Fallsview Casino Resort. The venue will play host to the live-audience tapings of ‘Canada’s Got Talent’ next week.
Region seeking input from business community to help plan economic future
In addition to taking part in Niagara Economic Development’s ongoing stakeholder survey, local businesses can help inform the creation of Niagara’s new 10-year economic development strategy through a series of digital workshops running now until Nov. 12.
Through the Region’s five ‘Future of the Economy’ virtual workshops, local businesses and other community stakeholders can join minds to generate and prototype ideas for Niagara’s economic future, while talking through the details of how best the ideas could come to fruition.
The workshops are part of the first phase of engagement that will help develop Niagara’s long-term economic vision. Phase two will take place in winter 2022 and will include an opportunity for stakeholders to review an initial draft vision and ensure their comments and insights have been incorporated appropriately.
To learn more and/or sign up for a workshop, go here.
Canada’s Got Talent filming in Niagara Falls next week
Nearly a decade after its first and only season to date, Canada’s Got Talent is returning to air in spring 2022.
The talent show’s live-audience auditions will take place in the Avalon Theatre at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls from Nov. 9 to 12.
The four-member judging panel includes current American’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel, YouTube star and late-night host Lilly Singh, rapper and producer Kardinal Offishall, and WWE wrestling hall-of-famer Trish Stratus. The show, which will air on Citytv, will be hosted by country music artist Lindsay Ell.
Executive producer Scott McGillivray told Niagara This Week that he hopes Niagara Falls will play host to the auditions for years to come. “I just think that anyone in Canada can look at Niagara Falls and say that’s the right place to display talent and entertainment,” said McGillivray.
Local MPP involved in vehicle accident
On Monday, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates revealed he was involved in a “pretty serious” car crash over the weekend. But, as Gates wrote on Facebook, he is “fine and doing well”.
“Just currently dealing with some sore ribs and a sore chest, nothing the doctors say a few days rest won’t solve quickly.”
The accident occurred at the corner of Portage Road and Valley Way around 11:00am on Saturday, Oct. 30. Gates was alone in his vehicle. No major injuries from any of the parties involved were reported.
After news broke, Premier Doug Ford tweeted: “I want to send my best wishes to Niagara MPP (Wayne Gates), who was injured in a serious collision over the weekend. Get well Wayne and we’ll see you back at Queen’s Park soon.”
Brock Badgers capture first provincial rowing championship in four years
On Saturday, the Brock University men’s rowing team won the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Rowing Championship title at the Welland International Flatwater Course – its first championship since 2017.
The team collected 537 points to overcome perennial powerhouse Western (364) and Queen’s (278).
“A lot of this result was seeing the potential in the student-athletes. They worked hard through the winter,” said open men’s coach Scott Anderson. “As we entered the season, we looked forward to making it all come together. We often talk about having good clay to mould, and I think we did.”
In 10 races, the men’s team won five gold medals, three silver and a bronze.
The Brock women’s side also placed a very respectable third with 269 points, behind first-place Western (442) and second-place Queen’s (324).
Ontario’s minimum wage to jump to $15/hour come January
As part of the 2021 Fall Economic Statement today, the Ontario government is introducing legislation that, once passed, will raise the general minimum wage from $14.35 to $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2022. Under the proposed changes, the special minimum wage rate for servers would be eliminated and they would be entitled to the general minimum wage. Students under 18, homeworkers and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides would also see an increase in their special minimum wage rates.
Per government sources, the province is introducing legislation to increase minimum wages as the cost of living has increased considerably over the past several months due to the pandemic.
“Ontario’s workers have been the unsung heroes of this pandemic, as they’ve stocked shelves, kept our supply chain moving and helped so many of us enjoy a meal among family and friends at a local restaurant,” said Premier Doug Ford. “When we asked labour leaders what their priorities were, increasing the minimum wage was at the top of the list. As the cost of living continues to go up, our government is proud to be working for workers, putting more money into their pockets by increasing the minimum wage.”
Majority of Canadians stressed about rising cost of living
With Canada’s inflation rate reaching a near two-decade high, a recent survey found that two out of three Canadians (67 per cent) deem the rapidly increasing cost of living a source of financial stress – more than double that of any other financial stressor.
Following cost of living, the top financial stressors were saving for retirement (30 per cent), inability to absorb unforeseen expenses (25 per cent), unpredictability of investments (25 per cent), inability to save as much as pre-pandemic (22 per cent), and high-interest consumer debt (17 per cent).
“We’re approaching the end of 2021, a year that many were looking to with optimism, but Canadians are feeling anxious about the highest inflation rate we’ve seen in a long time,” said Andrew Ostro, CEO of PolicyMe, the company that commissioned the survey. “Whether it’s keeping up with the rising food, fuel, or housing costs, people are stressed about the increased cost of living — and parents are feeling it the most.”
Released on Tuesday, the survey was conducted by Angus Reid Research.
This Weekend Around the Region
Valour and Victory: Honouring Indigenous Veterans
Hosted by the Niagara Parks, Valour and Victory honours the contributions and sacrifices made by Six Nations and Native Allies during the Battle of Queenston Heights and the War of 1812 in support of their British and Canadian compatriots.
This annual memorial and reconciliation service remembers Indigenous soldiers who, through courage, strength, and peacemaking, helped secure victory at pivotal events throughout the War of 1812 to secure freedom for all Canadians.
When: Saturday, Nov. 6, 1:00pm
Where: Landscape of Nations Memorial at Queenston Heights, Niagara Falls
Registration not required. For more information go to the Niagara Parks’ website here.
Louth Conservation Area Guided Nature Walk
Enjoy the beautiful fall colours on a guided nature walk with staff and volunteers from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).
Experience the wonders of the Sixteen Mile Creek valley and historic rock formations as you wind your way through the Carolinian escarpment forest and visit two picturesque waterfalls.
Please be aware that there are sections of the trail close to the escarpment edge and therefore the hike may not be suitable for very small children. Duration of the walk is approximately 2 hours.
When: Sunday, Nov. 7, 1:00pm
Where: Louth Conservation Area, Jordan Station
The event is free, but registration is required. To book, go to the NPCA site here.
Taste the Season
Hosted by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Taste the Season celebrates the fall’s bounty with exceptional VQA wines and holiday-inspired food pairings.
Guests will be able to purchase a one-day pass for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday in November and will have access to reserve four winery tastings from over 20 partner wineries. Individual winery tasting experiences must be booked in advance at set times of 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm each day based on availability. Each winery offers a unique on-site experience.
When: Weekends throughout November
Where: Various wineries, Niagara-on-the-Lake
To browse the partner wineries and purchase tickets, go to the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake website here.
