If you participated in our 2025 membership survey, thank you! You’ll notice the questions in our 2026 survey are the same, and that’s intentional.
This year, we’ve set ambitious member engagement goals. In order to measure progress accurately and ensure we’re building programming, partnerships, and resources that truly reflect your needs, we need a consistent benchmark.
Your responses help us:
Understand what’s working and what isn’t
Identify gaps in programming or support
Strengthen connections across our business community
Align our efforts with what matters most to you
As a business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader, your perspective directly shapes the direction of the Chamber.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, and your honest feedback makes a meaningful difference.
We want to thank you for helping us build a stronger, more responsive Chamber community.
If you participated in our 2025 membership survey, thank you! You’ll notice the questions in our 2026 survey are the same, and that’s intentional.
This year, we’ve set ambitious member engagement goals. In order to measure progress accurately and ensure we’re building programming, partnerships, and resources that truly reflect your needs, we need a consistent benchmark.
Your responses help us:
Understand what’s working and what isn’t
Identify gaps in programming or support
Strengthen connections across our business community
Align our efforts with what matters most to you
As a business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader, your perspective directly shapes the direction of the Chamber.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, and your honest feedback makes a meaningful difference.
We want to thank you for helping us build a stronger, more responsive Chamber community.
Envision Grimsby 2051 Official Draft Plan Event Recap
Last week, we were pleased to host an information session for local businesses on the Envision Grimsby 2051 Official Draft Plan, in partnership with the Town’s Planning team and the Downtown BIA.
While the session was intentionally business-focused and more intimate in size, it brought together representatives from key employers and community stakeholders for a meaningful and productive discussion. Members of the Town’s Planning department, including the new Director of Planning, joined us and walked attendees through the draft Official Plan, key policy directions, and areas identified for intensification.
Some of the projections shared included a target population of 50,000 residents and approximately 7,100 new jobs by 2051 – significant growth that will shape the future of our business community.
Important questions were raised around next steps in the approval process, the future GO Station, downtown parking considerations, and the protection of agricultural lands atop the Escarpment. These conversations matter. They ensure the business perspective remains part of the dialogue as major planning decisions move forward.
Overall, the session served as an important touchpoint, strengthening relationships, encouraging transparency, and reinforcing why large-scale municipal planning projects require collaboration and long-term vision.Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
If you have feedback you’d like us to share as the process continues, we encourage you to reach out 📧 info@grimsbychamber.com
Last week, we were pleased to host an information session for local businesses on the Envision Grimsby 2051 Official Draft Plan, in partnership with the Town’s Planning team and the Downtown BIA.
While the session was intentionally business-focused and more intimate in size, it brought together representatives from key employers and community stakeholders for a meaningful and productive discussion. Members of the Town’s Planning department, including the new Director of Planning, joined us and walked attendees through the draft Official Plan, key policy directions, and areas identified for intensification.
Some of the projections shared included a target population of 50,000 residents and approximately 7,100 new jobs by 2051 – significant growth that will shape the future of our business community.
Important questions were raised around next steps in the approval process, the future GO Station, downtown parking considerations, and the protection of agricultural lands atop the Escarpment. These conversations matter. They ensure the business perspective remains part of the dialogue as major planning decisions move forward.
Overall, the session served as an important touchpoint, strengthening relationships, encouraging transparency, and reinforcing why large-scale municipal planning projects require collaboration and long-term vision.Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
If you have feedback you’d like us to share as the process continues, we encourage you to reach out 📧 info@grimsbychamber.com
Elevate|HER, an initiative in collaboration with the incredible GBF Community Services, is all about supporting and empowering two women in our community currently accessing GBF programs. This initiative, established in 2023, provides a meaningful “hand up” through donations of targeted and personally meaningful products and services – many from women-led businesses in our Chamber network and Grimsby community. This year, we invite you to be part of our 2026 Elevate|HER initiative by sponsoring our event and/or donating items that will make a direct (and lasting) impact on a woman and her family. Your generosity will help provide comfort, dignity, and essential support.
