In this edition:
- Rankin family invests $1 million in Niagara Falls Innovation Hub
- Thorold backs city land for proposed 60-unit affordable housing project
- St. Lawrence Seaway workers ratify four-year collective agreement
- 80% of Canadians are cutting back on restaurant visits
- Ontario commits $49 million to small-business advisory network
- Ontario retail sales fall 2% in July
- Niagara-on-the-Lake approves St. Davids subdivision agreement and stormwater budget amendment
- Ontario opens $1.8-million Great Lakes funding round
- Thorold seeks nominations for 2026 Civic Recognition Awards
- Five Ontario small businesses can win $20,000 safety awards
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Picture credit: Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub
Rankin family invests $1 million in Niagara Falls Innovation Hub
The Rankin family is providing a $1 million sponsorship to the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, which has been renamed the Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub. The funding will support entrepreneurship programs, coaching, technology, specialized labs and workspace intended to help companies start and grow in Niagara.
Picture credit: City of Thorold
Thorold backs city land for proposed 60-unit affordable housing project
Thorold council has backed in principle a request from Community Land Trust of Niagara for vacant city land near St. David Road East and Wellington Street to develop 60 affordable housing units. Council stipulated that ownership would revert to the city if the project does not proceed.
Picture credit: Wilding / Adobe Stock
St. Lawrence Seaway workers ratify four-year collective agreement
Unionized St. Lawrence Seaway workers represented by five Unifor locals have ratified a new four-year collective agreement after the previous deal expired March 31. The Seaway corporation says the agreement provides greater stability and predictability for employees, customers and industries that depend on the trade corridor.
Picture credit: Riku / Adobe Stock
80% of Canadians are cutting back on restaurant visits
Eight in 10 Canadians are eating out less often because of the rising cost of living, up from 75% a year ago, according to Restaurants Canada. Meanwhile, 41% of restaurant companies are operating at a loss or breaking even as elevated costs continue to squeeze margins.
Picture credit: fotofabrika / Adobe Stock
Ontario commits $49 million to small-business advisory network
Ontario will invest $49 million over three years in more than 50 Small Business Advisory Centres, the newly rebranded network formerly known as Small Business Enterprise Centres. The centres provide entrepreneurs with advice, training, mentorship and access to programs including Starter Company Plus and Summer Company.
Photo credit: StockPhotoPro / Adobe Stock
Ontario retail sales fall 2% in July
Retail sales in Ontario fell 2.0% in July, the largest provincial decline in dollar terms, while Canadian sales fell 0.7% to $73.7 billion. Nationally, sales declined in eight of nine subsectors, although Statistics Canada’s preliminary estimate points to a 1.3% rebound in August.
Picture credit: Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake approves St. Davids subdivision agreement and stormwater budget amendment
Niagara-on-the-Lake council approved a subdivision agreement for The Settlement at St. Davids extension, condominium plans for part of the Modero development and a capital budget amendment for stormwater needs. Council also approved temporary restaurant and cottage-rental uses at 226 Regent Street and a hospitality area at 95 Johnson Street.
Picture credit: Manuel Mata / Adobe Stock
Ontario opens $1.8-million Great Lakes funding round
Ontario is offering up to $1.8 million for community-led projects that protect water quality, improve resilience or restore Great Lakes ecosystems. Eligible projects can include wetland restoration, pollution reduction and habitat work. Applications for the 2026–27 Great Lakes Local Action Fund are due November 6.
Photo credit: City of Thorold
Thorold seeks nominations for 2026 Civic Recognition Awards
The City of Thorold is accepting nominations for its Civic Recognition Awards, recognizing individuals, groups and organizations for achievements and community contributions. Categories include Community Builder of the Year, Environment Award and Outstanding Non-Profit Organization. Nominations are due Friday, October 2.
Picture credit: Rapeepat / Adobe Stock
Five Ontario small businesses can win $20,000 safety awards
The WSIB is accepting applications from independently owned Ontario businesses with fewer than 50 employees for its Small Business Safety Awards. Five businesses will receive $20,000 each for sharing practical workplace health and safety improvements made over the past year. Applications close October 16.
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.
