Good morning, neighbour. 👋

Depending on which headline found you this weekend, you might think Marineland’s belugas are already on their way to new homes.

They are not.

What changed is still significant: U.S. regulators have authorized the emergency import of up to 28 of the 30 belugas still living at the park.

The word authorized is doing a lot of work here.

Animal-specific documentation, individual health clearances and transportation planning still stand between a legal route out and an actual moving day.

Also today: Niagara adds MRI and CT capacity, Leon’s returns to its Welland showroom, and a Port Colborne noodle order makes a strong case for adding the egg.

In today’s Grapevine:

Let’s get into it.

— Ian

Most of Marineland’s remaining belugas now have an authorized route to new homes.

U.S. regulators have authorized the emergency import of up to 28 of the 30 belugas still living at Marineland.

The agreement allows those whales to be relocated to Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium and SeaWorld facilities in San Antonio and San Diego.

It is the clearest sign yet that a large-scale relocation can proceed.

It is not, however, a departure announcement.

The authorization settles one of the biggest questions: whether the American destinations can legally receive the whales.

It does not settle the medical and logistical work required for each animal.

Before any individual whale moves, animal-specific health documentation must be completed, veterinarians must clear the whale to travel, and detailed transportation plans must be finalized.

Shedd Aquarium says preparations are underway and expects rescue efforts to begin in the coming weeks, but an exact schedule has not been confirmed. No official source has reported that a whale has left Marineland.

The remaining two belugas are part of a separate plan involving Oceanogràfic València in Spain. That transfer still has its own approvals and preparations to complete.

So here is the useful distinction:

The route exists. The departure date does not.

After months of proposals, financial uncertainty and arguments over where the animals could go, that is real movement - even if no whale has moved.

The next thing worth watching is not another announcement. It is when the first transfer is cleared and actually begins.

👉 Read the relocation announcement →

Greater Niagara Medical Imaging is now operating expanded MRI and CT services at 464 Welland Avenue in St. Catharines.

The province says Niagara’s MRI capacity has doubled from three machines to six, while CT capacity has increased from five machines to seven.

The clinic lists both MRI and CT service from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

A medical referral is required. Medically necessary scans are covered by OHIP for eligible patients.

The practical result is more outpatient scanning capacity in Niagara—and, at least in theory, fewer residents joining the regional pastime of waiting to hear when their appointment might be.

👉 See the St. Catharines clinic →

Leon’s has reopened its main Welland showroom at 803 Niagara Street after operating temporarily next door at 777 Niagara Street.

The reopening took place July 9, and the company’s current store information once again identifies 803 Niagara Street as its Welland location.

The furniture is back at its usual address. The temporary showroom can return to being temporary.

👉 See the reopened Welland store →

This week’s food discovery is not new, newly relocated or posing beside ceremonial scissors.

It is an order worth knowing.

At The Smokin’ Buddha in Port Colborne, the Korean noodles bring together udon, ginger, garlic, soy, sesame, mushrooms, carrots and green onions.

The move: choose the beef, then add the egg.

The noodles are currently $19, and the egg adds $1, bringing the full order to $20 before tax.

The restaurant is at 265 King Street. On Tuesdays, dine-in runs from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., with pickup available from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Is the egg mandatory? No.

Does it appear to understand the assignment? Completely.

👉 See The Smokin’ Buddha menu →

St. Catharines has opened its latest round of Neighbourhood Micro Grants.

Groups of at least three city residents from different households can apply for $500 to $1,500.

Projects must be free, public and accessible, and take place at an eligible city-owned park or facility between December 1, 2026 and May 31, 2027.

Applications close September 30.

That leaves enough time to organize something more ambitious than putting three lawn chairs in a semicircle and calling it community engagement.

👉 Apply for a Neighbourhood Micro Grant →

That is Tuesday’s Grapevine.

Thursday, Ball’s Falls puts the mill back to work. We will handle the rest of the weekend once Niagara stops adding things to it.

Know someone who saw the beluga headlines and assumed the move had already happened?

Forward them this issue.

See you Thursday.

🍇 Ian
The Grapevine

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