In this edition:
- Niagara Region hosts defence sector workshop to help local firms
- Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini will not seek re-election
- Grimsby town council stalls 7-storey Woolverton project
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara celebrate provincial grant support
- Town of Lincoln receives Budget Presentation Award for third year in a row
- Restaurant and bar sales rise in February, led by Ontario gains
- Ontario unveils new memorial to honour fallen construction workers
- Focus on Markets
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Niagara Region hosts defence sector workshop to help local firms
Yesterday, Niagara Region Economic Development, in partnership with local area municipalities and the Niagara Industrial Association, brought together industry leaders, government representatives and funding partners to host a Niagara-focused Defence Sector Workshop.
For more information about Niagara Region Economic Development, click here.
Picture credit: City of Thorold
Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini will not seek re-election
In a statement issued today, Mayor Terry Ugulini announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the upcoming Ontario Municipal Elections, on October 26, 2026. Mayor Ugulini said he was proud of what his community had accomplished together and was optimistic about the future, and although he said it was time for him “to turn the reins over,” he hoped that Thorold would continue down the path it is currently on.
Picture credit: Studio JCI
Grimsby town council stalls 7-storey Woolverton project
A seven-storey residential/commercial development slated for the corner of Mountain and Elm streets in downtown Grimsby has been sent back to the town’s planning and development committee.
In a 7-1 vote, town council returned minutes of the April 22 planning and development committee meeting, during which the project was approved, to its next session on May 6 to allow for more public consultation and clarification of Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) comments about the project.
Picture credit: Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara celebrate provincial grant support
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara marked the impact of a two-year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant Monday during an open house at its St. Catharines office, highlighting how the funding helped strengthen the organization after COVID-19 and following the amalgamation of several Niagara agencies.
Picture credit: Town of Lincoln
Town of Lincoln receives Budget Presentation Award for third year in a row
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the Town of Lincoln a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the third consecutive year, this time in recognition of its 2026 Budget.
To receive this award, Lincoln’s budget documents were evaluated on their ability to serve as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and an effective communications tool.
Photo credit: zephyr_p / Adobe Stock
Construction costs continue to climb amid tariffs, labour shortages
Statistics Canada says building construction costs rose again in the first quarter of 2026, with residential construction prices up 0.6 per cent and non-residential prices up 0.5 per cent from the previous quarter. Year over year, residential building costs increased 2.8 per cent across the 15-city composite, while non-residential costs rose 3.6 per cent. Builders reported subdued demand for new projects, material sourcing challenges and skilled labour shortages, while steel-related tariffs continued to put upward pressure on metal products.
Picture credit: Creative Clicks / Adobe Stock
Restaurant and bar sales rise in February, led by Ontario gains
Sales at food services and drinking places rose 0.6 per cent in February to $8.8 billion, Statistics Canada reported today, with gains driven mainly by full-service restaurants, up 1.4 per cent, and limited-service eating places, up 1.0 per cent. Sales increased in eight provinces, with Ontario posting the largest dollar increase at 1.2 per cent. StatCan noted that restaurant food prices were up 7.8 per cent year over year, while alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments rose 6.8 per cent, although comparisons were muddied by last year’s temporary GST/HST break.
Picture credit: Government of Ontario
Ontario unveils new memorial to honour fallen construction workers
Today, on the National Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace, the Ontario government unveiled the design concept for a new memorial to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of construction workers whose lives have been lost or changed forever due to work-related incidents.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a workplace death, injury or illness, The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, known as Threads of Life, may be able to help.
Focus on Markets
Canada is getting a sovereign wealth fund. What are they and how might this one work?
Abby Hughes, CBC News
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.
