Niagara Knowledge Exchange

Aging Well Longer with Technology for Older Adults and Caregivers
2025-10-14 08:30 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | Thorold Centre 50+, 8 Carleton St S, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
To register:
Please sign up at Thorold Centre 50+ Centre or call to reserve a seat 905-227-2161
(if you sign up and can’t make it, please cancel your reserved seat)
TechnologyForumAgenda-Poster-Oct 14-2025_Thorold Age-Friendly Committee

2025 Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival
2025-10-10 10:00 - 2025-10-13 17:00 | Balls Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, Ontario, L0R 1S0, Canada
Join us at the 51st Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival featuring 150+ unique craft and artisan vendors, the best in local food and craft beverages, live music and entertainment, and so much more!

Bicycle Friendly Community Program Webinar
2025-10-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
Have you ever wondered what The Share the Road Cycling Coalition’s Bicycle Friendly Community program is all about? Would you like your community to apply, but aren’t sure to begin? Are you wondering what the benefits are to the process and the designation? Then this webinar is for you!
We’re hosting an information webinar on October 9, 2025 from 2-3:30 p.m. Joining us for this informative session are: Andy Clarke, Director of Strategy at Toole Design and former President of the League of American Bicyclists and Coalition Board Members Waterloo Councilor Diane Freeman, and Dave McLaughlin, Senior Project Manager, National Active Transportation Planning and Design Lead Canada, WSP.
In 2010, The Share the Road Cycling Coalition brought the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) program to Canada in partnership with our colleagues at the Washington-based League of American Bicyclists.
Since the launch, 45 communities now enjoy a BFC designation, with 59% of Ontarians living in a Bicycle Friendly community. The benefits to the program are numerous and include awards for progress – and a roadmap with practical advice on how your municipality can become more bicycle-friendly.

To register for this webinar please email Aleks Duric, aleksandar@sharetheroad.ca
You will receive a link to the session via email.

Ageism in Health - Online Workshop
2025-10-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Online
This workshop will answer fundamental questions about Ageism’s impact on health and what can be done to enhance health outcomes by combating ageism:
What is ageism?

How does it affect older adults’ health?
How does it show up in health care?
What can we do to combat ageism and improve our health outcomes as we age?

The workshop includes research-based realities and tips alongside local, lived experiences.
Link to register: https://kitchener-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/dxeAw4KxTgGqG8TT8JhCqQ#/registration
Flyer – Ageism in Health Workshop

Legal & Financial Issues Related to Dementia
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Join our online webinar and learn more about:
– Powers of Attorney
– Substitute Decision Maker
– Capacity and Consent
– Role of the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
Presented by guest speaker Erich Knerr, Treatment Decisions Consultant, Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

Strengthening Families - After School Prevention Program
2025-10-08 16:00 - 2025-12-18 18:30 | Greater Fort Erie Secondary School, 1640 Garrison Rd,, Fort Erie, ON, L2A 5M4, Canada
Strengthening Families for the Future is a prevention program for families with children of all ages who may be at risk for substance misuse, depression, violence, delinquency, and school failure. Strengthening Families is effective because it involves the whole family. The goals of the program are to:

reduce children’s or adolescents’ intention to use alcohol and/or other drugs, and reduce other behaviour problems
increase children’s resilience and life skills
increase positive and effective parenting
increase family communication

Strengthening Families for the Future for Schools is a partnership between the District School Board of Niagara and The John Howard Society of Niagara.
This program is funded through Public Safety Canada.
This session we will be in 3 locations listed below.
Valley Way- Wednesday-September 24, 2025-December 17, 2025- Niagara Falls
GFESS- Tuesday- September 23, 2025- December 16, 2025- Fort Erie
Senator Gibson- Thursday-September 25, 2025-December 18, 2025- Beamsville
For further information regarding this program or to volunteer for this program please contact:
Layla Butler
LButler@jhs-niagara.ca

The Stakeout by Norm Foster
2025-10-02 14:00 - 2025-10-08 21:00 | Old Pelham Town Hall, 491 Canboro Road West, Fenwick, ON, L0S 1C0, Canada
Fresh off their dynamic performances in ‘On A First Name Basis’ earlier this season, The Foster Festival’s Artistic Director Emily Oriold and Artistic Associate Jamie Williams are back on stage together in Norm Foster’s brand-new one-act comedy, ‘The Stakeout.’
Emily and Jamie play two undercover cops staked out at a bus stop across from a suspected drug house. Their mission? Blend in while posing as a married couple — despite having just met. With nothing but time (and tension) on their hands, what could possibly go wrong? Come find out in this witty and sharply written comedy by Canada’s most produced playwright!
Declan (Paddyman) O’Sullivan will entertain with songs and stories on October 2 and Melissa-Marie Shriner will make your day a little brighter with songs from the 20s-60s, October 3–8.
Seasonal treats and wine, courtesy of our wonderful Foster Friends will also be available to purchase.

