A Note from the President
Well we’re now through our busy tourist season and into fall — pumpkins, mums, and scarecrows are starting to pop up everywhere! And I love it!
Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean there aren’t still fantastic local things happening: Pumpkin Festivals and Fall Fairs to name a couple, so make sure to get outside and take in some of the wonderful Autumn colours with these great events.
Chamber Members Visit Buckhorn Businesses
Thanks to all who attended the Buckhorn Hop on September 20th! Thanks to Buckhorn Canoe Company, Style Your Nest, and Gallery on the Lake who welcomed Chamber guests into their businesses.
Chamber members were also joined by Lois O’Neill Jackson of the Municipality of Trent Lakes who gave an update on some of their upcoming initiatives.
Thanks to host businesses and to Pizza Alloro who contributed pizza to the refreshments at Gallery on the Lakes.
Save the Date – Upcoming Chamber Events!
Thursday, October 12th – Trail Town/Trent-Severn Waterway Workshop – Kawarthas Northumberland, in partnership with the Kawartha Chamber, is pleased to present this workshop free of charge. The workshop begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Lakefield Legion and includes a light supper. Registration deadline is October 9th, email sarahp@rto8.com.
Wednesday, October 25th – B.O.S.S. Business Owners Sharing Solutions – Effective Networking Techniques and Speed Networking, 5 to 7 p.m., Westwind in on the Lake. Free for Chamber members and $10 for future members. Register now.
Friday, November 3rd – 18th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala, Elmhirst’s Resort, $85 per person. Tickets sell out quickly. Register now.
Wednesday, December 13th – Holiday Drop In at Kawartha Lakes Construction from 5 to 7 p.m.
Submit Your Bids – Couples Resort!
Couples Getaway – $1,632 Value
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala is fast approaching! Each year, the Chamber has many fabulous items up for bid. To get you ready, the Chamber is starting its outside bid auction early this year with an excellent item: a 2 Night Stay at Couples Resort & Algonquin Spa! The value of this package is $1,632. (Note: restrictions apply).
Submit your maximum bid by emailing generalmanager@kawarthachamber.ca with the subject line “Couples Resort Auction Bid.” The auction will close October 22nd, 2017 at midnight.
Enjoy a 5 Star Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive Boutique Algonquin Jr. Suite including private hot tub, king bed, wood burning fire place, free breakfast in bed daily, free 5-course meal for 2 daily (semi-formal attire with tie), free Algonquin Park pass for trails and museum, free limited sports equipment. Learn more.
All proceeds support the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, advocating for local business and promoting tourism in the Kawarthas.
ServiceOntario Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day Hours
The Lakefield ServiceOntario office, at 133 Water Street will be closed on Monday, October 9th for Thanksgiving Day and on Saturday, November 11th for Remembrance Day.
The Kawartha Chamber business office will also be closed on Monday, October 9th.
Extended Minimum Wage Implementation Will Slash Job Loss Risk by 74%: Economic Analysis
The Kawartha Chamber, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Keep Ontario Working (KOW) Coalition released two major reports that broadly capture the challenges associated with Bill 148 and the concerns of the employer community.
The first report is the final economic impact analysis of Bill 148 by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis’ (CANCEA), which was peer-reviewed by Professor Morley Gunderson of the University of Toronto.
CANCEA’s analysis reveals that if government were to do nothing other than implement the minimum wage increase over five years instead of in the next 15 months, jobs at risk would decrease by 74 per cent in the first two years.
In addition, the Keep Ontario Working coalition released a second report, The Flip Side of “Fair”, which showcases testimonials from employers and outlines how they will be impacted by the legislation. The report gives a voice to those businesses who have felt excluded from the committee process and policy discussion around this legislation. The testimonials all share a common theme, that the minimum wage increase and labour reforms will have serious consequences for their business and their communities.
New Life for Parks Canada Property?
Over several months the Kawartha Chamber has been meeting with Parks Canada, community members, and the Township of Selwyn to explore opportunities for 2 Smith Street, Lakefield.
This waterfront property is owned by Parks Canada and was previously used as the Trent-Severn Waterway Maintenance Shop. As many will know, the building hasn’t been used for quite some time and the windows and doors are boarded up — not a desirable image for the Village.
