In this edition:
- Niagara Falls council backs $757-million, 1,782-unit Dorchester Road development
- St. Catharines council rejects 50-unit Geneva Street development following floods
- Port Colborne advances community health hub ahead of urgent care centre closure
- Bell reports 78% surge in copper thefts, with Niagara among Ontario hotspots
- Grimsby waives fees and considers financial assistance following flooding
- Canadian businesses wait as Aug. 19 deadline for 50% U.S. tariffs approaches
- Ontario maintains $13.8-billion deficit forecast in first-quarter fiscal update
- West Lincoln launches review for new Official Plan guiding growth through 2051
- Focus on Finance & Economy
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Featured content by Canadian Blood Services
Blood Supply Declines—Donors Needed Now
Across Canada, donation routines have slipped, cancellations have increased, and yet patient need for both blood and plasma continues every single day. Since June 1, the national blood supply has declined by nearly 20%, leaving several blood types at levels that are not sustainable for patient care if this trend continues.
Every week, Canadian Blood Services needs approximately 18,000 booked donation appointments to keep pace with hospital demand. Over the past six weeks, appointments have fallen short by 1,500 to 2,500 each week, forcing us to draw heavily on existing inventory. While a seasonal decline is expected, this year’s drop is far below typical summer patterns.
Want to organize a blood or plasma group donation? Contact Lilet.raffinan@blood.ca
Picture credit: ACK Architects Studio Inc.
Niagara Falls council backs $757-million, 1,782-unit Dorchester Road development
Niagara Falls council has supported a massive mixed-use development featuring 1,782 purpose-built rental units. The 7.1-hectare project is expected to be built in phases over 10 years and generate an estimated $5.5 million annually in property taxes.
Picture credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines council rejects 50-unit Geneva Street development following floods
St. Catharines councillors unanimously rejected a proposed 50-unit Geneva Street apartment building after recent flooding intensified concerns about sewer and stormwater capacity. Mayor Mat Siscoe said infrastructure constraints could make larger development approvals increasingly difficult.
Photo credit: makyzz / Adobe Stock
Port Colborne advances community health hub ahead of urgent care centre closure
Port Colborne council unanimously endorsed a health and wellness action plan as the city prepares for its urgent care centre to close in 2028. Private-sector proposals are among the options for a community health hub, with business-case options expected in November.
Picture credit: beerphotographer / Adobe Stock
Bell reports 78% surge in copper thefts, with Niagara among Ontario hotspots
Bell recorded 993 copper theft and vandalism incidents nationwide during the first half of 2026, up 78% year over year. Ontario accounted for 579 incidents, with theft activity particularly concentrated in Hamilton, Niagara and Milton.
Picture credit: Klymentii / Adobe Stock
Grimsby waives fees and considers financial assistance following flooding
Grimsby has temporarily waived fees for sewer connection investigations and backwater valve permits following recent flooding. Council is also seeking expanded provincial disaster assistance for residents, businesses, farms and municipalities while staff examine longer-term drainage and infrastructure improvements.
Picture credit: Valerii Evlakhov / Adobe Stock
Canadian businesses wait as Aug. 19 deadline for 50% U.S. tariffs approaches
Canadian companies appear to be avoiding a rush to move shipments ahead of new 50% U.S. tariffs scheduled for Aug. 19. The duties would cover nearly US$20 billion in Canadian goods and, unlike most previous tariffs, would not exempt CUSMA-compliant products.
Picture credit: Summit Art Creations / Adobe Stock
Ontario maintains $13.8-billion deficit forecast in first-quarter fiscal update
Ontario continues to project a $13.8-billion deficit for 2026–27, while private-sector forecasts for provincial economic growth have weakened since the budget. Revenue is now forecast at $232 billion and the net debt-to-GDP ratio remains projected at 37.7%.
Photo credit: Township of West Lincoln
West Lincoln launches review for new Official Plan guiding growth through 2051
West Lincoln is beginning work on a new Official Plan that will guide growth through 2051, covering housing, employment, transportation, agriculture and development. A special public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 14 as the township adapts to recent changes in provincial and regional planning responsibilities.
Focus on Finance & Economy
North American economic outlook 2026: Investment drives growth amid tariff uncertainty
Prince Owusu, Hani Wannamaker, Export Development Canada
The economic outlook for North America is being reshaped by three forces: The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, higher energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict and a surge in investment tied to artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing. Together, they’re influencing trade flows, business investment and export opportunities across the continent.
The United States continues to lead regional growth as companies pour billions into data centres, automation and advanced manufacturing. Canada is expected to recover gradually after a weak start to the year, supported by exports, infrastructure projects and resource investment. Mexico faces ongoing policy and investment challenges, but should benefit from easing inflation and strengthening domestic demand.
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.
