Niagara Knowledge Exchange

March Break screening of E.T.
2026-03-14 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2r3m2, Canada
The Home Buying Team is hosting a FREE March Break screening of E.T. on March 14, 2026 at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
Families are invited to kick off March Break with a nostalgic, kid-friendly film experience. The event begins at 2:30pm and is open to the public at no cost.

Accessible Taxi Use in Niagara Survey offered by Niagara Region- Completion Deadline
2026-03-16 | Ontario
Note to community service providers in the Niagara region: Please pass on this opportunity for input to your employees, clients, or any other contacts.
Niagara Region wants your input on the availability of accessible private taxis in Niagara. Niagara Region does not offer or provide taxi services directly. We issue business licenses for taxis, including accessible taxis. Your feedback will help us understand the need for accessible taxis and will guide planning for private accessible taxis.
We want to hear from you if:

You have a disability and use or have used accessible taxis
You are a caregiver to someone with a disability who has used accessible taxis
You operate or have operated private taxicabs, including accessible taxicabs

This online survey will take about 3 minutes to complete. It is open until Monday, March 16, 2026. To complete the survey by phone or hard copy, or if you require another format, call 905-988-6000 ext. 3252.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.

"Like It Or Not" March Break Performance
2026-03-16 14:30 - 16:00 | Carousel Players, 366 St Paul Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 3N2, Canada
This funny and heartwarming play focuses on characters Zoey and Leah, who have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They still wear the friendship bracelets they made together at summer camp when they were seven! Now that they’re in grade six, things are beginning to change between them. Zoey is an athlete who loves soccer more than anything. Meanwhile, Leah is drawn to art, and especially to fashion, as her mom teaches her how to sew. Added to this mix, there’s a new very cool kid at school, Makayla, who is also into fashion, and who Leah wants to be like. As Leah begins to spend more time with Makayla and her popular crowd, Zoey feels like she’s losing her friend. And maybe Leah is losing herself, too, when she is given a smartphone, and starts to focus more and more on how many likes she is getting on social media.
Helping Zoey and Leah to navigate through these challenges are: Coach Dana, who has lots of inspirational advice about soccer and life; Madame LaGrange, their enthusiastic French teacher (who also sees herself as an artist!); and Zoey’s frazzled Mom who is trying to stay on top of everything while taking care of newborn twins.
Ideal for ages 8-12 and their families!
Includes interactive bracelet making activity after the show!

"Like It Or Not" March Break Performance
2026-03-17 15:00 - 17:00 | The Bank, Art House, 22 King St, Welland, ON, L3B 3H9, Canada

Options for Care
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online via Zoom
This webinar focuses on giving participants the opportunity to explore the care options that support persons living with dementia in the moderate to late stages of their journey.
Topics include:
– Exploring care in your home, retirement and long-term care
– Eligibility criteria
– Preparing for a move
– Strategies for meaningful visits
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

MARS Lecture Series Event - Policing Sex and Gender in Renaissance Florence
2026-03-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Policing Sex and Gender in Renaissance Florence featuring Professor Colin Rose
Early modern Florence was a bustling city of 50,000 souls, including high numbers of unmarried young men and relatively young widows. Many of these widows made their way into and through a network of civic and religious institutions designed to support and control them in a deeply patriarchal society; others joined a legal and regulated sex trade to attempt to provide for themselves and their families outside institutional orbits. Policing the latter to protect the former from the influence of the latter was critical to a program of moral reform imposed upon Florence by its second Duke, Cosimo I. Responsibility for the policing of Florentine sex work lay with the Ufficiali dell’Onestà, the Officers of Decency. This paper analyzes 30 years of sentences levelled by these men against women sex workers, their clients, and others embroiled in conflicts with them. By mapping these sentences and the incidents that provoked them against the religious and socioeconomic landscape of the early modern city, we better understand how moral reform, public order and patriarchal authority were spatially imposed upon the men and women of Renaissance Florence.
All Welcome, light refreshments served.

CIANALAS, Solo Exhibition by Julie Forrester Clark
2026-03-25 - 2026-04-26 | Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, 247 Ricardo Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, l0s1j0, Canada
The works of Julie Forrester Clark will be featured in the solo exhibit titled ‘Cianalas’ in the Joyner Gallery of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre from March 25 to April 26. The collection of paintings depict emotional landscapes inspired by Scotland’s coasts and islands.
All are welcome to the opening reception on Sunday, March 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM to meet the artist and experience her work firsthand. Remarks will be delivered at 2:30 pm.