Be sure to scroll to see the incredible contributors so far! We’d love to add your logo! If you’d like to sponsor, reach out to us at info@grimsbychamber.com. We are looking for donated items to be dropped off to the Chamber office by end of day Friday, February 27, so we have time to coordinate the gift packages with the team at GBF. We are grateful for your consideration and continued generosity 💛 PS – As a thank-you, anyone sponsoring or donating $50 or more in monetary funds, items, or gift cards will receive a promo code for free registration to our ElevateHER Luncheon on Friday, March 6 at 1PM at the YMCA in Grimsby (the $10pp registration fee will be waived).
You can learn more and add your name to the luncheon waitlist HERE.
Elevate|HER, an initiative in collaboration with the incredible GBF Community Services, is all about supporting and empowering two women in our community currently accessing GBF programs. This initiative, established in 2023, provides a meaningful “hand up” through donations of targeted and personally meaningful products and services – many from women-led businesses in our Chamber network and Grimsby community. This year, we invite you to be part of our 2026 Elevate|HER initiative by sponsoring our event and/or donating items that will make a direct (and lasting) impact on a woman and her family. Your generosity will help provide comfort, dignity, and essential support.
Be sure to scroll to see the incredible contributors so far! We’d love to add your logo! If you’d like to sponsor, reach out to us at info@grimsbychamber.com. We are looking for donated items to be dropped off to the Chamber office by end of day Friday, February 27, so we have time to coordinate the gift packages with the team at GBF. We are grateful for your consideration and continued generosity 💛 PS – As a thank-you, anyone sponsoring or donating $50 or more in monetary funds, items, or gift cards will receive a promo code for free registration to our ElevateHER Luncheon on Friday, March 6 at 1PM at the YMCA in Grimsby (the $10pp registration fee will be waived).
You can learn more and add your name to the luncheon waitlist HERE.
THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS
Fast-Track Connections in collaboration with the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce was a great evening!
Our annual Fast-Track Connections in collaboration with the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce was a great evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration!
The event brought together a strong mix of Grimsby Chamber and Stoney Creek Chamber members, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for meaningful introductions and new connections. Hosted at The Express Italian Eatery, we have to say the space was an ideal setting for speed networking – spacious, comfortable, and well-suited for one-on-one conversations throughout each round. Great venue selection, Brenda and her Stoney Creek team!
We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the team at The Express Italian Eatery for their outstanding hospitality. From the attentive service to the food and drinks provided, everything was thoughtfully executed and warmly delivered. Many attendees shared positive feedback about both the experience and the menu, and we’re grateful for the care and professionalism shown by the entire team.
We also want to thank our friends at the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce for their continued partnership and for helping bring another successful Fast-Track Connections event to life! These collaborative events offer a valuable opportunity to expand networks beyond our immediate communities, meet professionals working across different regions, and create connections that often extend well beyond the room.
As a reminder, members of the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce receive 20% off a Stoney Creek Chamber membership, and Stoney Creek members receive the same discount when joining the Grimsby Chamber – a great benefit of this ongoing partnership.
Overall, it was an evening filled with engaged conversations, steady energy, and a shared willingness to connect. We hope attendees left feeling encouraged, supported, and inspired by the relationships started throughout the night.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to hosting more collaborative events like this in the future!
Our annual Fast-Track Connections in collaboration with the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce was a great evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration!
The event brought together a strong mix of Grimsby Chamber and Stoney Creek Chamber members, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for meaningful introductions and new connections. Hosted at The Express Italian Eatery, we have to say the space was an ideal setting for speed networking – spacious, comfortable, and well-suited for one-on-one conversations throughout each round. Great venue selection, Brenda and her Stoney Creek team!
We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the team at The Express Italian Eatery for their outstanding hospitality. From the attentive service to the food and drinks provided, everything was thoughtfully executed and warmly delivered. Many attendees shared positive feedback about both the experience and the menu, and we’re grateful for the care and professionalism shown by the entire team.
We also want to thank our friends at the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce for their continued partnership and for helping bring another successful Fast-Track Connections event to life! These collaborative events offer a valuable opportunity to expand networks beyond our immediate communities, meet professionals working across different regions, and create connections that often extend well beyond the room.
As a reminder, members of the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce receive 20% off a Stoney Creek Chamber membership, and Stoney Creek members receive the same discount when joining the Grimsby Chamber – a great benefit of this ongoing partnership.
