In this edition:
- NPCA designates 2,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land for protection
- Niagara Region invites public to complete survey on the 2024 budget
- Tree of Giving campaign begins today
- Welland to host second info session on Transportation Master Plan
- Regional councillors freeze waste management budget
- Unifor auto talks: a quiet end to one of the year’s biggest labour clashes
- Niagara Falls officials ‘not too concerned’ provincial review of MZOs could negatively impact developments
- Focus on Retail
NPCA designates 2,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land for protection
Imagine taking Montebello Park in St. Catharines and multiplying it about 650 times, and you get an idea of just how much of Niagara’s most environmentally sensitive land the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority has now designated with a special “protected” status.
The NPCA announced on Nov. 6 that the agency responsible for watershed protection in Niagara and parts of Haldimand and Hamilton has added 11 conservation areas encompassing 790 hectares — almost 2,050 acres — to land already committed to a plan to protect 30 per cent of Canada lands and waters by 2030.
That nearly doubles the total amount of NPCA property placed under this designation to 1,622 hectares, or 4,008 acres, the NPCA said.
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Niagara Region invites public to complete survey on the 2024 budget
As part of its commitment to transparency and community engagement, Niagara Region announced today the launch of a public survey to gather valuable input for the 2024 budget.
In an effort to ensure that next year’s budget reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the community, residents are invited to participate in this survey, providing a unique opportunity to shape the financial decisions that impact our region.
Residents can complete the online survey now to share their views with council on what should be considered a priority.
Tree of Giving campaign begins today
What has become a holiday tradition of giving for the City of St. Catharines is returning for a 26th year.
The annual Tree of Giving campaign launched on Monday, Nov. 13. The initiative supports Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold. Residents are invited to contribute to the campaign by donating new, unwrapped gifts, gift cards or monetary donations, which will be distributed by Community Care to families throughout the year.
Welland to host second info session on Transportation Master Plan
The second of two Public Information Centres (PIC) for Welland’s Transportation Master Plan is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at City Hall.
The PIC allows residents to provide feedback and input on the plan’s direction.
Dubbed a City on the Move, the plan provides Welland with a long-term road network and active transportation strategies to support existing and accommodate projected population and employment growth.
Regional councillors freeze waste management budget
Looking for savings anywhere and everywhere, Niagara Regioncouncillors voted to limit the 2024 waste management budget to a zero per cent increase and forgo a strategy to replenish reserves they have used in recent years to limit tax increases.
The Region’s budget committee on Thursday approved a gross waste management budget of $51.5 million, down from $63.5 million last year. The budget will see $45.2 million in net costs apportioned to the 12 area municipalities for tax purposes. Last year’s gross waste management budget was $63.5 million.
Unifor auto talks: a quiet end to one of the year’s biggest labour clashes
One of Canada’s most highly anticipated set of labour talks in years wrapped up this week, but there’s no victory parade planned.
Unifor’s marathon three months of high profile contact talks with the Detroit Three automakers _ where gains and losses often set the tone for other industries _ instead ended with a tepid 60 per cent vote of support from Stellantis production workers Monday, before the union quickly moved on to other labour fights in a year that’s been full of them.
Niagara Falls officials ‘not too concerned’ provincial review of MZOs could negatively impact developments
Two approved minister’s zoning orders for developments in Niagara Falls, including one for what has been described as a “world-class agritourism” project for the southwest corner of Mountain and Kalar roads, are part of a provincial review.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, MZOs were heralded by the provincial government as a useful tool to speed up construction of much-needed housing and long-term-care facilities. Then housing minister Steve Clark issued more than 100 orders between 2019 and 2023.
But in the middle of a deepening scandal over the Greenbelt and other planning-related matters, the provincial government now says it will review use of MZOs that were designed to fast-track development by bypassing local planning rules — especially those where work hasn’t started yet.
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Focus on Retail
How can retailers prepare for a riskier world?
Canadians approach holiday season with optimism; Gen X and Gen Z will lead the increase in spending
Despite economic uncertainties, Canadian consumers are gearing up for the 2023 holiday season with some resilience and determination, according to a recent survey conducted by PwC Canada. This year’s edition of PwC’s Canadian holiday outlook revealed that 76% of respondents plan to maintain or increase their holiday spending compared to the previous year.
When it comes to generational spending trends, the average expected spending per Canadian consumer is expected to grow 13% over the previous year. Gen X and Gen Z are leading the spending, with increases of 29% and 26%, while Millennials and Baby Boomers anticipate a more modest increase (3%).
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.