The Osgoode Certificate in Consultation (and Beyond) with Indigenous Peoples
2026-03-25 - 2026-05-20 | Ontario
It’s HERE: The essential knowledge and guidance for anyone working in the consultation arena.
As First Nation, Indigenous and Canadian governments, communities and private industries navigate old and new challenges in consultation, it has never been more critical to have a deep understanding of how to engage thoughtfully and effectively with these complex issues.
Building upon Osgoode’s very successful Certificate in Fundamentals of Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Law, this interactive program is a deep dive into the legal and practical framework for consultation and accommodation with Indigenous peoples. A truly outstanding faculty of experts from across Canada – sharing insights and experiences from Indigenous, government and industry perspectives – will provide the foundational knowledge and practical strategies which will enhance your and your community or organization’s approach to consultation and ability to forge critical relationships.
This training was designed for both legal and non-legal professionals who want to advance their understanding of the history, the legal framework, and evolving trends and best practices in this complex area.
This program will build on the foundational learning of the Osgoode Certificate in Fundamentals in Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Law. Although not a formal pre-requisite for registration, completion of this certificate or significant previous training and/or work experience in this area is strongly recommended.
Space will be limited, so register early!
Bursary – Indigenous Learners
OsgoodePD Bursary for Indigenous Learners OsgoodePD offers financial assistance to individual learners who identify as Indigenous (defined as Status, Non-Status, Métis, and Inuit). A limited number of bursaries are available, and these will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Performance Pendulum: Leadership Program
2026-03-25 19:00 - 2026-05-13 19:00 | Online
This leadership program is designed to support skill development and capability across the eight requirements outlined in the Performance Pendulum™ framework.
Ideal for:

Current and emerging CEOs and Executive Directors
High-potential social profit leaders looking to grow

This online program delivers:

Sector-specific insight
Actionable tools
Opportunities for individual prioritization, reflection and group discussion

Upcoming Program Schedule:

Wednesday evenings at 7pm EST from March 25 – May 13, 2026

Investment:

$1,600 CDN per person, plus HST
3-4 hours weekly time commitment including online sessions

Keynote Speakers at Two Days of Canadian Sovereignty
2026-03-26 - 2026-03-27 | Brock University – Main Campus – Rankin Family Pavilion, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way - Room 214/215, St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C3, Canada
March 26, 2026
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
RFP 214/215
Two Days of Canadian Sovereignty Keynote Address featuring Professor Blayne Haggart
Professor of Political Science at Brock University. Dr. Haggart’s research focuses on the international political economy of knowledge, particulary intellectual property rights, data governance and Internet governance. His most recent book is The New Knowledge: Information, Data and the Remaking of Global Power (Bloomsbury, 2023), which he coauthored with Natasha Tusikov (York University).
March 26, 2026
5:00-6:15 p.m.
RFP 214/215
Two Days of Canadian Sovereignty Keynote Address featuring Professor P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Trent University
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the study of the Canadian North and a Professor with the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University. Dr. Lackenbauer is one of Canada’s foremost experts on Arctic history and contemporary Northern policy. His many publications include The Joint Artic Weather Stations: Science and Sovereignty in the High Arctic, 1946-1972 (with Daniel Heidt, University of Calgary Press, 2022.
March 27, 2026
5:00-6:15 p.m.
RFP 214/215
Two Days of Canadian Sovereignty Keynote Address featuring Professor Liam Midzain-Gobin
Associate Professor with the Department of Political Science at Brock University. His book Settler Colonial Sovereignty: Visions of Improvement and Indigenous Erasure was published in 2025 by McGill-Queen’s University Press.

