Niagara Region commits funds to support development of South Niagara Hospital
The Niagara Region commits $44.5 million in principle to support the development of the South Niagara Hospital. These funds will be included in the local share funding portion.
While the province is covering the majority of the cost for the hospital, the local government must pay 10 per cent of construction costs and costs associated with the purchase of new furniture, fixtures and equipment. The local community and Niagara Health are responsible for funding the local share portion, about $212 million.
The project is on schedule and requests for proposals will be released in early fall.
Construction is expected to begin in 2022, with completion estimated for 2026/2027.
Canada-U.S. border closure extended another month to July 21
On Friday, Canada announced that the Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel until July 21, despite pressure from the business community and a drop in COVID-19 case numbers.
Come July 5, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents will once again be able to return to Canada from international destinations without having to quarantine. Individuals must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before arriving, electronically submit COVID-19-related information to the government’s ArriveCAN app before arriving, meeting the pre- and on-arrival test requirements, be asymptomatic, and have a suitable quarantine plan.
Weekend GO service from Toronto to Niagara Falls resumes Saturday, June 26
Weekend GO trains to and from Niagara are back this summer. Tickets include both the GO train itself, as well as the local, WEGO, hop-on, hop-off, bus service. Four trains will leave Toronto’s Union Station for Niagara each Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday. Counting the return trips, that’s eight trains per day.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with GO Transit to once again provide an efficient transportation option for Ontarians to visit us this summer,” said Niagara Parks CEO, David Adames. “The inclusion of WEGO bus service in this ticket package allows our guests to travel throughout our various sites and attractions as soon as they arrive in Niagara Falls.”
Port Colborne set to become a port of call for Great Lakes cruises come May 2022
Port Colborne is set to welcome an influx of tourism and economic benefits, solidifying its place on the map, by becoming one of many ports of call for several Great Lakes cruise lines.
Port Colborne is positioned at the southern end of the Welland Canal, which ensures all Great Lakes cruise ships, carrying between 180 to 400 guests per vessel, heading to or from Toronto, will pass by Port Colborne.
There are currently 19 cruise ships scheduled to stop by Port Colborne next year, and the city is working with local businesses and consultants to create unique excursions for tourists.
DSBN Board of Trustees pass increased 2021/2021 budget
Trustees at the District School Board of Niagara approved a $522,541,000 million budget for 2021-2022, a $22 million increase from last year.
The total cost per student is expected to be $12,686.
“Through the development of this budget, Trustees worked to balance COVID-19 recovery, with investment in student programs that provide ongoing resources to help them be successful in school,” said Kevin Maves, Chair of the Finance Committee and Trustee for Niagara Falls.
The Niagara Catholic District School Board also finalized their $268 million 2021-2022 budget, an increase from the $266.6 million 2020-2021 budget.
Ontario expands its mental health services for children and youth in Niagara
The Ontario government recently announced $31 million in additional funding for specialized mental health services across the province.
Locally, Pathstone Mental Health will receive $404,700, and Niagara Health will receive $37,500.
“This investment is welcome news for a key local care provider like Pathstone Mental Health,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “Having just reported an increase of 35 percent in cases involving children and youth compared to the year previous, local mental health supports are more critical than ever.”
‘A big win for Niagara’ – Baldinelli celebrates the passage of C-218
“A ‘tremendous win’ for Niagara Falls, the Niagara Region, and our local tourism economy,” said Tony Baldinelli, as single event sports betting is on its way to become legal in Canada with the passing of Bill C-218, The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act.
“Legalizing single even sports betting was a priority of mine since I was elected”, states Baldinelli, “C-218 will help accelerate local tourism recovery from this devastating pandemic, and it will result in new jobs, new investment, and growth in our local tourism economy.”
Ontario Summer Games 2021 once again put on hold until 2024
Ontario Summer Games 2021, originally postponed from summer 2020, will return to London, Ontario in 2024.
Heritage, Sport and Tourism Minister, Lisa Macleod, and London Mayor, Ed Holder, made the virtual announcement on Tuesday.
Games are still planned for next year and will be hosted by Mississauga, Ontario from July 21-24, 2022.
The 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara should not be affected. The games are still scheduled to take place August 6-21, 2022.
Local podcast, South Niagara Conversations season one comes to an end
Last week, the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce (SNCC) held its final podcast episode of season one of ‘South Niagara Conversations.’ The podcast, which began in January 2021, is co-hosted by SNCC executive director, Dolores Fabiano, and Scott Lunn of 105.1 The River.
From what’s happening with the local housing market, to the future of Niagara sports, Fabiano and Lunn cover a wide range of topics and interview a variety of personalities from around the region. The pair will be back for a second season in September. In the meantime, you can listen to all 20 episodes of season one here.
COVID-19 Weekly Update
As of June 23, there are 203 active cases, 10 new cases, and 21 new resolved cases in the Niagara Region.
St. Catharines and Niagara Falls have the greatest number of cases with 59 and 55. All other municipalities have 19 or less cases, with the majority having less than 10 cases.
A total of 403,333 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to Niagara residents, with 6,617 new doses administered on June 23rd.
65.1 per cent of residents have their first dose; while 19.1 per cent have a complete series.