Overall, it was an evening filled with engaged conversations, steady energy, and a shared willingness to connect. We hope attendees left feeling encouraged, supported, and inspired by the relationships started throughout the night.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to hosting more collaborative events like this in the future!
A successful Chamber Spark to kick off February 2026!
Our first Chamber Spark event of the year took place on Thursday, February 5 at Bright Workspace, and needless to say, it was wonderful!
We want to send a heartfelt thank you to Bright Workspace for hosting and sponsoring the event and for being such thoughtful collaborators. The welcoming atmosphere, pizza, wine, and refreshments, really helped set the tone for an engaging and enjoyable evening of connection.
The room was full of energy, with a strong mix of returning attendees and new faces. From the moment the event began, members were eager to introduce themselves, start conversations, and make the most of the time together, which we always love to see! Chamber Spark continues to be one of our most engaged networking events, one where connections made in the room often translate into meaningful collaborations beyond the event itself.
Many thanks to Board members, Justin Iacoboni and Serina Carbone, for guiding us through our presentation and helping make everyone feel comfortable! We appreciate you both so much.
And finally, thank you to everyone who joined us and chose to spend their Thursday evening connecting with the Chamber community. We’re looking forward to hosting another Chamber Spark in Q2 and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events as we continue through Q1!
Our first Chamber Spark event of the year took place on Thursday, February 5 at Bright Workspace, and needless to say, it was wonderful!
We want to send a heartfelt thank you to Bright Workspace for hosting and sponsoring the event and for being such thoughtful collaborators. The welcoming atmosphere, pizza, wine, and refreshments, really helped set the tone for an engaging and enjoyable evening of connection.
The room was full of energy, with a strong mix of returning attendees and new faces. From the moment the event began, members were eager to introduce themselves, start conversations, and make the most of the time together, which we always love to see! Chamber Spark continues to be one of our most engaged networking events, one where connections made in the room often translate into meaningful collaborations beyond the event itself.
Many thanks to Board members, Justin Iacoboni and Serina Carbone, for guiding us through our presentation and helping make everyone feel comfortable! We appreciate you both so much.
And finally, thank you to everyone who joined us and chose to spend their Thursday evening connecting with the Chamber community. We’re looking forward to hosting another Chamber Spark in Q2 and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events as we continue through Q1!
Our first event of 2026 was a success! BA5 at Vaultra Storage recap
Last night’s Business After 5 at Vaultra Storage marked our first Chamber event of 2026, and it was a fantastic way to kick off the year!
The space was full, the energy was high, and it was great to see a mix of familiar faces and new members joining us. After a busy holiday season, it felt good to reconnect, ease back into networking, and start the year with meaningful conversations and fresh connections.
A sincere thank you to Vaultra Storage, and especially Stacey (Senior Manager, Business Development), Iolanda (Customer Service & Property Manager), and Don (Site Manager), for being such welcoming and thoughtful hosts. From the warm hospitality to the informative conversations shared throughout the evening, our members truly enjoyed learning more about Vaultra’s storage solutions and how they support both personal and business needs.
As a reminder, Vaultra Storage offers a Chamber member special, so if you’re considering storage this year, be sure to ask about that exclusive benefit!
We’re also grateful for the generous food, refreshments, and takeaway bags provided for each guest, complete with some great Vaultra Storage swag. Every detail reflected the care and intention that went into hosting our Chamber community.
Thank you as well to MPP Sam Oosterhoff for generously donating a door prize! We truly appreciate the continued support.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us. It was a wonderful way to reconnect, welcome new members, and start building momentum for collaboration and community in 2026.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event and continuing this great start to the year!
Last night’s Business After 5 at Vaultra Storage marked our first Chamber event of 2026, and it was a fantastic way to kick off the year!
The space was full, the energy was high, and it was great to see a mix of familiar faces and new members joining us. After a busy holiday season, it felt good to reconnect, ease back into networking, and start the year with meaningful conversations and fresh connections.
A sincere thank you to Vaultra Storage, and especially Stacey (Senior Manager, Business Development), Iolanda (Customer Service & Property Manager), and Don (Site Manager), for being such welcoming and thoughtful hosts. From the warm hospitality to the informative conversations shared throughout the evening, our members truly enjoyed learning more about Vaultra’s storage solutions and how they support both personal and business needs.