Art Journaling Workshop
2026-03-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Kiwanis Aquatics Centre (Irene Locke Room), 425 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 4W8, Canada
Join us each month as we connect with community partners for interactive workshops that promote positive brain health, meaningful connections, and well-being.
Come out for an Art Journal workshop with Christine Royal, a local artist and registered psychotherapist. Christine encourages participants to engage with paint, stencils, stamps, colour, collage, writing, doodles etc. to take a break from the busyness of life. No art experience required, all materials will be provided.
Transportation available if needed.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/caregiverwellness

Downtown Bunny Trail
2026-03-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Market Square, 91 King St, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Spring is almost here, and we’re getting ready to hop into the season in Downtown St. Catharines. Join us on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11am to 1 pm for the Downtown Bunny Trail. This free, family-friendly Easter event invites kids to explore Downtown, follow the Bunny Trail map, search for golden eggs, and collect treats along the way.
The fun starts at Market Square (91 King Street), where registered participants will check in and receive their trail map before heading out to visit participating businesses. This is a free event but registration is required. To learn more, visit mydowntown.ca/bunnytrail.

Niagara Community Foundation David S. Howes Fund Grant Deadline 2026
2026-03-30 12:00 | Ontario
The David S. Howes Fund Grants Program is the Niagara Community Foundation’s largest grant program, honouring the legacy of the late David S. Howes.
Grant Making Priorities:

Post Secondary
Facilities
Research
Health-care Services
Education
Humanitarian Issues

Applications for the David S. Howes Fund must have a minimum ask of $25,000.

Line Dancing
2026-03-31 18:30 - 20:00 | Trillium United Church, Ruby Carroll Hall, 415 Linwell Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Join us each month as we connect with community partners for interactive workshops that promote positive brain health, meaningful connections, and well-being.
Come be part of a beginner-friendly evening with Line Dancing in Niagara and learn how to line dance! Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can move in.
Transportation available if needed.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/caregiverwellness

CAA Niagara Community Boost 2026 Application Deadline
2026-04-02 | Ontario
Each year, two local non-profit organizations are selected to receive one-time donations of $10,000, as well as various forms of volunteerism, marketing support, and fundraising assistance for the duration of 12 months. Additionally, the recipients’ branding are decaled on two new fleet vehicles to increase awareness in communities across Niagara.

Who Should Apply?

Registered non-profit or charitable organization serving the Niagara Region
Demonstrated community impact and measurable outcomes
Commitment to partnership and collaboration

Please note: support is limited to charitable and non-profit organizations only; Community Boost does not sponsor teams, individual pursuits, political groups, or organizations operating outside Niagara.
Applications for the 2026 Community Boost program will be accepted until April 2. Organizations can learn more and access the application form at caaniagara.ca/communityboost.

2026 Dodgeball Ontario Provincial Championships
2026-04-04 - 2026-04-05 | Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Game Way, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Get ready for Ontario’s biggest dodgeball event of the year! The 2026 Ontario Provincial Championships bring together the province’s best athletes for a weekend of competition, community, and incredible energy. Hosted at Canada Games Park, this state-of-the-art venue sets the stage for top-tier play, exciting matchups, and unforgettable moments on and off the court. Following the Official WDBF Dodgeball Ruleset (2022) for foam-style dodgeball, this event reflects Dodgeball Ontario’s commitment to growing the sport and creating meaningful opportunities for athletes across the province.

THE NON-PROFIT BLUEPRINT, HR and Hiring: Building Capacity for Stronger Impact
2026-04-08 09:00 - 2026-05-08 11:00 | Four Points by Sheraton, 3530 Schmon Pkwy, Thorold, Ontario, l2v 4y6, Canada
You’re doing meaningful work — but non-profits across Canada are experiencing unprecedented workforce instability driven by high turnover, chronic staffing shortages, reduced volunteer engagement, rising burnout, and increasing mental health concerns. These pressures directly impact organizational capacity, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.
This four-part series is designed to help non-profit leaders strengthen their organizations with practical, usable strategies. Each 90-minute session focuses on a key area of resilience and growth: creative HR and hiring solutions, donor communication for trust and retention, using digitization and technology to secure funding, and improving grant writing and reporting.

HR and Hiring: Building Capacity for Stronger Impact
Presenters: Marina Glencross and Sandra Stokes, S&G HR Consulting

Discover practical HR strategies tailored for nonprofit organizations. Learn how to improve hiring, retain great people, and build stronger, more resilient teams. Participants will leave with actionable ideas they can apply right away to better support their staff and mission.

Sessions take place at the Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines, 3530 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
Registration:
Non-profit organizations: $40/session plus tax
For more information and to register click here.

