In this edition:
- Train derailment repairs in St. Catharines expected to span a week
- Grimsby town council agrees to shrink by 2
- Sandra Easton will not run for Mayor of Lincoln again
- Niagara ‘final frontier’ for industrial expansion
- Business Link announces 40 Under Forty 2026 recipients
- Ontario investing $300M to build and upgrade local sport and recreation facilities
- Federal government reports deficit of $31.2B for its April-to-January period
- Canadian SMBs question strength of Buy Canadian movement
- Canada not worried that U.S.-Mexico trade talks could upend trilateral deal, says LeBlanc
- Focus on Markets
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Cross-Border Construction Financing: Considerations for Cross-Border Construction Financing Transactions in New York
Canadian lenders and banks should protect their interests in cross-border construction financing by engaging New York State counsel. There are many nuances and considerations for Canadians in construction lending transactions, given the technical and stringent requirements of the NY Lien Law and the specific facts and circumstances of the construction project. Contact our experienced Cross-Border Finance team at Hodgson Russ for a review of your construction loan financing transactions in New York State to ensure compliance with the Lien Law.
Hodgson Russ LLP, U.S. attorneys, is in Toronto, Canada and across U.S. cities. Our Cross-Border Financing attorneys routinely represent Canadian borrowers and lenders in secured lending, construction lending, and other transactions, with an emphasis on cross-border financings. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Chris Fattey and Michael Condon, co-authors and members of our Canada-U.S. Cross-Border Financing team.
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Photo credit: IanDewarPhotography / Adobe Stock
Train derailment repairs in St. Catharines expected to span a week
Repairs to Canadian National Railway Co. tracks following Monday’s train derailment in St. Catharines are expected to take a week to complete.
The morning derailment involved 13 railway cars and resulted in the temporary closure of Glendale Avenue west of the Welland Canal.
Picture credit: Town of Grimsby
Grimsby town council agrees to shrink by 2
Grimsby politicians have agreed to shrink the size of town council from eight to six members with a revamped ward system plus a mayor elected at large.
During its March 23 meeting, councillors voted 7-2 in favour of the political makeover if “mandated” by the province. Barring provincial intervention, the changes will not take effect until the 2030 municipal election.
Picture credit: Town of Lincoln
Sandra Easton will not run for Mayor of Lincoln again
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton today issued a statement indicating that she had decided not to seek re-election in the October 2026 Municipal Election.
“This decision is grounded in where I am in my journey of public service,” said Mayor Easton, “and in the goals we have achieved together over the past 12 years and throughout my 18 years in elected public service.”
Picture credit: Brad Demers / Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
Niagara ‘final frontier’ for industrial expansion
Welland continues to be a “fantastic partner” for Niagara Industrial Association, city councillors heard recently, as the region remains an ideal area for investment.
“There was a construction firm I talked to who used the term ‘Niagara as the final frontier,’ which I really liked,” executive director Jordan Sherlock told politicians. “I think as developments continue to happen, we’re being looked upon as a very favourable place to locate potentially.”
Picture credit: Business Link Media Group
Business Link announces 40 Under Forty 2026 recipients
Launched in 2004, the Niagara 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards program has become one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, celebrating young leaders making a difference in their fields and communities.
Photo credit: Sebastian Duda / Adobe Stock
Ontario investing $300M to build and upgrade local sport and recreation facilities
The Ontario government is investing an additional $300 million in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to build and upgrade sport and recreation facilities across the province. Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, this brings total government funding for the program to $500 million, and will support local community projects, create good-paying jobs, promote active, healthy living and give the next generation of Ontario athletes a place to train and grow their skills.
Picture credit: Rixie / Adobe Stock
Federal government reports deficit of $31.2B for its April-to-January period
The federal government posted a budgetary deficit of $31.21 billion for the April-to-January period of its 2025-26 fiscal year.
In its monthly fiscal monitor, the Finance Department says the result compared with a deficit of $26.85 billion reported for the same period a year earlier.
Photo credit: manassanant / Adobe Stock
Canadian SMBs question strength of Buy Canadian movement
A new Ignite Digital SMB survey is raising questions about the strength of Canada’s “Buy Canadian” movement, suggesting that economic pressures may be reshaping consumer behaviour in ways that disadvantage domestic businesses.
The findings come at a time when Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are navigating a complex environment shaped by tariffs, inflation, and shifting consumer priorities.
Photo credit: Victor Moussa / Adobe Stock
Canada not worried that U.S.-Mexico trade talks could upend trilateral deal, says LeBlanc
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Mar. 30 that he isn’t worried Mexico will sign a trade agreement with the Americans that excludes Canada.
LeBlanc told reporters at a news conference that the Mexicans are also committed to a trilateral deal as the countries work to renew the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, better known as CUSMA.
Focus on Markets
Wealthsimple is a step closer to offering prediction markets, experts say it is a ‘slippery slope’
Alex Arsenych, CTV 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.