As a reminder, Vaultra Storage offers a Chamber member special, so if you’re considering storage this year, be sure to ask about that exclusive benefit!
We’re also grateful for the generous food, refreshments, and takeaway bags provided for each guest, complete with some great Vaultra Storage swag. Every detail reflected the care and intention that went into hosting our Chamber community.
Thank you as well to MPP Sam Oosterhoff for generously donating a door prize! We truly appreciate the continued support.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us. It was a wonderful way to reconnect, welcome new members, and start building momentum for collaboration and community in 2026.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event and continuing this great start to the year!
Recycling Survey Open Now: Your Input Matters!
As of January 1, 2026, Niagara Region stopped providing curb-side recycling pickup for small businesses. In response, the Town of Grimsby has approved the continuation of once-a-week recycling service for 49 downtown businesses and organizations throughout 2026.
To help plan next steps and ensure local businesses are supported, the Town of Grimsby, Downtown Grimsby BIA, and the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce are asking for your input.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share how these changes may affect you. Your feedback will help guide future planning and advocacy.
As of January 1, 2026, Niagara Region stopped providing curb-side recycling pickup for small businesses. In response, the Town of Grimsby has approved the continuation of once-a-week recycling service for 49 downtown businesses and organizations throughout 2026.
To help plan next steps and ensure local businesses are supported, the Town of Grimsby, Downtown Grimsby BIA, and the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce are asking for your input.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share how these changes may affect you. Your feedback will help guide future planning and advocacy.
Take the survey today! Click the button above or head to: grimsbyrecycling2026.com
Chamber Benefits That Support You & Your Business
Meridian Credit Union
Meridian has partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to help you grow your business with exclusive banking offers and fantastic perks for your employees. Learn more.
Elavon’s March & April Promotion
Limited-Time Offer: $100 statement credit for all new members Promotion Period:March 1 – April 30, 2026
During March and April, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $100 statement credit. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time, and we want to ensure your members are among the first to benefit. Learn more.
Chamber’s Plan – one of our most popular benefits!
Are you interested in affordable Group Insurance Benefits that won’t break the bank? Call Jeremy at Garrett Group 905-468-8575 to get a quote on group benefits through the Chambers of Commerce Employee Benefits Program. Click here to find out more!
HR Covered
We are excited and pleased to announce a new member benefit program with HR Covered, arranged by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. All Grimsby & District Chamber Members now have access to several offerings from HR Covered at no charge.Click here to find out more.
Meridian has partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to help you grow your business with exclusive banking offers and fantastic perks for your employees. Learn more.
Elavon’s March & April Promotion
Limited-Time Offer: $100 statement credit for all new members Promotion Period:March 1 – April 30, 2026
During March and April, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $100 statement credit. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time, and we want to ensure your members are among the first to benefit. Learn more.
Chamber’s Plan – one of our most popular benefits!
Are you interested in affordable Group Insurance Benefits that won’t break the bank? Call Jeremy at Garrett Group 905-468-8575 to get a quote on group benefits through the Chambers of Commerce Employee Benefits Program. Click here to find out more!
HR Covered
We are excited and pleased to announce a new member benefit program with HR Covered, arranged by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. All Grimsby & District Chamber Members now have access to several offerings from HR Covered at no charge.Click here to find out more.
Career Conversations with Ontario Career Lab – Collaborate to help inspire the next generation!
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THEONTARIO CAREER LAB
We are reaching out to invite you to be part of an exciting initiative that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of Ontario’s workforce through the Ontario Career Lab. Ontario Career Lab is hosting a Career Conversations event at one of Grimsby’s local high schools. This project is funded through the Ministry of Education.
We’re looking for volunteers from all career backgrounds, educational and direct to work pathways to share their career journeys with Grade 9 & 10 students…your path, your insights, your “how I got here.” The Career Conversations event is informal and conversational; no formal presentation required, just a genuine conversation that can spark possibilities for students who are just starting to explore their futures.
Students will be placed in small groups of approximately six, with one volunteer, or “Career Coach,” per group. Our staff will be there throughout the event, along with teachers, and we’ll provide question prompt cards to help guide the conversation if needed.
