In this edition:
- GM deal secures $215-million transmission investment for St. Catharines plant
- Tariff costs already reaching customers at more than one-quarter of businesses
- Ontario expands 110 km/h speed limits, with Niagara routes changing September 30
- Provincial chambers welcome new timelines for reducing internal trade barriers
- $10,000 Shannon Passero grant offers growth funding to Ontario businesses with women in leadership
- Niagara Falls residents can weigh in on 2027 spending and investment priorities
- Local sourcing may help independent retailers limit tariff-related cost pressure
- Alectra adds flood relief funding and payment assistance in St. Catharines
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Photo credit: May Chanikran / Adobe Stock
GM deal secures $215-million transmission investment for St. Catharines plant
Unifor members have ratified new three-year agreements with General Motors covering more than 4,600 workers, including St. Catharines. The deal commits $215 million for a next-generation transmission at the St. Catharines Propulsion Plant and incorporates a previous $691-million commitment for sixth-generation V8 engine production.
Photo credit: Yuliia / Adobe Stock
Tariff costs already reaching customers at more than one-quarter of businesses
Nearly one-third of Canadian businesses expect U.S. tariffs to hurt them over the next 12 months, Statistics Canada reports. Inflation remains the most common expected obstacle, while 27.4% of businesses say they have already passed tariff-related cost increases on to customers.
Picture credit: Erman Gunes / Adobe Stock
Ontario expands 110 km/h speed limits, with Niagara routes changing September 30
Ontario has expanded 110 km/h speed limits across more provincial highways, with additional Niagara changes coming September 30. The QEW from Concession Road to McLeod Road and Mountain Road to Jordan Road, along with Highway 406 from Westchester Avenue to Highway 58, are among the sections scheduled to increase.
Picture credit: Negro Elkha / Adobe Stock
Provincial chambers welcome new timelines for reducing internal trade barriers
Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers are welcoming new commitments on internal trade, including a 30-day standard for labour mobility applications and timelines for mutual-recognition legislation and services. The chambers say governments must now turn those commitments into measurable reductions in interprovincial barriers.
Picture credit: Shannon Passero
$10,000 Shannon Passero grant offers growth funding to Ontario businesses with women in leadership
Shannon Passero has opened applications for a $10,000 Women’s Business Grant for Ontario businesses with a woman in a significant leadership role, with preference for Niagara-based businesses or those supplying Niagara. The program favours product-based enterprises, and applications close September 28.
Picture credit: JHVEphoto / Adobe Stock
Niagara Falls residents can weigh in on 2027 spending and investment priorities
Niagara Falls has opened public engagement for its 2027 municipal budget. An online survey asks residents to identify priorities for services and investment across the tax-supported operating, parking, water and wastewater, and capital budgets. The consultation remains open until October 30.
Picture credit: ekkaluck / Adobe Stock
Local sourcing may help independent retailers limit tariff-related cost pressure
Tariff uncertainty is putting pressure on Canadian convenience stores, particularly smaller independent operators with less capacity to absorb sudden import-cost increases. The Convenience Industry Council of Canada says retailers can reduce exposure by reviewing imported products, strengthening regional supplier relationships and responding to growing demand for Canadian-made alternatives.
Photo credit: Alectra
Alectra adds flood relief funding and payment assistance in St. Catharines
Alectra is providing $25,000 to Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold to support residents affected by recent flooding. Assistance includes cleaning and household supplies, food-security services and emergency support, while Alectra says affected electricity customers can also seek payment assistance.
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.
