Niagara Knowledge Exchange

The Inclusive Edge: Its a Good I.D.E.A.
2025-11-10 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, 796 Buffalo Rd, Fort Erie, ON, L2A 5H2
Featuring a panel discussion with local changemakers, and a hands-on collaborative session. Includes a light breakfast and refreshments. Jeff A.D. Martin will also be attending this portion of the event!
Doors will open at 8:00 AM!
There is a discount for not-for-profit organizations or students. They can use the code: IDEA25 to waive the registration fee for not-for-profits or students. Or IDEAHalfOff for anyone else wishing to attend for a 50% Discount.
This event is sponsored by:

Niagara Region
United Way- Niagara
Fort Erie Multicultural Centre
Niagara Community Foundation
Meridian Credit Union
South Niagara Chamber of Commerce
Town of Fort Erie
Little Red Coffee & Catering

NPRN Film Night - It's Basic
2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2r3m2, Canada
NPRN is hosting a film screening of the documentary “It’s Basic” on November 13th at the Performing Arts Centre.
The film follows those spearheading the movement to combat inequality and poverty.
This FREE community screening is presenting in partnership with the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network and Brock University Department of Sociology and Criminology

Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring Training In Person Series
2025-11-17 10:00 - 15:00 | White Oaks Resort & Spa, 253 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0, Canada
Come and learn about inclusive recruitment and hiring practices in four sessions antiracism, newcomers, disability, and neurodiversity.

In this two day, four part series you will learn about how to incorporate inclusive practices into your recruitment and hiring processes. This event is organized by Niagara Region for the Niagara Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community of Practice member organizations.
On January 15, 2026, join Jeff Tiessen from Mindset to discuss Disability Literacy 101: Inclusion Education for the Workplace. Join a buffet lunch from noon to 1pm. Then listen to Specialisterne about Neuro-Inclusive Recruitment and Management.

Enhancing Health Through Fitness With Brock University
2025-11-17 14:30 - 16:00 | Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Game Way, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Join us each month as we engage in activities of self-care to promote positive brain health and meaningful connections. We welcome anyone who is looking to relax and have fun!
Participate in an exercise class and learn more about the Brock Functional Inclusive Training (Bfit) program through Brock University which aims to improve overall health and enhance quality of life through exercise and activity. No experience needed and all abilities are welcome.
Free and accessible parking available. Transportation available if needed.
Funding provided by the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/caregiverwellness

Elevate: The Conference for Non-Profits
2025-11-20 08:00 - 14:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton Fallsview, 6039 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 2A5, Canada
Supporting and strengthening the region’s non-profit sector, this inaugural conference will bring together professionals from across Niagara for a day of learning, connection, and collaboration. Hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and the Non-Profit Advisory Council, the event aims to empower organizations at every level to grow their impact and build a stronger, more resilient community.

Disorientation and Losing One’s Way
2025-11-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region, 1-403 Ontario St., St. Catharines, ON, L2N 1L5, Canada
The Navigating Responsive Behaviours Series is an opportunity to explore and understand changes in behaviour and learn helpful strategies to support people living with dementia.
Disorienting symptoms of dementia can cause a person living with dementia to walk away from home unattended, with the risk of becoming lost. Join us as we discuss possible causes, and tips and strategies to support a person living with dementia as they experience disorientation and may become lost.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

Community Café for World Sustainable Transportation Day
2025-11-26 18:30 - 21:00 | Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Game Way, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Community Cafés are free public gatherings that spark open conversation on sustainability and local challenges. This session focuses on sustainable transportation, exploring how communities can support safe, affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly ways to move. Hear insights from UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability, Liette Vasseur, along with expert speakers in transportation, public health, and sustainability. Join us for meaningful dialogue, questions, and refreshments.

CANADA TALKS - The Interactive Documentary in Canada
2025-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Brock University – Main Campus – Sankey Chamber, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C3, Canada
“An Incomplete History of the Interactive Documentary in Canada”
A presentation and discussion with Dr. Michael Brendan Baker, Sheridan College, co-editor and co-author of the book The Interactive Documentary in Canada (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2024)
In the early 2000s, Canada made a push to become a global leader in the developing field of interactive documentaries, or i-docs. This effort was led in large measure by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), a state-funded film studio that had long been known for its commitment to three things: 1) nonfiction filmmaking and documentary representation; 2) advancing the state of the art through technical and technological sophistication; and 3) politically engaged and socially committed filmmaking. In many ways the launch of the NFB’s Digital Studio in 2008 was a continuation and an expansion of these traditions. It placed Canada at the cutting edge of the digital interactive documentary in all its many forms. This lecture will revisit this history, highlight some of its most significant projects, and discuss its contemporary relevance.