Here are the event details:
Local Grimsby High School (Location TBA once individual has registered) Wednesday, February 25, 2026 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM VIEW INFORMATIONAL PDF
We would love to have you or one of your staff members participate to represent your business and the career pathways available to students who will make up our future workforce in West Niagara. I’ve attached our postcard flyer with additional details.
Once you have completed the form you will receive an email to complete an online background check. We’ll receive the results within minutes. The background check is a mandatory component as we will be working with students.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Becky van Mil, Program Manager with Ontario Career Lab at bvanmil@hiec.on.ca or by telephone at (289) 439-3543.
We look forward to collaborating with you to help inspire the next generation.
We are reaching out to invite you to be part of an exciting initiative that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of Ontario’s workforce through the Ontario Career Lab. Ontario Career Lab is hosting a Career Conversations event at one of Grimsby’s local high schools. This project is funded through the Ministry of Education.
We’re looking for volunteers from all career backgrounds, educational and direct to work pathways to share their career journeys with Grade 9 & 10 students…your path, your insights, your “how I got here.” The Career Conversations event is informal and conversational; no formal presentation required, just a genuine conversation that can spark possibilities for students who are just starting to explore their futures.
Students will be placed in small groups of approximately six, with one volunteer, or “Career Coach,” per group. Our staff will be there throughout the event, along with teachers, and we’ll provide question prompt cards to help guide the conversation if needed.
Here are the event details:
Local Grimsby High School (Location TBA once individual has registered) Wednesday, February 25, 2026 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM VIEW INFORMATIONAL PDF
We would love to have you or one of your staff members participate to represent your business and the career pathways available to students who will make up our future workforce in West Niagara. I’ve attached our postcard flyer with additional details.
Once you have completed the form you will receive an email to complete an online background check. We’ll receive the results within minutes. The background check is a mandatory component as we will be working with students.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Becky van Mil, Program Manager with Ontario Career Lab at bvanmil@hiec.on.ca or by telephone at (289) 439-3543.
We look forward to collaborating with you to help inspire the next generation.
Destination Niagara Strategy: What It Means for Local Businesses
The Province of Ontario has launched the Destination Niagara Strategy, a long-term plan designed to protect and grow Ontario’s economy by unlocking the full tourism potential of the Niagara region.
For local businesses, this strategy signals new opportunities for growth, investment, and increased visitor spending – not just in Niagara Falls, but across rural and small communities throughout the region.
The strategy reimagines Niagara as Ontario’s Playground — where falls, fun, food, wine, and culture come together. While Niagara Falls remains a global draw, the Province is intentionally encouraging visitors to explore beyond traditional tourism hubs and into local communities, farms, restaurants, shops, and experience-based businesses.
Niagara already welcomes more than 13 million visitors annually, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, agriculture, retail, and service sectors. The Destination Niagara Strategy aims to build on this momentum by encouraging longer stays, broader exploration, and deeper local economic impact.
Five Pillars Driving Regional Growth
Investment and development under the Destination Niagara Strategy are focused on five priority areas: > Tourism attractions > World-class gaming > Wine and culinary tourism > Arts and culture > Transportation development
Together, these pillars are designed to increase visitation, improve access, and strengthen economic activity across the entire region.
What This Means Locally: Agriculture, Wine & Agritourism
Niagara is Canada’s largest wine-producing region, responsible for 86% of Ontario’s grape production and nearly two-thirds of Canada’s total grape and wine output. Beyond vineyards, the region’s farms, greenhouses, and food producers play a critical role in shaping Niagara’s economy and identity.
The strategy places strong emphasis on agritourism and culinary tourism, aligning with growing visitor demand for authentic, locally rooted experiences. By elevating Niagara’s “taste of place,” the strategy supports: Farmers’ markets and farm-gate experiences Restaurants, wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries Culinary tourism and food-driven events Rural and small-town economic development
With Niagara restaurants gaining international recognition, including inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide, this attention benefits businesses well beyond major tourism corridors.
Targeted Investment in the Grape & Wine Sector
The Destination Niagara Strategy includes significant provincial investment to strengthen the long-term viability of Niagara’s grape and wine industry, including:
Ontario Grape Support Program: up to $35M annually over five years
Enhanced VQA Wine Support Program: $84M annually ($420M over five years)
Wine Boutique Support Program: $16.7M over five years
Up to $41M for irrigation infrastructure through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program
Increased LCBO promotion of Ontario-made and small-batch products
These investments support local producers, improve infrastructure, and expand market access.
