as it enters phase two of developing the Waste Management Strategic Plan, which will set the framework and direction for waste management in the region over the next 25 years. During this phase, the Region hopes to gather feedback from members of the public, businesses and organizations through open houses and an online survey.
Photo credit: Adam Moss / CC BY-SA 2.0
Highway 406 lane closures permit resurfacing to support increased speed limit
Lane closures delaying traffic on Highway 406 between Thorold and Welland result from a project that includes resurfacing the road “to support” the increase in the speed limit to 110 kilometres per hour that took effect last month.
A Ministry of Transportation official, in an emailed response to questions from The Standard, said lane closures are required to safely undertake work.
Photo credit: Shaw Festival
Dreams of rebuilding Royal George Theatre already underway with closure planned for end of 2025 season
The Shaw Festival will close the iconic Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the end of the 2025 season.
The Festival announced its upcoming slate of shows, but also announced the upcoming closure of the 305-seat theatre due to a previous flood and lack of accessibility.
Photo credit: Niagara Parks Commission
New attraction to simulate flying over Niagara Falls; Niagara’s Fury closes for good
A new flying theatre attraction will open next summer in the heart of Niagara Falls’ tourist district, replacing Niagara’s Fury, which on Labour Day closed for the last time after 17 years in operation.
Click here to read more.
Left: Christopher Lazarz, incoming Algoma CFO Right: Peter Winkley, current Algoma CFO Photo credit: Algoma Central Corporation
Christopher Lazarz to take over as Algoma CFO effective January 1
Algoma Central Corporation today announced that after 14 years of dedicated service as Chief Financial Officer with Algoma, Peter Winkley will be retiring, effective December 31, 2024. Christopher Lazarz will take the position effective January 1, 2025. Christopher joined Algoma in 2011 having held a variety of finance positions of increasing responsibility and currently serves as Vice-President, Corporate Finance.
Welland politicians opt not to cut size of city council, want residents to speak first
Welland taxpayers will be tapped for their opinions on the size of city council after elected officials chose not to reduce their numbers to six from 12 on Tuesday.
Before them was a staff report from city clerk Tara Stephens that recommended a seven-member council serve after this term is over in the fall of 2026 — instead of the current 13, a figure that includes the mayor and two councillors each for six wards. The move could save at least $254,250.
Did you know?
Focus on Human Resources
Few employers actively enforcing return-to-office policies: report
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.
