In this edition:
- Economy may have contracted in Q4
- City of Niagara Falls extends Public Engagement for Unhoused Action Plan
- St. Catharines celebrates start of Black History Month with launch event
- Tariffs deliver $350M blow to CN Rail revenues
- Construction sector’s GDP rises, but still facing tariff, labour challenges
- Greenhouses urged to review federal pesticide program following random inspections
- 407 ETR expanding promotional offers and savings for Ontario drivers
- Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
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Picture credit: JHVEPhoto / Adobe Stock
Economy may have contracted in Q4
Statistics Canada says the economy stalled in November and early estimates suggest a decline in real gross domestic product for the final quarter of 2025.
Real GDP growth was flat in November, rebounding somewhat from a decline of 0.3 per cent in October, the agency said.
Picture credit: Margarita / Adobe Stock
City of Niagara Falls extends Public Engagement for Unhoused Action Plan
With feedback still coming in from residents and community partners, the public engagement deadline to share input on the Unhoused Action Plan has been extended to Saturday, February 28th, 2026.
The Action Plan will guide a more coordinated and proactive response to homelessness and related challenges in the community, including hunger, public drug use, illegal activity, and disruptive behaviour in public spaces. Public feedback will help shape the plan’s priorities and recommended actions.
Picture credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines celebrates start of Black History Month with launch event
The City of St. Catharines invites residents to celebrate the start of Black History Month with a special launch event and the unveiling of an art exhibition at City Hall.
The City will host the launch event on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, on the third floor of City Hall. The event will include remarks from Mayor Mat Siscoe as well as performances from acclaimed jazz, soul and pop artist Juliet Dunn, and a poetry reading from singer, songwriter, and poet, Andrew Reid.
Photo credit: Jerome / Adobe Stock
Tariffs deliver $350M blow to CN Rail revenues
Picture credit: 安琦 王 / Adobe Stock
Construction sector’s GDP rises, but still facing tariff, labour challenges
Canada’s construction sector generated growth in its most recent quarter but continues to face rising costs, especially due to ongoing tariffs.
The Canadian Construction Association’s winter 2026 economic insights report said the sector’s GDP was $170 billion in the third quarter, up 1.3 per cent compared with the previous three-month period and outpacing the all-industry average of 0.5 per cent growth.
Picture credit: hedgehog94 / Adobe Stock
Greenhouses urged to review federal pesticide program following random inspections
Greenhouse operations are urged to brush up on Health Canada’s Pesticide Compliance Program (PCP) after several greenhouses underwent random inspections in 2025.
Photo credit: Gilberto Mesquita / Adobe Stock
407 ETR expanding promotional offers and savings for Ontario drivers
After announcing an increase in free trips for eligible drivers, 407 ETR is set to expand its driving offers in 2026.
The year-round program is designed to “keep the GTA moving” and help drivers “save money while easing congestion,” with the company planning to send more than 1.8 million drivers an offer each month, according to a news release.
Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
This isn’t working – The consequences of systemic failure for SETT careers
Bonnie Douglas, Daily Commercial 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.
