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Building Communities Strong in British Columbia with 54 new infrastructure projects

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VICTORIA, BC, July 30, 2026 /CNW/ — More than $152 million is being invested in 54 new infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the Strategic Priorities Fund. This federally funded program supports infrastructure projects that are beyond the financial capacity of a single local government, under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream in B.C.

This was announced by Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria; Darlene Rotchford, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Esquimalt-Colwood; Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) First Vice President Jenna Stoner; and Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith, Board Chair of the Capital Regional District.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) has received $7 million towards an innovative project to transform biosolids leftover from wastewater treatment into biochar using new carbonization technology. This project is the first of its kind in Canada and will help lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the volume of material, destroying contaminants of concern, and permanently storing carbon, while also creating a valuable, carbon-rich product with potential applications across construction, industrial, agriculture and forestry sectors.

In addition, 53 other projects have been funded across British Columbia including a new fire hall in Metchosin, a new turf multi-sport field in Prince George and over a dozen water and wastewater projects. A portion of the funding is being used in capacity-building projects that will strengthen the ability of local governments to make long term infrastructure plans, integrated community sustainability planning and improve asset management practices.

The BCSF Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia will receive over $326 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which is administered by the UBCM and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.

Quotes

“For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities. These projects will make a lasting impact and reinforce our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together.”

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“Strong communities depend on strong infrastructure. As British Columbia grows, our government’s priority is helping municipalities plan for the future and meet changing needs. Thanks to partnerships with the Government of Canada, UBCM and local governments, these 55 projects will help communities build the infrastructure they need to deliver reliable services and create a more resilient future.”

The Honourable Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs 

“On behalf of the CRD, I would like to thank the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and UBCM for their commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities through investments in innovative infrastructure. This biochar project will position the CRD as a national leader in biosolids management, carbon reduction and resource recovery. We are proud to advance an initiative that will provide lasting environmental and community benefits while further establishing our region as a leader in sustainable wastewater management.”

Cliff McNeil-Smith, Capital Regional District Chair

“The Build Communities Strong Fund is improving the quality of life across British Columbia by investing directly into communities. UBCM is pleased to administer this fund that empowers local governments to address critical infrastructure priorities and refine asset management. We are grateful for the long-term commitment that Canada and BC have provided for this program.”

Jenna Stoner, First Vice President, Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)

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The full list of projects can be found on the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ Strategic Priorities Fund website

Quick Facts

British Columbia’s 2026-27 allocation under the Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream is over $326 million.The total federal contribution towards the 54 projects is $152,313,226.The 29 capital projects are receiving a total of $145,945,502.The 25 capacity building projects are receiving a total of $6,367,764.The funding provided for these projects comes through the UBCM’s application-based Strategic Priorities Fund.The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the UBCM.

Associated Links

Build Communities Strong FundCommunity Stream in British ColumbiaUnion of British Columbia Municipalities’ Strategic Priorities Fund

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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

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2026 Canton Fair Design Award Winners Showcase China’s Innovation Strength

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October 19, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the 140th Canton Fair opens, the winners of the 2026 Canton Fair Design Award (CF Award) have also been announced. Winning products are now on display in Area D of the Canton Fair Complex, offering visitors a closer look at some of the latest advances in Chinese manufacturing and industrial design.

Among this year’s top honorees, a domestically developed high-performance sport motorcycle and an intelligent navigation capsule robot gastric endoscopy system received the Best of the Best Award, the competition’s highest recognition.

The Canton Fair also enhanced the visitor experience with a themed showcase area within the award exhibition. Built around four application-oriented concepts, namely Outdoor Pleasure, Smart Living, Cozy Home and Kitchen Elegance, the immersive displays demonstrate how innovative designs can be integrated into everyday life, helping visitors better understand the practical value behind these award-winning products.

This year, 4,218 products from 2,112 companies competed for the award. Following multiple rounds of evaluation, 222 products from 174 companies were selected.

The award-winning products reflect several key trends shaping the next stage of Chinese manufacturing. Innovation remains a defining theme, with breakthrough technologies ranging from upper limb motor function assistance and enhancement system to exoskeleton robots, underscoring the growing momentum of high-end manufacturing.

Meanwhile, intelligent technologies continue to gain traction across industries. Smart products account for more than 30% of this year’s winners, with AI-powered glasses, intelligent conference terminals and smart healthcare devices extending AI applications across home, office, medical and outdoor environments.

Sustainability is also becoming increasingly embedded throughout the product lifecycle. Green products represent over 40% of the winning entries, while innovations such as integrated energy-saving panels and sugarcane paper demonstrate how environmentally conscious practices are being incorporated into product design, materials selection and manufacturing processes.

