In this edition:
- Canadian economy grows 3.3% in second quarter, beating expectations
- St. Catharines allows housing to proceed before employment targets at hospital-area development
- U.S. reliance on Canadian energy and materials complicates Trump’s trade war
- Who are the forty-six mayoral candidates in Niagara?
- Niagara-on-the-Lake seeks public and business input on future parking needs
- Cineplex posts record second-quarter revenue as merchandise sales surge
- Grimsby proposes rebates of up to $6,500 for basement flood protection
- From flower farmers to cheesemakers, meet the business owners and leaders affected by the trade war
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Picture credit: jerome / Adobe Stock
Canadian economy grows 3.3% in second quarter, beating expectations
Canada’s economy expanded at a 3.3 per cent annualized rate in the second quarter, rebounding from virtually no growth over the previous six months and exceeding the Bank of Canada’s 2.5 per cent forecast.
Exports jumped 3.6 per cent, while household spending and business investment strengthened. First-quarter growth was revised to 0.3 per cent, meaning Canada avoided a technical recession.
Photo credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines allows housing to proceed before employment targets at hospital-area development
St. Catharines council has approved a phased approach for a mixed-use development on Fourth Avenue near Marotta Family Hospital, allowing housing to proceed before most required employment space is built.
The first phase would create 40 jobs, below the city’s recommended 110, with the remaining 242 jobs planned for a second phase. The developer, Elite Developments said the residential component would help build the market demand needed to support expanded commercial space in the development’s second phase.
Picture credit: Joanne Dale / Adobe Stock
U.S. reliance on Canadian energy and materials complicates Trump’s trade war
Despite President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States does not need Canada, the two economies remain deeply interconnected. Canada supplies roughly four million barrels of crude oil to the U.S. each day, along with aluminum, potash, auto parts and electricity.
Escalating tariffs could therefore raise costs for American manufacturers, farmers and consumers while also exposing Canadian producers to significant economic risks.
Picture credit: JHVEPhoto / Adobe Stock
Who are the forty-six mayoral candidates in Niagara?
Forty-six candidates are running for mayor across Niagara’s 12 municipalities, with eight incumbents seeking re-election and West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann acclaimed.
Welland has the largest field with eight candidates, while several municipalities will elect new mayors. The races carry added significance after provincial governance changes reduced Niagara Regional Council to the 12 mayors plus a provincially appointed chair.
Photo credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake seeks public and business input on future parking needs
Niagara-on-the-Lake has launched public engagement for a comprehensive study examining parking availability, accessibility and operations across the Town’s five urban areas. The study will assess existing and future parking needs and consider connections with active transportation and other travel options.
Residents, visitors, business owners and employees can complete dedicated surveys until September 30, with recommendations intended to guide the Town’s long-term approach to parking.
Picture credit: achpf / Adobe Stock
Cineplex posts record second-quarter revenue as merchandise sales surge
Cineplex reported record second-quarter revenue of $383.7 million, up 9.8 per cent year-over-year, as theatre attendance rose and customers spent more per visit.
Merchandise sales jumped 45 per cent to about $4 million, prompting Cineplex to expand its online retail business. Box-office and concession spending also reached record levels, while premium formats and younger moviegoers helped strengthen results into August.
Picture credit: Town of Grimsby
Grimsby proposes rebates of up to $6,500 for basement flood protection
The Town of Grimsby is developing a basement flood protection program that could reimburse homeowners for 90 per cent of eligible flood-prevention costs, up to $6,500. Proposed measures include backwater valves and work to disconnect foundation or roof drains from the sanitary sewer system.
If approved by council and funded, the program is expected to launch in early 2027, with possible retroactive eligibility for some work completed after July 1, 2026.
Picture credit: Orchid Greens
From flower farmers to cheesemakers, meet the business owners and leaders affected by the trade war
Orchid Greens, which operates 350,000 square feet of greenhouse space in St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake, is absorbing roughly half the cost of a new 50 per cent U.S. tariff affecting Canadian flower exports.
With about 40 per cent of its business destined for the U.S., owner Guann Chen says some customers have cancelled orders and the company is selling perishable orchids at significant losses to keep product moving and employees working.
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.
