Explore Brock’s role in the community and our commitment to a collaborative, engaged, and thriving Niagara region and beyond. Do you want to connect with Brock? Please contact us
Brock and Niagara Parks Strengthen and Renew Partnership for Environmental and Cultural Impact
Brock University and the Niagara Parks Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2024 that will see the two organizations work together to support environmental and cultural stewardship, sustainability research and experiential education.
Brock and TOES Niagara Partner to Combat Human Trafficking in Niagara
TOES (Tools of Empowerment for Success) Niagara is working in partnership with Brock University Professional and Continuing Studies to develop a code of conduct to increase awareness of human trafficking and provide resources, including prevention strategies, for the region.
Brock’s Role Highlighted in National Conference on Rural Economic Development
The conference brought together federal, provincial, and territorial ministers, as well as national Indigenous organizations, focusing on “Rural Canada as a Driver of National Economic Prosperity”. Brock President Dr. Lesley Rigg moderated a panel discussion, and highlighted the outsized impacts and opportunities of rural Niagara that can be supported by the university.
Brock Hosts the Canadian Bureau for International Education
The 2024 Ontario regional meeting of the CBIE brought experts and professionals from across the province together to discuss trends and developments in the global education sector.
Brock Receives $3.5M for Sustainable Agriculture Research Farm
The provincial government’s Ontario Research Fund has awarded Brock $3.5 million to establish a research farm as a key aspect of a national effort – the Clean Agriculture for Sustainable Production (CASP) Field Infrastructure project. The farm will be the central facility for researchers from Brock and other institutions, and industry partners, to develop and test agricultural innovations for resiliency and sustainability.
Brock Employees’ United Way Campaign
Since 2003, Brock has raised more than $2.6 million for United Way Niagara. With as many as one in three people in Niagara using a program supported by United Way in 2023, Brock’s employee payroll contribution campaign is one of many that raises funds that support these local initiatives to break barriers created by poverty.
Opening of Dedicated Facility for Brock-Niagara Centre of Excellence in Inclusive and Adaptive Physical Activity (CAPA)
After three decades of offering impactful programming at community locations across Niagara, CAPA opened its own space in March 2024. This has increased the capacity for CAPA to deliver their multiple developmentally-appropriate movement programs focused on supporting people with complex profiles of accessibility needs, which also provides experiential learning opportunities for Brock students.
Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute highlighted for research and impact in Ontario
CCOVI plays a vital role in conducting industry-leading research and getting the results into the hands of producers and farmers in Niagara and beyond.
Official Opening of Brock Functional Inclusive Training Centre
Offering exercise programs aimed at improving the health and quality of life of older adults and those experiencing a wide range of health situations, the popular Brock Functional Inclusive Training (Bfit) Centre opened its new, state-of-the-art facility in January 2024.
2023 Niagara Economic Summit
On November 1, 2023, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Niagara Economic Summit. Emceed by Brock’s Goodman School of Business Dean Barry Wright, the Summit featured opening remarks from President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg, who spoke about Brock’s critical role in the community. The theme of this year’s Summit was “Shaping a Better Future”, aligning with Brock’s Community Engagement Strategic Plan to be a Regional Community Builder.
Opening of Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute at Brock
In 2023, the Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute was officially opened. The investment from the Federal Government into this cutting-edge technology adoption centre will support Brock and Niagara to solve industry challenges together, through applying research expertise, cost-effective resources and testing capabilities, and opportunities for collaborative innovation.
2022 Niagara Economic Summit
On November 8, 2022, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Niagara Economic Summit. Lesley Rigg, Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor, gave welcome remarks on behalf of the Brock community, extended a personal introduction to the Niagara economic community, and outlined Brock’s support of the local economy and the role the University plays within it.
The Economic Impact of Brock University in Niagara and Ontario Report
In 2022, Brock University finalized a study that measures the University’s economic impact in Niagara and Ontario. This report provides a baseline from which the University’s economic impact will be measured against in the future.
2022 Business Before 9: What Does Brock University in Burlington Mean For Businesses?
As Brock prepares to relocate its satellite campus to Burlington, the University is reaching out to connect with the community and share its vision for the future. At an event held Friday, September 9, 2022, Brock University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells joined Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to discuss what the relocation of Brock’s Hamilton campus to Burlington will mean for area businesses and the local community. The event highlighted ways the new campus will allow Brock University to serve our students and the wider Halton community in a meaningful and lasting way, and exciting opportunities to grow existing and establish new programming that aligns with local needs.
2022 Niagara Climate Change Summit
The Niagara Climate Change Summit, held in June 2022, was developed through a partnership between Brock University and the Niagara Region following Niagara Regional Council’s motion to declare a climate change emergency in September 2021. The summit brought together representatives from all 12 local municipalities, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to make a commitment to actively do more to address climate change.
Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games at Brock
Brock University’s St. Catharines campus was home to many of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games events and was proud to host some of the top athletes in Canada, as well as thousands of visitors, at the University. The Walker Sport and Abilities Centre, a legacy of the 2022 Canada Summer Games, is located on the south-east corner of the University’s St. Catharines’ campus.
The Canada Summer Games provided Brock University researchers with a wealth of research opportunities and an official collaboration – the Brock-Canada Games partnership – meant that the 2022 Summer Games were Canada’s first “research games”.
Established in 2019, the Vice-President, Research, Canada Games Research Grants Program supported Brock researchers and scholars in all departments and Faculties with grants of up to $7,000 to undertake research or a creative activity in any discipline and on any topic that relates to the Canada Games. Over the program’s three years, 28 researchers from six Brock Faculties received funding for 30 projects totalling more than $198,000. See the complete list of Vice-President, Research, Canada Games Research Grant funded projects.
2021 Niagara Economic Summit
In fall 2021 the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Niagara Economic Summit. Lynn Wells, Interim Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor, Provost and Vice-President Academic, brought greetings on behalf of the Brock community and highlighted the ways in which the University is supporting the local Niagara economy.
Students Going Digital: the economic impact on Niagara Report
The COVID-19 pandemic forced post-secondary institutions to shift many programs to a virtual model, greatly impacting the Niagara economy given the presence of both Brock University and Niagara College in the region. The Students Going Digital Report measures this impact and presents data that identifies the subsequent economic effect through the lens of post-secondary education in Niagara.