Aging Well, Living Fully: Biomechanics and Ergonomics for Sexual Well-Being
2026-04-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Game Way, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Join Brock University for a free thoughtful, practical session on sexual well-being as we age – an important (and often overlooked) part of overall health and quality of life. This session is designed for community members, practitioners, students, and researchers who want to better support healthy aging – whether in their own lives or in their work with older adults.
Presented by Dr. Richard Hughes, this talk uses a respectful, research-informed ergonomic approach to help match the physical demands of intimacy with the strength, flexibility, balance, and comfort of both partners. Dr. Hughes will introduce basic principles of biomechanics and apply them to real-life questions, including common age-related conditions such as arthritis, as well as hip precautions following total hip replacement.
The session will include time for Q&A.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register Here
For more information, please contact Ally Fast at afast@brocku.ca

Niagara Community Foundation 2026 Summer Camp Grants Application Deadline
2026-04-13 12:00 | Ontario
The Niagara Community Foundation Summer Camp program helps Niagara children in financial need to participate in a variety of camping and recreation experiences.
Summer Camp Grants support organizations that help children in financial need participate in a variety of Niagara Summer Camp experiences. This grant program is open to all registered charities or qualified donees.

The Niagara Older Adult Alliance (NOAA) Spring 2026 Lunch and Learn Forum
2026-04-15 11:30 - 16:00 | Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre, 162 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, ON, L3M 5P7
The Niagara Older Adult Alliance (NOAA) Spring 2026 Lunch and Learn Forum will be hosted by the Town of Grimsby on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Registration begins at 11:15 am. A light lunch will be served at the start of the event.
NOAA is an alliance of leaders from local municipal advisory committees across Niagara, advocating for the interests of older people and age-friendly actions in their communities. It’s a great chance to connect, share ideas, and learn more about supporting our older adult community right here in Niagara. Whether you’re a member or just curious, come along and be part of the conversation.
To join the NOAA group on April 15th and view the great line up of speakers, register at this link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/niagara-older-adult-alliance-noaa-spring-2026-forum-in-grimsby-tickets-1985239239005?aff=oddtdtcreator

Fostered Playwrights Festival - Tips For Living Without Your Dog by Brad Austin
2026-04-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Sons & Daughters Winery, 1389 Effingham Street, Ridgeville, ON, L0S 1E5, Canada
The first of four selections from emerging and established Canadian playwrights, professionally performed and directed in public readings.
Weekend passes and single tickets available.
The Foster Festival Box Office: 1.844.735.4832 x3 (MON-FRI, 10am-4pm).

Fostered Playwrights Festival - Euchre Night by Norm Foster
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Sons & Daughters Winery, 1389 Effingham Street, Ridgeville, ON, L0S 1E5, Canada
The second of four selections from emerging and established Canadian playwrights, professionally performed and directed in public readings.
Weekend passes and single tickets available.
The Foster Festival Box Office at 1.844.735.4832 x3 (MON-FRI, 10am-4pm).

Fostered Playwrights Festival - Every Little Thing by Emily Oriold
2026-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Sons & Daughters Winery, 1389 Effingham Street, Ridgeville, ON, L0S 1E5, Canada
The third of four selections from emerging and established Canadian playwrights, professionally performed and directed in public readings.
Weekend passes and single tickets available.
The Foster Festival Box Office at 1.844.735.4832 x3 (MON-FRI, 10am-4pm).

Fostered Playwrights Festival - Long Term Karen by Lisa Horner
2026-04-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Sons & Daughters Winery, 1389 Effingham Street, Ridgeville, ON, L0S 1E5, Canada
The fourth and final selection from emerging and established Canadian playwrights, professionally performed and directed in public readings.
Weekend passes and single tickets available.
The Foster Festival Box Office at 1.844.735.4832 x3 (MON-FRI, 10am-4pm).

Earth Day Canada 2026
2026-04-22 | Ontario
The theme of Earth Day Canada’s 2026 media campaign is Conscious Consumption. It encourages us to consume less, but better, in order to reduce our impact on the planet while improving our quality of life, without necessarily implying deprivation.
The Earth Day Canada campaign aims to encourage citizens, municipalities, organizations and businesses to commit to conscious practices, whether they are energy-related, material, digital, organizational, behavioral or collective. The goal: to promote a simpler, more inclusive and sustainable way of life, aligned with planetary boundaries.