A Niagara Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Jamie Williams
2025-12-04 14:00 - 2025-12-14 21:00 | Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C3, Canada
‘A Niagara Christmas Carol’ is a uniquely Canadian take on the traditional story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption. In partnership with the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, and in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Welland Canal Company and the construction of the Canal itself, Dickens’ beloved holiday ghost story is set in 19th century St. Catharines at the time of the Canal’s build.

Getting Connected
2025-12-05 12:00 - 14:30 | Amici’s Banquet And Conference Centre, 2740 Merrittville Highway, Thorold, ON, L0S 1E5, Canada
If you teach adult learners, guide job seekers as an employment coach, or serve on the frontlines of social services, this event is designed with you in mind.
An afternoon with engaging activities and professional learning opportunities. This event is a great way to connect with colleagues across adult education, employment, social assistance and skilled trades services.

Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring Training In Person Series
2025-12-09 10:00 - 15:00 | White Oaks Resort & Spa, 253 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0, Canada
Come and learn about inclusive recruitment and hiring practices in four sessions antiracism, newcomers, disability, and neurodiversity.

In this two day, four part series you will learn about how to incorporate inclusive practices into your recruitment and hiring processes. This event is organized by Niagara Region for the Niagara Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community of Practice member organizations.
On Dec. 9 Sherri Darlene will discuss Anti-Racism Recruitment and Hiring is her presentation, Fibres in the Fabric starting at 10 am. Network with other participants over a buffet lunch. After lunch starting at 1 pm listen to a panel of professionals from YMCA discuss supporting and welcoming newcomers into the Canadian workforce.

Niagara Workforce Coalition Breakfast
2025-12-11 08:30 - 11:30 | White Oaks Resort & Spa, 253 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0, Canada
Come together with fellow coalition members and community partners for our Workforce Coalition Breakfast! This gathering is all about celebrating progress, sharing success stories, and connecting over the exciting work happening across our network. Enjoy breakfast, conversation, and inspiration as we continue building a stronger, more vibrant workforce community.

Disability Literacy 101: Inclusion Education for the Workplace
2025-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
In this session, Jeff Tiessen will guide participants toward progressive, unbiased and fresh perspectives when it comes to disability through authentic lived experience and storytelling. In keeping with a Growth Mindset philosophy, Tiessen champions inclusion culture with content that provides comfort and confidence when engaging with colleagues and customers with various disabilities. Discover nuances of disability language and explore disability etiquette, gain new strategies to challenge ableist beliefs and unconscious bias, and insights into well-intentioned micro-aggressions and “inspiration exhaustion”. A catalyst for employee empathy, engagement and allyship.

Neuro-Inclusive Recruitment & Management
2025-12-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Presented by Specialisterne, this session will introduce the concept of neurodiversity, including various diagnoses and identities, and foster the use of inclusive language when discussing neurodiversity. It will highlight the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce by focusing on capabilities rather than limitations. Participants will be able to identify barriers faced by neurodivergent candidates in the recruitment process. You will learn about inclusive recruitment practices, including how to write accessible job postings and use inclusive language within their organizations. The session will explore accessible workplace communication and environments.

Niagara Funders Alliance- Funders Roundtable
2025-12-12 08:00 - 12:00 | Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
We are pleased to announce that the Niagara Funders Alliance- Funders Roundtable event is back! This unique “speed-dating” style event gives charities and nonprofits the opportunity to meet Niagara’s funders face-to-face and learn about:

Granting priorities
Due dates and,
Application processes

With 13 funders in the room, this event is a MUST for any charities planning their 2026 development calendar.
FUNDERS PRESENT:
Branscombe Family Foundation
City of Niagara Falls- Cultural Development Fund
City of St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program
Meridian
Niagara Casinos
Niagara Community Foundation
Ontario- Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Gaming
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund:
Ontario Trillium Foundation
PenFinancial
TD Friends of the Environment
United Way Niagara
Wise Guys Charity Fund