Established in 2013, the Canton Fair Design Award is widely regarded as a benchmark for design innovation in China’s foreign trade sector. The award recognizes products that combine design excellence with commercial value, promoting the transformation and upgrading of Chinese manufacturing and supporting high-quality trade development. Entries are evaluated across five dimensions: innovation, quality, functionality, aesthetics and sustainability.

For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:
https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-canton-fair-design-award-winners-showcase-chinas-innovation-strength-302911954.html

SOURCE Canton Fair

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InstaMall Launches Same-Day Fashion Delivery Experience, Bringing 80+ Brands to Shoppers’ Doors in Miami

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October 19, 2026

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First-of-its-kind shopping app pairs artificial intelligence with same-day delivery, bringing luxury
and contemporary brands directly to customers’ doorsteps 

Featured luxury and contemporary brands include AllSaints, John Varvatos and Aritzia

MIAMI, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InstaMall, a first-of-its-kind shopping app offering same-day delivery and access to real-time inventory across luxury and contemporary fashion, launches today in Miami, Florida. Now available via iOS and Android, InstaMall provides access to more than 80 contemporary and luxury fashion brands across Miami’s five premier retail clusters, including Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Ganni, Coach, Diesel, Reformation, Aritzia, Cult Gaia, Prada and more. InstaMall will add more brands within the app in the coming weeks and seasons. 

Sitting at the intersection of fashion, technology and commerce, InstaMall brings inspiration and purchase together through a more dynamic way to discover and shop for fashion. The experience combines access to luxury and contemporary brands with the convenience of same-day delivery, bringing the speed customers have come to expect across categories like food and groceries to fashion while maintaining the brand experience retailers and shoppers expect.

Within the app, customers will have access to InstaMall’s AI-powered stylist and virtual try-on features, making it easier to browse, discover and shop styles online. InstaMall’s AI Stylist serves as an intelligent shopping assistant that responds to customers’ preferences in real time. Customers can use the AI Stylist to receive product recommendations, build outfits, ask questions and discover new styles, while its virtual try-on feature allows them to visualize select items on themselves before making a purchase.

“InstaMall was founded on the belief that the convenience customers have come to expect from same-day delivery should extend to the way they shop for fashion,” said Elliot Aboud, Founder and CEO of InstaMall. “As fashion and technology continue to evolve together, we saw an opportunity to create a more seamless shopping experience that brings customers closer to the brands they love, combining a curated assortment, AI-powered styling and virtual try-on with the ease and convenience of same-day delivery.”

Prior to founding InstaMall, Elliot Aboud helped build the Aroma360 and Hotel Collection brands, overseeing the launch of the first retail store and expanding the retail footprint to more than 30 stores across the United States and two in Dubai. InstaMall is bringing fashion and luxury to the next generation with its seamless shopping experience and wide selection of brands.

Customers can download InstaMall through the Apple App Store or Google Play, or by going to instamall.co.

About InstaMall 

InstaMall is a same-day fashion shopping and discovery app reimagining how consumers shop for luxury and contemporary brands. Sitting at the intersection of fashion, technology and commerce, InstaMall brings inspiration and purchase together in an experience that gives consumers a more dynamic way to discover and shop. Where on-demand delivery has long existed for categories like food and groceries, InstaMall brings that same convenience to luxury fashion for the first time, delivering the same day without compromising the brand experience fashion retailers and their customers expect. The company launched publicly in Miami on October 16, 2026, and plans to expand nationally. For more information, please visit instamall.co.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/instamall-launches-same-day-fashion-delivery-experience-bringing-80-brands-to-shoppers-doors-in-miami-302911889.html

SOURCE InstaMall

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PTC to Announce Fourth Fiscal Quarter and Full Year 2026 Results on Wednesday, November 4, 2026

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October 19, 2026

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BOSTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) will release its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year results on Wednesday, November 4th after the stock market closes. As previously announced on October 5th, 2026, PTC entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Schneider Electric. In light of the pending transaction, PTC is suspending quarterly earnings conference calls and is no longer providing quarterly or annual guidance.

The earnings press release and accompanying financial data tables will be accessible on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at PTC Investor Relations.

About

PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) is a global software company that enables manufacturers and product companies to digitally transform how they design, manufacture, and service the physical products the world relies on. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, PTC employs over 7,000 people and supports more than 30,000 customers globally. For more information, please visit www.ptc.com.

Investors

Michael Maguire
mmaguire@ptc.com
investor@ptc.com

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SOURCE PTC Inc.

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