One of the possible uses is an Arts and Culture Hub. A group of local artists led by Kay Gregg have been discussing the potential for studio space, a public art gallery, seminars, etc. They have connected with Akin Collective who have spearheaded similar projects. Akin is enthusiastic about evaluating the potential in Lakefield.
The Kawartha Chamber is partnering with the local artists and Akin to apply for funding to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a business plan. Akin is taking the lead on the application and report writing and would appreciate your input. With a focus on community and creativity, they are eager to look at ways to bring new life to the Trent-Severn Waterway Maintenance Yard. Your ideas and suggestions will be invaluable to the process of defining and designing the property, and they cannot wait to learn what you feel would cultivate a dynamic and creative space for the community.
A short, online survey can be completed at akincollective.com/lakefield. Please feel free to share with others who may be interested.
Selwyn Township Community Improvement Plan Open House
Members of the public and business owners are invited to an Open House to provide their feedback on the 5-year review of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Open House will begin with a 30-minute presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a 90-minute drop-in and informal Q&A session.
Visit the Township of Selwyn Council Chambers, 1310 Centre Line, on Thursday, October 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit www.selwyntownship.ca or call 705-292-9507 ext. 239 for more information.
North Kawartha Public Meeting Re: Amendment to Comprehensive Zone By-law – October 7th
The Township of North Kawartha will be holding an informal public open house and a public meeting of Council to obtain public comments regarding the regulation of expansion and enlargement of dwellings and recreational dwellings within the water yard.
The meeting is being held on Saturday, October 7th, at 9:30 a.m. at Wilson Park Community Centre, 66 Northey’s Bay Road, Woodview.
The proposed amendment would apply to all waterfront properties in the Township of North Kawartha. Read more including the draft by-law and public notice.
Bridgenorth By-pass / Ward Street Widening Enviro. Assessment – Comment Deadline – October 6th
The County of Peterborough held a Public meeting on September 20th regarding County Road 18 Bridgenorth Causeway Link (Bridgenorth By-Pass) and Ward Street Widening Class Environmental Assessment.
The public has the opportunity to submit comments on this issue. The deadline for comments is Friday, October 6th.
- County Road 18 Bridgenorth Causeway Link Comment Sheet
- Ward Street Widening Class Environmental Assessment
- Additional information on both assessments
Canadian Chamber: Tax Changes Advocacy
October 2nd marked the end of the consultation period for the federal government’s tax changes. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce stated they have never heard such an uproar on one particular issue from members.
Find out how the Canadian Chamber is advocating on this issue.
Canada Anti-spam Legislation – Your Feedback Requested
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains has directed the INDU Committee (Parliamentary Standing Committee for Industry) to conduct a statutory review of Canada’s Anti-spam Legislation (CASL). That process began on September 26.
The Canadian Chamber has been working with multiple partners over the past decade to voice the opinions of business about CASL. In order to capture the largest number of responses, the Canadian Chamber is again working with these partners to distribute this survey.
The survey will remain open until October 27th. Take the survey.
Sponsor Spotlight
A huge thank you to the Chamber’s 18th Annual Awards of Excellence sponsors! There are many people who come together to make this one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Chamber thanks their Wine, Award, and Networking Sponsors for their continued support of this very important tradition.
Wine Sponsors
- Herod Financial Services
- Savage Arms Canada Inc.
- Timberline Custom Homes
Award Sponsors
- BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage – Commercial Development or Renovation Sponsor
- CIBC – Customer Service Excellence Sponsor
- Community Futures Peterborough – Young Professional Sponsor
- County of Peterborough – Outstanding Business Achievement Sponsor
- Darling Insurance – Not-for-Profit Excellence Sponsor
- Gastles – Registered Patent Agents – Entrepreneur Innovation Sponsor
- Nexicom – Retailer of the Year Sponsor
- Peterborough Economic Development – Tourism/Hospitality Sponsor
- RBC Royal Bank – Citizen of the Year Sponsor
Networking Sponsors
- Municipality of Trent Lakes
- Township of Douro-Dummer
- Township of North Kawartha
- Township of Selwyn
Peterborough Airport Engagement Survey
The Peterborough Airport is pleased to announce a public engagement exercise to determine public support for commuter air service between Peterborough Airport and Toronto Island Airport (Billy Bishop Airport).
The first step in attracting a commuter airline to Peterborough is understanding market demand. Take a short survey with nine questions and a comment section.
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
