July 26, 2026 to August 01, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

FedDev Ontario Invests $3.5 Million in Markham Indy Race Infrastructure

The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced a $3.5 million investment to help the City of Markham host the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy over the next five years. Scheduled for August 14–16, 2026, the event will showcase Markham as a motorsport destination. Funding will go toward upgrades to municipal roads, track and transportation infrastructure, as well as event facility enhancements, with anticipated economic benefits extending to local hotels, restaurants, and service providers. The move is part of a strategic initiative to expand the region's capacity for major international events and deliver sustained ripple effects to Greater Toronto Area businesses.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investments Support Alberta Sport Facilities and Upcoming International Events

Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden, following a two-day tour in Calgary and Canmore, announced up to $33.6 million in funding for key sport infrastructure projects in Alberta through the Build Communities Strong Fund, matched by the province. Infrastructure upgrades include the Olympic Oval and WinSport halfpipe, both legacy venues from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, and increased snowmaking capacity at the Nakiska National Ski Cross Training Centre. Calgary will also receive support for new community soccer pitches as part of Jumpstart Charities’ nationwide initiative, backed by over $2 million in federal grants. Beyond facilities, the Athlete Assistance Program receives an annual $3-million boost. Alberta is set to host the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat and the 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer. Funding extends to Indigenous-led sport projects under the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Saint John Multipurpose Recreational Facility Receives $29.8 Million Federal Investment

Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State for Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions and MP for Saint John—Kennebecasis, alongside Mayor Donna Noade Reardon, announced federal support of up to $29.8 million, with an additional $20 million from the municipality, for the Saint John Multipurpose Recreational Facility. This project, delivered under the Build Communities Strong Fund, will include two ice surfaces, a library, and community service space, integrated with the Irving Oil Field House. The facility incorporates a shared heating and cooling system to advance Saint John’s net-zero emissions goals and will augment local recreational and community offerings.

Sources: www.canada.ca

$150,700 Allocated for Crapaud Exhibition Seating Expansion in PEI

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and MP for Malpeque, announced a federal grant of $150,700 to the Crapaud Exhibition Association. The investment will provide eight fixed bleacher units, adding approximately 1,040 new seats at the event site. This enhancement is intended to improve access, safety, and organization for attendees at the PEI Truck & Tractor Pull Championships and other events, supporting broader community development objectives across Atlantic Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Thirteen Niagara Region Businesses Receive Federal Development Support

FedDev Ontario, through a July 28 announcement, is supporting thirteen Niagara Region businesses to strengthen resiliency and growth. The targeted funding is part of broader ongoing business and industry development in Southern Ontario, aiming to increase competitive capacity and economic diversification for regional enterprises.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Files Criminal Charges in Ontario Passport Service Scam

On July 28, the Competition Bureau announced multiple criminal charges laid against John Jesse Breslin and Phoebe Hui Ting Wong of Ontario, who allegedly operated Passport Online and Passport Express using misleading website representations. The pair is accused of fraud over $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime, and breaking deceptive marketing provisions of the Competition Act, after misrepresenting online expedited passport services as being affiliated with the Government of Canada. The case is ongoing, with no determination of wrongdoing as yet.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Supports Community Soccer Pitches Nationwide

Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden announced federal backing for building up to 25 new soccer pitches across Canada, including one in Calgary. Supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and more than $2 million in funding, this initiative involves consultations with municipal bodies and community stakeholders to shape facility requirements. The project forms part of the $1 billion generational investment to enhance sport infrastructure and athletes in Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Food Service Sales Rise 0.9% in May

Statistics Canada reported that sales in the food services and drinking places subsector reached $8.8 billion in May 2026, a 0.9% month-over-month increase. These figures mark positive movement for restaurants, bars, and related hospitality providers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Major Canadian Airlines Record 2.4% Passenger Growth in May

In May 2026, major Canadian airlines transported 7.3 million passengers on scheduled and charter services, a 2.4% increase compared to May 2025. This uptick suggests higher demand for travel services and could influence bookings at hotels and resorts.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Screened Passenger Traffic at Canadian Airports Edges Up 0.6% in June

Statistics Canada figures indicate 5.2 million passengers processed through security checkpoints at the eight largest Canadian airports in June 2026, up 0.6% from the prior year. The increase reflects steady traffic for the hospitality and travel sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Backs 2026 Indy Race in Markham with $1.5 Million Investment

The Ontario government is providing $1.5 million to support the 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy event in Markham, forecast to attract over 150,000 visitors and deliver substantial economic benefits to local hospitality and tourism businesses.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Allocates $1.4 Million for Regional Tourism Development in Eeyou Istchee

The Quebec government is funding five regional projects in Eeyou Istchee, including renovations of the Broadback outfitter and planning for new hotel construction in Waswanipi, to enhance tourism infrastructure and visitor experience.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Manitoba Invests $42,000 in St. Clements Recreation Master Plan

Manitoba's $42,000 grant will support the Rural Municipality of St. Clements in developing a recreation master plan, which will guide investments in parks, facilities, and community programming for the next decade.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Invests $98,000 in Rivers Train Station Restoration

A grant of $98,000 will help Rivers Train Station Restoration and Heritage Committee develop community economic capacity, expand recreational bike trails, and establish a museum, with support from local and international partners.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Improvements to BC Complaint Process for Employers and Workers Effective August 1

Effective August 1, 2026, changes to BC's Employment Standards Act and Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act will simplify early dispute resolution, facilitate faster wage recovery, and maintain protections for both parties in the hospitality workforce.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Public Consultation on Measures to Address Forced Labour in Supply Chains

Employment and Social Development Canada is inviting input until August 21, 2026, on potential due diligence and civil liability measures aimed at preventing labour exploitation across business supply chains operating abroad.

Sources: Share your views: Measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains

Global Affairs Canada Launches Consultation on Forced Labour and Supply Chain Regulations

Global Affairs Canada seeks public opinions on regulatory approaches under Bill C-35 and possible due diligence legislation to address forced labour and exploitation in global supply chains, open until August 21, 2026.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion: Why moms are paying to get away from their families: Coverage of the rise in demand for mom-focused retreat accommodations.
• Be ready to host this long weekend with these wines that are meant to be shared: An article providing tips for hospitality operators on wine selections.
• The accidental tourist upside of U.S. tariffs: Editorial noting crossover impacts of US trade policy on Canadian tourism flows.
• Opinion: Preserving places means letting them change. My family’s Kenora hotel taught me that: Insights into the challenges and opportunities of hotel preservation in smaller markets.
• Richies Family Restaurant, a survivor in a chain restaurant world: Story on strategies of independent restaurants operating alongside chains.

.