In this edition:
- Town of Pelham leads with completion of new Official Plan
- St. Catharines adopts $700,000-plus enforcement plan for homeless encampments
- Crystal Beach townhouse proposal is under scrutiny
- Shaw Festival unveils $150 million expansion to foster human connection
- 2024 realized net income for farmers fell by $3.3 billion
- Bell announces plans to open six AI data centres in B.C.
- Canada invests in Green Jobs for youth
- Focus on Dining Trends
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Photo credit: Town of Pelham
Town of Pelham leads with completion of new Official Plan
The Town of Pelham proudly announces the completion of its New Official Plan — Picturing Pelham. This project marks a significant milestone for Pelham as it is the first municipality in the Niagara Region to finalize a New Official Plan since the removal of Planning Authority from the Region of Niagara by the Province.
Town Council adopted By-law No. 28 2025 to approve the New Official Plan. The document will now be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final approval under the Planning Act.
Photo credit: City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines adopts $700,000-plus enforcement plan for homeless encampments
An enforcement plan that will cost upwards of $700,000 annually for St. Catharines’ new bylaw restricting where homeless encampments are allowed to be set up has been approved by city council.
The move Monday night came as councillors again reiterated the need for more supportive housing for individuals living in tents and for upper levels of government to step up and fund it.
Photo Credit: Alena Charykova – stock.adobe.com
Crystal Beach townhouse proposal is under scrutiny
A proposed townhouse development in Crystal Beach is under scrutiny from nearby residents and town councillors concerned about drainage issues and long-term planning impacts.
The development plan brought forward by Quartek Group, on behalf of property owner Jeff Davis of Crystal Ridge Homes, would see eight two-storey townhouses built on the south side of Rebstock Road.
The lot is now zoned for low-density housing, but Davis is asking the town to rezone to allow for higher density townhouses. Each unit would have a garage, driveway and backyard.
Illustration credit:Shaw Festival / supplied
Shaw Festival unveils $150 million expansion to foster human connection
The Shaw Festival has announced a $150 million expansion plan on the neighbouring Parks Canada property and the former long-term care building that was operated by the Niagara Region.
A news release explains the “Movement for Real Human Connection” is a mission “that will transform The Shaw into a centre for communication, creativity and curiosity, said Monday’s announcement.
The space will be dedicated to “deepening connection through art, and will provide a space “where audiences, artists and communities can find each other and awaken their inner artist.”
The Shaw Festival’s All.Together.Now. $150 million campaign is to “construct this creative campus and fund the artists, experiences, training and community outreach to bring this vision to life. The Shaw is uniting donors and community leaders who believe theatre is a powerful solution to create belonging and meaningful connection.”
Photo credit: Budimir Jevtic – stock.adobe.com
2024 realized net income for farmers fell by $3.3 billion
Realized net income for Canadian farmers fell by $3.3 billion (-25.9% per cent) to $9.4 billion in 2024. This was the largest percentage decrease in realized net income since 2018. Lower farm cash receipts and slightly higher operating expenses led to the decrease. Excluding cannabis, realized net income was down 23.0 per cent to $9.7 billion.
Photo credit: JHVEPhoto – stock.adobe.com
Bell announces plans to open six AI data centres in B.C.
Bell Canada has announced it will open six artificial intelligence data centres in B.C. as part of a plan to create the largest AI compute project in Canada.
The Montreal-based telecom company, which has in recent years touted its intent to become more tech-focused, said the facilities will provide around 500 megawatts of hydroelectric-powered AI compute capacity. AI compute refers to the technology that enables artificial intelligence systems to perform tasks, such as processing data and training machine-learning models.
Photo credit:JackF – stock.adobe.com
Canada invests in Green Jobs for youth
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, announced $15 million to create 470 employment and skills training opportunities for youth across Canada in natural resources sectors including energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences and clean technology.
Through the Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs, employers in natural resources sectors can apply for funding to hire, train and mentor youth aged 15 to 30 for up to 12 months.
Focus on Dining Trends
Chicken sandwich fastest-growing menu item
Food in Canada Staff
Canadians’ dining preferences are shifting as cost-of-living concerns, an increasingly diverse population and Gen Z’s buying habits drive new consumer trends. Restaurants Canada and Circana cover these new trends in their 2025 Hot 10 Restaurant Trends report.
“Canadians are expecting more value for their dollars as they grapple with affordability and that’s reflected in many of the trends highlighted in this report,” said Kelly Higginson, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, it’s more important than ever that restaurants understand these emerging trends and shifting consumer preferences.”
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.