NCF Mini Grants - DEADLINE October 20 @ NOON
2025-09-28 08:00 - 2025-10-20 17:00 | Online
This year is a significant year for NCF. 2025 marks our 25th Anniversary! In honour of this milestone, we are making some changes to our granting amounts. We are pleased to announce that our Mini Grants have increased from $1,500 to $2,500
DEADLINE – OCTOBER 20 @ Noon

All Abuzz: Exploring the Intersection of Art, Science, and Pollinator Conservation
2025-09-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre, 3800 Main St, Jordan Station, ON, L0R1S0, Canada
Join the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre for a thought-provoking panel discussion that delves into the vital world of pollinators through the lenses of art, science, and environmental stewardship. Moderated by Dr. Adam Montgomery, Curator of Collections at the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre, this conversation brings together artist Amy Swartz (OCAD University) , biology professor Dr. Jim Staples (Western University) and Joanna Paul of the Xerces Society.
Together, the panel will explore the complex and fascinating relationships between humans and pollinators, from scientific insight and conservation strategies to creative interpretations and public engagement. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an artist, or a curious learner, this event offers a unique opportunity to consider how interdisciplinary collaboration can inspire awareness and action.
This talk takes place Saturday, September 27th from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Schoolhouse, in support of our current exhibit “All Abuzz.”

NRT Public Engagement Session
2025-09-27 07:00 - 2025-10-11 13:00
10-Year Investment and Growth Strategy

Niagara Transit’s roadmap to a unified and connected region.

The Niagara Transit Commission (NTC) is proud to announce its collaboration with consultant Left Turn Right Turn (LTRT) on the Facilities, Strategic Asset, and Service Network Master Plan. This comprehensive study, expected to take 18 months, will revolutionize public transit in Niagara by optimizing services for the next decade.
Upcoming Public Engagement Session:
September 27th – St. Catharines Farmers Market
October 11th – Niagara Falls Farmers Market

Heart Niagara’s 48th Annual General Meeting
2025-09-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Stone Mill Inn, 271 Merritt St, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2T 1K1, Canada
Join us for our 48th Annual General Meeting at the Stone Mill Inn!
Keynote Address by Bonnie Giampa, owner and creator of the 8 Week Challenge.
Bonnie will give insight on the merits of adding a healthy diet and exercise to your life!
Learn more about Bonnie and the 8 Week Challenge by visiting her website here https://8weekchallenge.com/

Late Stage, End Stage, Grief & Dying
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Join us via Zoom to:
– Explore what to expect in the late stages of dementia
– Discuss living with anticipatory loss and how this changes when your loved one is dying
– Understand the physical indicators of dying/approaching end of life
– Examine the emotional aspects of supporting the dying
– Consider strategies for adjusting after death
Guest Speakers:
– Joy Friesen – Manager, Community Programs, Hospice Niagara
– Jacklyne Isaak – Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region
We will also be joined by Nurse Practitioner and Niagara Community MAiD Assessor and Provider, Diane Gwartz, who will briefly discuss Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

Normal Aging vs Not Normal Aging
2025-09-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region, 1-403 Ontario St., St. Catharines, ON, L2N 1L5, Canada
Discover essential techniques like ‘Hand-under-hand’ in this workshop, designed for the middle to later stages of dementia. Learn to operate tools while your loved one actively participates, fostering a sense of control and involvement. Acquire skills that enhance communication and create a positive caregiving environment.
These newly learned skills will enhance communication and enable care partners to shift from simply “dealing with the behaviors” to creating a positive and caring environment.
Presented by Sarah Putman, Director of Education & PAC Certified trainer.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

Caregivers Corner - Paint Afternoon
2025-09-22 13:30 - 15:30 | St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatic Centre, 425 Carlton St - Irene Locke Room, St. Catharines, ON, 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.
Enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon of painting where you’ll create your own masterpiece!
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.
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

Culture Days - Niagara Region
2025-09-19 08:00 - 2025-10-12 17:00 | Various locations throughout the city, Niagara Region, ON, Canada
Come and celebrate Culture Days throughout Niagara! Join us from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12, 2025, as we celebrate art and culture through a diverse range of free live performances, workshops, and events. Culture Days is a nationwide initiative that brings together creators, artists, community groups, and institutions to offer free arts and cultural experiences to the public.
Each year, creators, grassroots community groups, public libraries, independent artists, collectives, municipalities, as well as major arts, culture, and heritage institutions participate in Culture Days by organizing free arts and culture events. In 2024, more than five million people across Canada attended thousands of events in their communities.
St. Catharines Events
Niagara Falls Events
Welland Events
Fonthill Events
Jordan Events

