Articles from:September 2026

• Public event aims to inform Niagara voters ahead of fall election

  Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 22, 2026 — R0085

  As Niagara residents prepare to head to the polls for municipal elections on Monday, Oct. 26, Brock University experts are hosting an event to demystify recent changes to regional governments and illuminate key local issues elected officials will need to address.

  The Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) will host Niagara Elections 2026: Changes and Challenges, a free public event featuring municipal politics expert David Siegel and a panel discussion moderated by NCO Director Kyle Rich, on Monday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brock’s main campus.

  Because the Ontario government’s recent changes to regional governance will take effect after the fall election, Rich says the NCO event is an opportune time for voters to learn what the changes could mean for them.

  “By hosting a non-partisan event on campus, we hope to engage with community members who want to feel better equipped when making their choices at the ballot box,” says Rich.

  Siegel, NCO founder and Professor Emeritus of Political Science, will speak to the upcoming changes in regional governance structures and the impacts of those changes on local residents.

  Following that, Professor of Political Science and former NCO Director Charles Conteh and NCO Research Associate Joanne Heritz will speak to economic development and housing respectively, two key topics on the minds of voters.

  Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Martha Barnes will be joined by Sarah Ane, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Recreation Ontario, to discuss issues in the parks and recreation sector. Public health, another key voting concern, will also be up for discussion.

  The event will be accompanied by the publication of a series of fact sheets that will document key trends related to these issues in Niagara. Time will be allotted for questions from the audience, and light refreshments will be served. Paid parking is available. Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance.

  What: Niagara Elections 2026: Changes and Challenges

  When: Monday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m.

  Where: Pond Inlet, Brock University

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Melinda Cheevers, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-241-5855

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  Categories: Media releases

• Steel Blade Classic brings community together with Badger pride

  Monday, September 21, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – Sept. 18, 2026 — R0084

  Downtown St. Catharines was once again filled with Brock pride Friday night as 3,500 fans packed the Meridian Centre for the Steel Blade Classic, watching on as the Badgers emerged victorious over the Guelph Gryphons at the University’s signature Homecoming event.

  “The Steel Blade Classic is an opportunity to bring the Brock and Niagara communities together, celebrate our student-athletes and showcase the incredible pride and support that surrounds Brock University,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Brock Sports and Recreation. “We’re grateful to everyone who continues to make this event such a special tradition.”

  The Steel Blade Classic dates back to 1999, when the annual one-game showdown between Brock and Niagara University was launched at Thorold Arena. The event has since grown into one of Brock’s most anticipated sporting traditions, bringing generations of Badgers together to celebrate the University and its student-athletes.

  Friday night’s return to the ice saw Brock defeat Guelph 5-1.

  Guelph opened the scoring before Cole Cooksey, a first-year Brock Business student from Toronto, scored his first of two goals to tie the game. Alexis Cournoyer, Ryan Johnstone and captain Nathan Fox also found the back of the net to lift the Badgers to victory.

  The evening was a true celebration of sport, with Brock Badgers teams from beyond the ice being honoured during the game’s intermissions.

  Fans cheered as the Brock women’s volleyball team, which captured the first national medal in program history with a bronze-medal finish at the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship, were celebrated on the ice.

  The Badgers’ wrestling programs were also lauded for their successes this past season, with the women’s team capturing its 24th overall and 11th consecutive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) title, and the men’s team claiming its 27th OUA championship, ninth straight, along with its 23rd U SPORTS national title.

  The night also highlighted Brock’s commitment to supporting students beyond varsity sports, with the Brock University Students’ Association (BUSU) and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) recognizing a Food First donation of $679 made on behalf of the University.

  The Steel Blade trophy itself carries a long history. Donated by the Werner family, the trophy features an 1803 non-commissioned officer’s hanger, a type of sword carried by artillery units during the War of 1812.

  Following the game, Krist and Martin Werner presented the Steel Blade trophy to the Badgers, continuing a tradition his father, Ed Werner, helped establish more than two decades ago in support of Brock hockey.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Brock University, [email protected] or 905-246-0256

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  Categories: Media releases