Wreath Making Workshop
2025-12-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Trillium United Church, Ruby Carroll Hall, 415 Linwell Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Join us each month as we engage in activities of self-care to promote positive brain health and meaningful connections. We welcome anyone who is looking to relax and have fun!
Get creative with Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre for hands-on holiday wreath making workshop.
Free and accessible parking available. Transportation available if needed.
Transportation available if needed. Space is limited. Registration may close early if capacity reached.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/caregiverwellness

Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail
2025-12-18 16:30 - 20:00 | Downtown St. Catharines
Join us downtown for the Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail on Thursday, December 4 and Thursday, December 18 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy two Late Night Shopping dates, plus free hot chocolate, gift wrapping, kids crafts, photo booth, community caroling, and 30+ retail shops open late. Complete the Holiday Trail Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $500 Downtown Gift Card + a Harlem Globetrotters Family Prize Pack! To see everything happening for the holidays – including promotions, events, and the Holiday Trail map – visit MyDowntown.ca/Holidays

Neighbourhood Micro Grants - City of St. Catharines Deadline
2026-01-01 - 2026-03-31 | ON
The Neighbourhood Micro Grants pilot project seeks to support grassroots initiatives within the City of St. Catharines that aim to improve the social, economic, and cultural well-being of local neighbourhoods.
All projects supported through this program must be free and accessible, hosted at a city-owned park or facility, and be either a one-time event or a series of events taking place within a maximum of a one-month period.
Approved applicants may be awarded between $500 and $1,500 per project. The grant awarded to each applicant is at the discretion of the Special Event Fee Reduction Task Force.
How to Apply
Applications for projects taking place between June 1, 2026, and Nov. 30, 2026, will be accepted from Jan. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026
Apply beginning Jan. 1, 2026: https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/applications-licences-and-permits/neighbourhood-micro-grants.aspx

Maintaining a Healthy Brain
2026-01-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Online via Zoom
Join us during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month as we explore the 12 modifiable risk factors that can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

BCM Insurance Community Grants Program Deadline
2026-01-12 - 2026-02-02 | ON
Each year, BCM Insurance allocates funds to give back to the local community, aiming to create positive social, environmental, and economic impacts. Our goal is to help build sustainable, livable, and thriving communities throughout Niagara.
140+ years in the Niagara Region.
With over 140 years operating in the Niagara Region, BCM has a strong understanding of the territory. We are committed to supporting deserving projects and organizations, helping them achieve their missions, and continuing to do great work for the region’s future.
For the 2026 grant year, BCM Insurance is offering $50,000 in total funding. BCM will offer $5,000 to ten (10) organizations who meet the eligibility requirements. Applications Close February 2. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 PM.
For grant application information, please visit: https://bcminsurance.com/community-grants-program/application-form/

Niagara Community Foundation: 2026 Environmental Grant Application
2026-01-19 12:00 | ON
We are pleased to share with you that our 2026 Environmental Grant applications are now OPEN for submission. NCF’s Environmental Grant program is a flexible and responsive grant focusing on bringing partners together in our community to create a collaborative approach to meeting the environmental challenges we are facing.
This grant program supports rural and urban environment projects and we invite charities, municipalities, environmental stewardship groups, volunteer groups and youth led initiatives that meet the eligibility requirements to apply.
Applications are due Monday, January 19, 2026 at noon.
All applicants are required to have a grant consult with our Director of Grants & Community Initiatives, JoAnne Krick, a minimum of seven days before the application deadline. Please email JoAnne at your earliest convenience to set up a time to chat.

What's Your Story- Nonprofit Communications
2026-01-20 08:30 - 11:00 | Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
In partnership with Armstrong Strategy Group, Niagara Community Foundation is excited to announce our next Professional Development Opportunity.
Join us on Wednesday, January 21st for a Seminar in Nonprofit Communications with Jocelyn Titone, Development Officer with Brock University.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY??
This event will be exploring the fundamentals of storytelling, what mediums to use, the importance of audience and key messaging and best practices for nonprofit communications. Registration is now open! Don’t miss it.