The Inclusive Edge: It's A Good I.D.E.A. An EDI Learning Series
2025-09-18 12:00 - 2025-10-30 13:00 | Fort Erie Leisureplex Banquet Hall, 3 Municipal Drive, Fort Erie, ontario, Canada
Fort Erie’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coalition presents the “The Inclusive Edge: It’s A Good I.D.E.A.” EDI Learning Series!
Local Businesses: this is your opportunity to lead inclusively. Three powerful sessions. One shared goal: a better more inclusive Niagara.
Event Details:
Session 1:
Thursday, September 18, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online Webinar – Featuring Jeff A.D. Martin – https://jeffadmartin.com/
Session 2:
Thursday, October 2, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online Webinar – Featuring Chris McQueen, CAO, Town of Fort Erie
Session 3:
Thursday, October 30, 2025
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
In-Person at Fort Erie Leisureplex Includes a light breakfast, panel discussion with local changemakers, and a hands-on collaborative session. Jeff A.D. Martin will also be attending this portion of the event!
We hope you will join us! Click here to Register today!

Nonprofit Data Capacity Summit
2025-09-18 08:30 - 16:30 | Marriot Courtyard Downtown Toronto, 475 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1X7, Canada
The Nonprofit Data Capacity Summit brings together nonprofit staff & leaders, intermediaries, funders and government for a day of engaging and meaningful cross-sector conversations.
The summit is designed to foster collaboration and offer strategies to help strengthen the sector’s capacity to create data-informed impact for the communities they serve.
The day will feature insightful presentations from leaders in the field and funding partners, along with breakout sessions focused on building data capacity, sharing tools and resources, and exploring what a more connected, equitable future state of nonprofit data could look like.

Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship - Workshop Series
2025-09-16 12:00 - 2025-11-11 13:30 | Brock University – Main Campus – Rankin Family Pavilion, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way - Room 214/215, St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C3, Canada
Are you thinking about launching a small business and looking to learn the key aspects of entrepreneurship?
Join the Brock LINC for a series of workshops designed for young entrepreneurs to learn about the key areas of entrepreneurship and starting a business.
These workshops are open to anyone interested in learning more about how to get started as an entrepreneur.
All workshops are from 12:00 – 1:30 pm.
Participation can be in-person or online.
There is no cost to attend, and registration is required.
The full list of dates, topics, and sign-up form) HERE

The 2025 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo
2025-09-16 - 2025-09-20 | Niagara West Agricultural Society Grounds, 7402 Mud St. W., Grassie, ON, L0R1M0, Canada
The International plowing match is coming to West Niagara in the fall of 2025 – September 16 – 20, 2025
The Ontario Plowmen’s Association promotes agriculture, agri-business, ag education and regional tourism through the International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo. The IPM is held annually in different locations around Ontario.
This event was last held in the Niagara region 98 years ago – in 1926 it was held in Niagara Falls and Welland.

The 2025 event, to be held in at the Niagara West Agricultural Society grounds in Grassie, from September 16-20, 2025, will feature about 500 exhibitors, as well as vendors, musical entertainers and a fully-serviced RV area with at least 500 sites.
The anticipated financial impact to the area is $30 million in direct income to the local community.
The five-day expo could bring as many as 80,000 visitors to the area.
As many as 10,000 schoolchildren are also expected to attend the event to learn about farming.
A main feature is plowing, with plowmen coming from all across Canada, and some from the United States and Europe, to show their plowing skills and compete for prizes in a number of different classifications.

Click on this link for more information: https://www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2025/

Allied Against Abuse Daily Raffle
2025-09-14 08:00 - 2025-10-29 17:00 | Royal LePage, 33 Maywood Ave., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 1C5, Canada
Are you an ally against abuse?
Get your Allied Against Abuse Daily Raffle ticket in support of Birchway Niagara, and you will change lives during Woman Abuse Prevention Month. Only $10 gives you a chance to win cash and gift cards EVERY DAY in November!
Tickets on sale September 12 – October 29 at Royal LePage offices and other locations.
Get yours before the October 14 Early Bird deadline for the most chances to win.
Visit the Birchway raffle website for prizes and sales locations.