Aligning with Niagara’s Tourism Growth
The Destination Niagara Strategy emphasizes authentic, locally rooted experiences that reflect Niagara’s agriculture, culture, and communities. As visitation grows and expands beyond traditional tourism hubs, businesses across many sectors may find new opportunities to benefit from increased regional activity.
Alignment can take many forms. Businesses may wish to consider how visitors discover information about their offerings, whether products or services could appeal to seasonal or visiting audiences, and how local partnerships or collaborations could enhance the overall visitor experience. Highlighting connections to local products, culture, or community — and strengthening digital visibility — can also help businesses connect with travellers planning their Niagara experience.
Tourism growth extends beyond attractions alone, creating broader economic impact through increased local spending and demand. Even small, thoughtful adjustments can help position businesses to respond as Niagara’s tourism and economic landscape continues to evolve.
The Province of Ontario has launched the Destination Niagara Strategy, a long-term plan designed to protect and grow Ontario’s economy by unlocking the full tourism potential of the Niagara region.
For local businesses, this strategy signals new opportunities for growth, investment, and increased visitor spending – not just in Niagara Falls, but across rural and small communities throughout the region.
The strategy reimagines Niagara as Ontario’s Playground — where falls, fun, food, wine, and culture come together. While Niagara Falls remains a global draw, the Province is intentionally encouraging visitors to explore beyond traditional tourism hubs and into local communities, farms, restaurants, shops, and experience-based businesses.
Niagara already welcomes more than 13 million visitors annually, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, agriculture, retail, and service sectors. The Destination Niagara Strategy aims to build on this momentum by encouraging longer stays, broader exploration, and deeper local economic impact.
Five Pillars Driving Regional Growth
Investment and development under the Destination Niagara Strategy are focused on five priority areas: > Tourism attractions > World-class gaming > Wine and culinary tourism > Arts and culture > Transportation development
Together, these pillars are designed to increase visitation, improve access, and strengthen economic activity across the entire region.
What This Means Locally: Agriculture, Wine & Agritourism
Niagara is Canada’s largest wine-producing region, responsible for 86% of Ontario’s grape production and nearly two-thirds of Canada’s total grape and wine output. Beyond vineyards, the region’s farms, greenhouses, and food producers play a critical role in shaping Niagara’s economy and identity.
The strategy places strong emphasis on agritourism and culinary tourism, aligning with growing visitor demand for authentic, locally rooted experiences. By elevating Niagara’s “taste of place,” the strategy supports: Farmers’ markets and farm-gate experiences Restaurants, wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries Culinary tourism and food-driven events Rural and small-town economic development
With Niagara restaurants gaining international recognition, including inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide, this attention benefits businesses well beyond major tourism corridors.
Targeted Investment in the Grape & Wine Sector
The Destination Niagara Strategy includes significant provincial investment to strengthen the long-term viability of Niagara’s grape and wine industry, including:
Ontario Grape Support Program: up to $35M annually over five years
Enhanced VQA Wine Support Program: $84M annually ($420M over five years)
Wine Boutique Support Program: $16.7M over five years
Up to $41M for irrigation infrastructure through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program
Increased LCBO promotion of Ontario-made and small-batch products
These investments support local producers, improve infrastructure, and expand market access.
Aligning with Niagara’s Tourism Growth
The Destination Niagara Strategy emphasizes authentic, locally rooted experiences that reflect Niagara’s agriculture, culture, and communities. As visitation grows and expands beyond traditional tourism hubs, businesses across many sectors may find new opportunities to benefit from increased regional activity.
Alignment can take many forms. Businesses may wish to consider how visitors discover information about their offerings, whether products or services could appeal to seasonal or visiting audiences, and how local partnerships or collaborations could enhance the overall visitor experience. Highlighting connections to local products, culture, or community — and strengthening digital visibility — can also help businesses connect with travellers planning their Niagara experience.
Tourism growth extends beyond attractions alone, creating broader economic impact through increased local spending and demand. Even small, thoughtful adjustments can help position businesses to respond as Niagara’s tourism and economic landscape continues to evolve.