THE NON-PROFIT BLUEPRINT, From Ask to Impact: Communicating for Donor Trust and Retention
2026-04-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Four Points by Sheraton, 3530 Schmon Pkwy, Thorold, Ontario, l2v 4y6, Canada
You’re doing meaningful work — but non-profits across Canada are experiencing unprecedented workforce instability driven by high turnover, chronic staffing shortages, reduced volunteer engagement, rising burnout, and increasing mental health concerns. These pressures directly impact organizational capacity, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.
This four-part series is designed to help non-profit leaders strengthen their organizations with practical, usable strategies. Each 90-minute session focuses on a key area of resilience and growth: creative HR and hiring solutions, donor communication for trust and retention, using digitization and technology to secure funding, and improving grant writing and reporting.
April 22
From Ask to Impact: Communicating for Donor Trust and Retention
Presenter: Allie Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer, Delta4Digital
Registration:
Non-profit organizations: $40/session plus tax
For more information and to register click here.

Building Safer Communities Grant Program Impact Event
2026-04-22 16:30 - 18:00 | MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2H 3N3, Canada
Niagara Region is pleased to be hosting the Building Safer Communities Grant Program Impact Event to celebrate and share the successes of programs funded through the Building Safer Communities Grant Program. The Grant Program supported community-based initiatives for children, youth, and young adults who are at risk of gun and gang involvement.
This event is an opportunity to learn how funded services work together across the community to support young people and families, with a focus on priority populations, including Black youth, girls and young women, Indigenous youth, and newcomer youth.

Candidates' Information Night for 2026 Municipal Election in the Niagara region
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Welland Community Centre, 145 Lincoln Street, Welland, Ontario, 145 Lincoln Street, Welland, Ontario, L3B 6E1, Canada
Attention, Niagara residents thinking of running in the 2026 Municipal Election: Please attend the Candidates Information Night on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Niagara residents interested in running in the 2026 Municipal Election should attend the Candidates Information Night, hosted by the City of Welland on behalf of all Niagara municipalities, at the Welland Community Centre (145 Lincoln Street, Welland). The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will outline what candidates can expect and how to prepare for the upcoming election.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The information session begins at 6 p.m.

2026 Census of Population and Census of Agriculture, Statistics Canada
2026-05-01 | Ontario
The 2026 Census, Statistics Canada, May 01 – 31, 2026
Every five years, Canadians are invited to participate in the census.
The Census of Population helps paint a statistical portrait of Canada’s diverse population and the places where we live by collecting demographic, social and economic information from households across Canada.
The Census of Agriculture is conducted at the same time and collects information about every agricultural operation in Canada.
The next census will take place in May 2026.

GO Open Data Conference 2026
2026-05-05 - 2026-05-06 | Ontario
Common Ground: Building Canada’s Open Digital Foundation – May 5-6, 2026
This conference will bring together government leaders, technology experts, and open data practitioners to explore how shared digital infrastructure can support better decision-making, stronger communities, and a more resilient public sector.
Across Canada, governments are investing in data, platforms, and analytics — but too often in isolation. This conference focuses on the common ground we need to build together: interoperable standards, trusted data, and open systems that allow information to flow securely across organizations and jurisdictions.
Through four core program areas, the conference will examine how Canada can move from fragmented digital assets to a coherent, open digital foundation:
Event Schedule
May 5, 2026 (Virtual): Interactive Workshops and Technical Deep-Dives.
May 6, 2026 (In-Person): Main Conference at Mississauga City Hall, 12th Floor.
2026 Conference Pillars:

Standards as the Blueprint: Ensuring interoperability and data validation.
Sovereignty, Security, and Trust: Navigating ethics, legalities, and digital twins.
Practical Implementation: Case studies and the business case for digital twins.
AI as the Potential Bridge: Exploring AI as a data “glue” or a source of new challenges.

Call for Submissions
Conference organizers are seeking speakers to lead the conversation. They welcome proposals for technical/applied presentations (30 minutes in length)
How to Apply: please send your proposal or inquiry to conference@go-opendata.ca
