In this edition:
- University of Niagara Falls Canada shortlisted for Higher Education Institution of the Year
- Beverage businesses get innovation boost thanks to new Niagara College funding
- Seaway cargo volumes down in April
- Ontario Sport Hosting Program applications now open
- Town of Grimsby seeking vendor for Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre concession services
- St. Catharines Farmers Market set to celebrate biggest season yet
- Ontario government ranks lowest in Canada for per-person revenue and spending
- Bank of Canada says rate path depends on trade and oil risks
- Focus on Markets
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Picture credit: University of Niagara Falls
University of Niagara Falls Canada shortlisted for Higher Education Institution of the Year
University of Niagara Falls Canada has been shortlisted for Higher Education Institution of the Year at the 2026 Keystone Awards, an annual awards program put on by the Keystone Education Group celebrating excellence and innovation in global education.
The nomination celebrates the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and exceptional student experience. The shortlisting places UNF among an elite group of institutions from around the world recognized for their outstanding contributions to higher education.
Picture credit: Niagara College
Beverage businesses get innovation boost thanks to new Niagara College funding
Several beverage businesses will get a boost in launching new products in competitive markets thanks to a recent investment in Niagara College (NC)’s applied research division.
The Beverage Innovation Program, delivered through the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) and Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre (BCIC), is being supported by funding of up to $75,000 through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).
Picture credit: Wilding / Adobe Stock
Seaway cargo volumes down in April
Year-to-date cargo through the St. Lawrence Seaway was down 6.79 per cent in April, with 4.08 million tonnes moved compared to 4.38 million tonnes at the same point in 2025. Grain shipments fell nearly 20 per cent and liquid bulk was down 12.44 per cent, while iron ore rose 11.81 per cent and general cargo climbed 25.49 per cent. Vessel transits were also down 6.41 per cent.
Picture credit: trongnguyen / Adobe Stock
Ontario Sport Hosting Program applications now open
The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the second intake of the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program, which provides funding support to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions.
Picture credit: Niagara Region Economic Development
Town of Grimsby seeking vendor for Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre concession services
The Town of Grimsby is inviting quotations from qualified vendors for the provision of concession services at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre, located at 162 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby.
The successful respondent will enter into a Concession Agreement to operate the community centre concession facilities and provide high-quality food and beverage services for arena users, spectators, community members, and special events.
Picture credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines Farmers Market set to celebrate biggest season yet
The St. Catharines Farmers Market is ready for the 2026 harvest season, with a record number of vendors lined up to serve the community this summer.
With more than 60 vendors offering a variety of easily accessible goods including farm to table produce, baking, cured meats, flowers, and a diverse selection of prepared foods, the Market will be expanding outside on Saturday, May 16.
Photo credit: Maurizio De Mattei / Adobe Stock
Ontario government ranks lowest in Canada for per-person revenue and spending
Ontario collected the lowest total revenue per capita among Canadian provinces in 2024-25, at $13,333 per person, while also recording the lowest total spending per capita, at $14,470, according to a new Financial Accountability Office of Ontario report. The FAO found Ontario’s tax revenue per person was above the rest-of-Canada average, but the province received the lowest federal transfers and other non-tax revenue in the country. The findings point to Ontario’s constrained fiscal capacity as governments face ongoing pressure to fund health care, infrastructure, education, and economic development priorities.
Photo credit: Elena Berd /Adobe Stock
Bank of Canada says rate path depends on trade and oil risks
The Bank of Canada’s Governing Council agreed that holding the policy interest rate at 2.25 per cent on April 29 was appropriate, saying it could look through the initial inflation shock from higher oil prices while inflation was expected to return to the two per cent target in early 2027. Council members identified two major risks to the outlook: possible new U.S. trade restrictions on Canada, which could weaken growth and lead to lower rates, and persistently high oil prices, which could broaden inflation and require rate increases. The deliberations point to continued uncertainty around borrowing costs, export conditions, energy prices, and investment planning.
Focus on Markets
Canada’s new sovereign wealth fund is ambitious, but its design raises questions
Paul Calluzzo, Dan Cohen, Evan Jo, The Conversation
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.