Fibers in the Fabric: Anti-Racism Recruitment and Hiring
2026-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Sherri Darlene presents Fibers in the Fabric Workshop, which reflects the fundamentals of racism’s durability within the workforce. It seeks to understand and recognize what racism looks like in recruitment and hiring. Participants will learn how to move the needle forward, toward real-world, effective anti-racism practices at every level, in every system, and across every sector.

Supporting and Welcoming Newcomers into the Canadian Workforce
2026-01-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Hear from four panelists from the YMCA will bring their personal experiences and knowledge in working with newcomers from around the world. The discussion will center on ways to better support newcomers as they integrate into the Canadian workforce.
We’ll explore common barriers, strategies to overcome them, and approaches to fostering culturally inclusive and welcoming workplaces.

Brock Cares Volunteer Fair
2026-01-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Calling all community organizations! Join us on Thursday January 22, 2026 from 11am to 2pm in Market Hall for our Brock Cares Volunteer Fair. This is the best opportunity to connect with students and promote volunteer opportunities with your organization!
Registration is $25 per table. Please complete and submit the registration form by end of day on Tuesday January 20th, 2025
We look forward to hosting you on campus!

STEM by Steph presents: Digital Alchemy - Transforming Science into Art
2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:30 | Niagara Falls History Museum, 5810 Ferry Street, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 1S9, Canada
A STEM by Steph hands-on workshop exploring the fascinating intersection of chemistry and art through the beauty of crystal formation.
Dive into the chemistry behind crystals while crafting their own shimmering crystalline artwork to take home. Guided by Niagara Falls artist Samantha Fickel (Graduate of the Chicago Art & Tech Institute), this session combines creativity, experimentation, and discovery.
Special guest Dr Melanie Pilkington, a renowned expert and Crystalline Lab Supervisor at Brock University, will share insights into the molecular magic of crystal growth and its scientific applications. Perfect for curious minds, this workshop offers an inspiring blend of learning, making, and marveling at nature’s geometric brilliance.

Paint Afternoon
2026-01-26 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 engage in activities of self-care to promote positive brain health and meaningful connections. We welcome anyone who is looking to relax and have fun!
Enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon of painting, and enjoy some snacks, refreshments, and good company! Instructor Laurie will guide us through an interactive painting session, and you will be able to take home your masterpiece at the end. No experience required – all materials are provided. Wear clothes you may get paint on.
Transportation available if needed.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/caregiverwellness

Navigating Late Day Confusion
2026-01-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region, 1-403 Ontario St., St. Catharines, ON, L2N 1L5, Canada
The Navigating Responsive Behaviours Series is an opportunity to explore and understand changes in behaviour and learn helpful strategies to support people living with dementia.
Late day confusion (also called “sundowning”) may cause a person living with dementia to become confused, anxious, upset, or restless later in the day. It may affect as many as 66% of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Join us as we discuss potential causes and tips and strategies for supporting a person experiencing late day confusion.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

Snowed In with Brad Boland
2026-01-29 10:30 - 12:00 | Trillium United Church, Ruby Carroll Hall, 415 Linwell Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Warm up with us at our winter social featuring entertainment by Brad Boland and some snowy photos and stories from the St. Catharines Museum’s Blizzard of 77′ archives.
Coffee and snacks provided!
Limited transportation available. Please inquire upon registration.
Register by calling Melissa at 905-687-6856 ext. 543 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/events

Black History Month in Canada 2026
2026-02-01 - 2026-02-28 | ON
Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The 2026 theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the enduring contributions of Black Canadians across time. It acknowledges the foundational role of nation builders—those who fought for civil rights, advanced social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape. At the same time, it looks forward to tomorrow’s visionaries, the emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining excellence in every field.
By framing the theme around “Black Brilliance Across Generations”, we emphasize continuity, resilience, and progress. It invites reflection on historical achievements while inspiring future possibilities, reinforcing that Black history is not only about the past but also about shaping Canada’s future. This approach fosters intergenerational dialogue, strengthens community pride, and aligns with the broader goal of equity and inclusion.
The theme also resonates with the milestone of 30 years, making it a moment to honour legacy, celebrate present contributions, and empower the next generation—a narrative that is both commemorative and forward-looking.
We invite all Canadians to learn more about Black Canadian communities, and how they continue to help shape Canada.
Additional Black History Month Resources
