In this edition:
- Five years later, Niagara Parks Power Station draws 350,000 visitors annually
- Canadian economy grows 0.3% in May, setting up second-quarter rebound
- Shoppers expands pharmacy care and tests lower-priced food offer
- Canadian crude oil production rises 9% amid elevated global prices
- OLG contributions to Niagara Falls reach $18.2 million
- Retail Council challenges Toronto proposal on surveillance pricing
- Focus on Tourism
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Featured content by Jackson-Triggs
25 Years of Concerts, Wine & Unforgettable Summer Nights at Jackson-Triggs
Jackson-Triggs is celebrating 25 years of unforgettable live music experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This August and September guests can enjoy an incredible lineup of Canadian artists performing in our intimate vineyard amphitheatre, including Dallas Smith, Chantal Kreviazuk, Wild Rivers, July Talk, Finger Eleven, The Trews, Alan Doyle and Big Wreck.
More than just a concert, each evening offers award-winning wines, incredible culinary offerings, and the unique atmosphere of one of Niagara’s most iconic wineries. Guests can also enhance their experience with our Barrel Cellar Dinner Series.
Whether you’re planning a date night, entertaining clients, organizing a team outing, or simply looking for a memorable summer experience, Jackson-Triggs Summer Concerts offer an unforgettable night in wine country.
Tickets are selling quickly. Secure your seats now and experience one of Niagara’s premier summer concert destinations.
Picture credit: Niagara Parks
Five years later, Niagara Parks Power Station draws 350,000 visitors annually
Five years after opening as an attraction, the Niagara Parks Power Station has become an important part of Niagara’s year-round tourism economy. The restored generating station welcomes approximately 350,000 visitors annually and produces about $10 million in top-line revenue. Originally opened in 1905, the station generated electricity for Ontario until 2006 before being transformed through an adaptive-reuse project supported by a $25-million provincial loan, since repaid ahead of schedule. New offerings for 2026 include guided access to previously closed areas and an interactive exhibit exploring the rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison.
Photo credit: Roman / Adobe Stock
Canadian economy grows 0.3% in May, setting up second-quarter rebound
Canada’s economy expanded by 0.3% in May, exceeding Statistics Canada’s preliminary estimate of 0.1% and recording a second consecutive month of growth. Thirteen of 20 industrial sectors contributed, including construction, manufacturing, finance and insurance. Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction led the increase, while greater home-selling activity supported real estate services. April’s growth was also revised upward to 0.6%, and an early estimate indicates another 0.2% increase in June. Statistics Canada now estimates that real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 3.4% during the second quarter, reversing the contraction recorded at the beginning of 2026.
Picture credit: achpf / Adobe Stock
Shoppers expands pharmacy care and tests lower-priced food offer
Loblaw is positioning pharmacy and healthcare services as a larger source of growth for Shoppers Drug Mart while experimenting with changes to its traditional retail offering. Pharmacy and healthcare-services same-store sales increased 7.5% during the second quarter, compared with 1.3% growth in front-store sales. Shoppers is adding pharmacies, consultation spaces and care clinics as pharmacists assume broader roles in vaccinations, medication reviews and chronic-disease support. Loblaw is also piloting larger food selections at lower prices in more than 30 stores. Meanwhile, online ordering with in-store pickup has expanded to 500 Shoppers locations across Canada.
Picture credit: Spotmatik / Adobe Stock
Canadian crude oil production rises 9% amid elevated global prices
Canadian crude oil and equivalent production increased 9% year over year in May, reaching 25.8 million cubic metres, the highest May volume recorded since the series began in 2016. Statistics Canada attributed the gain partly to elevated global demand and prices amid continued supply constraints in the Middle East. Oil sands extraction rose 12.4%, while production of finished petroleum products increased 10.9%. Marketable natural gas production also grew 2%, supported by higher output in British Columbia and increased overseas exports. Total electricity generation climbed 5.5%, while exports to the United States surged 70.4% as hydroelectric output recovered.
Photo credit: JHVEPhoto / Adobe Stock
OLG contributions to Niagara Falls reach $18.2 million
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation provided Niagara Falls with $18.2 million during the 2025–26 fiscal year through its Municipality Contribution Agreement. The funding helps support local infrastructure, municipal projects and community amenities. The City will recognize OLG’s contribution during an August 4 ribbon cutting at Prince Charles Park Pool, where recent improvements include a renovated pool deck, new seating and a modern shade structure. Mayor Jim Diodati, OLG representatives and casino operator Mohegan are scheduled to attend. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at 6320 Arad Street, with free but limited parking available.
Picture credit: zapp2photo / Adobe Stock
Retail Council challenges Toronto proposal on surveillance pricing
The Retail Council of Canada is urging Toronto City Council to reconsider a motion directing staff to examine ways of banning or regulating surveillance pricing. The term describes using an individual customer’s personal information to selectively raise the price offered to that person. RCC says Canadian retailers do not use the practice and argues that existing laws already regulate deceptive pricing, transparency and personal-data collection. It also warns that broad restrictions could capture legitimate uses of data, including loyalty rewards, personalized discounts, inventory management and efforts to reduce food waste. City staff could return with regulatory options in early 2027.
Focus on Retail
Retail Insider “Consumer Behavior & Retail Economy Report”: Canada’s market grows increasingly divided
Lee Rivet, Retail Insider
A new Retail Insider Report, Q2 2026 Consumer Behavior and Retail Economy: A Market Increasingly Divided, authored by Craig Patterson, examines how consumer spending patterns and broader economic conditions are reshaping Canadian retail. Part of the Retail Insider Reports series, the report draws on Retail Insider’s reporting, public company disclosures, and broader economic research to identify developments most relevant to retail decision-makers. Retail Insider Reports are designed to deliver executive-level insights across major retail sectors and can be accessed through the Retail Insider Report Hub.
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.