New Heights - An Uplifting Event in Support of Quest CHC
2025-09-13 17:30 - 20:30 | 13th Street Winery, 1776 Fourth Ave, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 6P9, Canada
Fly high with us for our first-ever fundraiser for Quest Community Health Centre on Saturday September 13, 2025
Proceeds from New Heights will directly support Quest CHC’s programs such as our Seasonal Agricultural Worker Healthcare Program (SAWHP). This innovative program delivers accessible, culturally responsive healthcare to migrant farmworkers across Niagara—many of whom face language, transportation, and systemic barriers to care. By meeting workers where they are—on farms, in churches, and through mobile clinics—SAWHP helps ensure these essential members of our agricultural workforce receive the medical attention they need to stay healthy, safe, and supported throughout the season.

TCAG's Garage Sale - Sports Equipment, Craft Supplies, Toys, and More!
2025-09-13 08:00 - 13:00 | Thorold Community Activities Group, 131 Richmond St, Thorold, Ontario, l2v 3h3, Canada
The Thorold Community Activities Group is taking part in the 22nd Annual Thorold Community Wide Garage Sale!
Drop by the TCAG on Saturday, September 13th between 8am-1pm to peruse and purchase used sports and workout equipment, kids toys, art supplies, and more.
Please bring your own bags, cash and card accepted.

NCF Community Grant - DEADLINE OCT 6
2025-09-11 08:00 - 2025-10-06 12:00 | Onlne
This year is a significant year for NCF. 2025 marks our 25th Anniversary! In honour of this milestone, we are making some changes to our granting amounts. We are pleased to announce that our fall Community Grants increased from $15,000 to $25,000!
One of the pillars of our work at NCF is to empower the charitable sector here in Niagara. Costs continue to rise across all sectors and our charity partners are often hardest hit by economic stressors. It is our hope that these modest increases will empower you to have greater impact in our community in 2025.
DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 6 – NOON

Shaw Festival--Acting Socially and Creatively: A Catalyst for Community Change
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Club Roma, 125 Vansickle Road, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3W4, Canada
The St. Catharines CFUW is pleased to announce that Kimberley Rampersad, the Associate Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival, will present her talk: “Shaw Festival–Acting Socially and Creatively: A Catalyst for Community Change” at Club Roma on Tuesday, September 9. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the event is from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. This positive and popular collaboration will be very interesting to listen to.
The cost is $10.00 for the general public. Light refreshments will be available. Make an evening of it and find out more about the CFUW and the Shaw Festival!
Please go to: cfuwstcatharines.org to purchase your ticket or pay at the door.

Brock Cares Day of Service
2025-09-06 13:00 - 16:00
We are looking for community organizations to host small groups of student volunteers for the Brock Cares Day of Service. This is the largest day of community-based volunteering at Brock with 168 students participating in 2024.
Whether you have space for 2 or 20 students, we want to provide as many volunteer experiences as possible. We provide transportation to all community partner sites.
If you are interested in hosting students on this day, please register via the link provided.

Options for Care
2025-09-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Online
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

Creating a Dementia Friendly Environment
2025-08-28 13:30 - 15:30 | Online
Living at home might give a person living with dementia a sense of freedom and familiarity. It may be possible to support a person with dementia in maintaining their favorite routines or activities by making minor adjustments to their living space. Join our webinar as we discuss ways to create a dementia friendly environment.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/publicforums

Grow @ the Homestead: Garden Event Series
2025-08-23 10:00 - 2025-10-23 21:00 | The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R6P7, Canada
Dig in and learn with us!
Grow @ The Homestead is a community-based garden program encouraging sustainable gardening practices, hands-on education, an appreciation for Niagara’s rural past and present, and outdoor recreation. All harvests from our on-site garden are donated to local food banks.
Join our free events, workshops, and guest speakers to delve into your community and enhance your understanding of where our food comes from and why local matters. All are welcome!

Ontario Trillium Foundation 2025 Seed Grant Application Deadline
2025-08-20 17:00
Build capacity and prepare for future programming
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grants help organizations build resilience and enhance their ability to deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. Applicants can apply for funding to support organizational planning, pilot a new program, and build their capacity to plan for future programs and services.
The grant application period is July 23, 2025 to August 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Sound Bath Meditation
2025-08-18 13:30 - 15:00 | 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.
Sound bath meditations are a sacred and intentional journey—an ancient practice where sound, frequency, and vibration invite deep nourishment and inner alignment in.
During this session, Melaina intuitively leads you through a meditative experience rooted in breath and presence. With calm awareness, she invites you to soften, release the weight of the day, and attune to the quiet wisdom of the subtle body. As layers of sound flow through, energy begins to move—gently dissolving tension, unlocking the subconscious, and clearing outdated thought patterns. Together, we enter a shared field of stillness and ease, where harmony arises—not as something sought, but as something remembered.
Register by calling our office at 905-687-3914 or visit us online at http://www.alzheimerniagara.ca/caregiverwellness
