Bush Country Signs Will Remain
Thank you to the many Chamber members who provided comments regarding the County of Peterborough’s intention to end the Bush Country Sign Program.
Chamber Board President, Cindy Windover, made a presentation to County Council on behalf of our members at the January 17th Council meeting. See the presentation slides and speaking notes.
Several presentations made at the meeting, along with written submissions, resulted in County Council passing a resolution to form a Sign By-law Working Committee which will include business representation. They will draft a new sign by-law for consideration by December 2018. By-law enforcement options will also be addressed. While the by-law is being drafted the existing moratorium on new bush country signs will continue and current authorized signs will remain.
Other presentations from the Council meeting can be viewed by selecting the links under ‘8. Delegations, Petitions & Presentations’ in the January 17th agenda. The associated staff report is item 10a.
Proud Member Window Decal Survey
Chamber Members should check this week’s NewsFlash email for a survey about their ‘Proud Member’ Window Decal. The survey asks the following questions:
- Do you display the Proud Member decal in your store front/office/vehicle?
- Do you consider the Proud Member decal a membership benefit?
- Would you like to see the Chamber continue the Proud Member decals annually?
Please send any additional comments to membership@kawarthachamber.ca.
Chamber Annual General Meeting – Wednesday, February 21st
The Kawartha Chamber Board of Directors encourages all members to join us for our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 21st, at The Village Inn in Lakefield.
Networking and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The meeting will run from approximately 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- 2017 highlights
- Nominating Committee will present the slate of directors for the coming year
- Networking with fellow members over light refreshments
- Draw Prizes! If you wish to contribute an item please call the office or email events@kawarthachamber.ca
- 2016-17 Annual Report will be circulated before the AGM.
Ontario Chamber Launches New Website
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has launched a new look to its website.
The website provides visitors with the OCC’s latest news, programs, publications and more in a user-friendly design.
Visit the new website at www.occ.ca.
OCC Open Letter Encourages Members to Contact Premier
Here is an excerpt from the OCC open letter to the Chamber network on the new minimum Wage:
“The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) understands the significant impact that recent increases to the minimum wage and expansion of labour and employment standards are having on all businesses. For months, we have forewarned that these reforms would have unintended consequences and now we are seeing them come to fruition as businesses take extra-ordinary actions.
“Premier Kathleen Wynne tweeted ‘I’m happy to talk to any business owner about the minimum wage.’ We welcome this openness by the Premier, and we encourage all Ontario businesses to contact the Premier to discuss how the quick implementation of these reforms is harming their ability to do business in the province. Furthermore, we encourage businesses to also tell the Premier that further offsets must be extended in the 2018 provincial budget in order to deal with rising input costs.”
Federal Budget 2018
The online consultation period for Budget 2018 remains open and you are encouraged to visit www.budget.gc.ca and complete all four surveys that address your priorities within the budget areas of focus: Progress for the Middle Class, the Economy of Tomorrow, Lifelong Learning, and Gender Equality.
Charlotte Street Reconstruction – 2nd Update
The Township of Selwyn is providing a second update on the Charlotte Street reconstruction in Lakefield.
The township held a public information centre open house earlier this month and thanks those who attended and provided feedback.
Canada Summer Jobs Deadline – February 2nd
The deadline to apply for Canada Summer Jobs funding is Friday, February 2nd.
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is an initiative of the Summer Work Experience program providing wage subsidies to employers to create employment for secondary and post-secondary students.
Again this year, Canada Summer Jobs welcomes applications from small businesses, not-for-profit employers, public sector and faith-based organizations that provide quality summer jobs for students.
Welcome New Chamber Member
Kawartha Security Solutions
171A Rink Street, Suite 134, Peterborough, 705-243-6947, www.kawarthasecuritysolutions.ca
“Kawartha Security Solutions is based out of Peterborough and services Peterborough & Kawartha and surrounding areas.
We install and service security cameras, alarm systems and access control solutions as well as home automation solutions. We also provide 24/7 alarm monitoring services.
Our solutions scale to fit any needs from homes or cottages, to businesses. Whether it be a new installation or you need an existing system serviced we can help! Contact us to get started.”
Chamber Members Are Hiring
- Community Futures Peterborough – Executive Director
- Timberline Custom Homes – Office Administrator/Bookkeeper
- Lakefield Farmers’ Market – Market Manager
- Laundry Villa & Villa Touchless Car Wash – Part Time Attendant
Apsley Winter Carnival – Saturday, January 27th
The Apsley & District Lions Club hosts the annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, January 27th from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the North Kawartha Community Centre.
Events and activities include cookie decorating, face painting, a clown, Zoo to You, a snow sculpture contest, tobogganing, Blue Beaker Scientists, and a minor hockey tournament.
The spaghetti and meatball dinner begins at 5 p.m. The day closes out with open mic beginning at 7 p.m., and a Junior C Hockey Game between the North Kawartha Knights and Uxbridge Bruins at 7:25 p.m.
Career Fair and Community Information – March 1st
Registration Deadline: February 1st
Don’t miss your chance to register for a Career Fair and Community Information session, taking place on Thursday, March 1st, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Lakefield Legion.
Please complete your registration form by February 1st and email to dayotte@agilic.ca or fax to 705-652-5191. For more information, contact Debbie at 705-740-2577 ext. 5212. Download the registration form.
Career Fair hosted by Agilec, City and County of Peterborough, Municipality of Trent Lakes, and the Township of Selwyn.
Lakefield Lions ‘February Beat’ Fundraising Dance – February 24th
Lakefield & District Lion’s Club presents the “February Beat” dance fundraiser on Saturday, February 24th from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Lakefield Legion.
The event features live music with local four-member band “The True Confessions”, who will be playing music from the ’60s and ’70s.
Tickets are $20 each and are available at the Chamber office at 12 Queen Street (under the town clock).
Community Care Changing Lives for 30 Years in Lakefield – Celebration on January 24th
Community Care is proud to announce they are celebrating their 30th year of service to Lakefield and area seniors and adults with physical challenges.
Community Care Lakefield is hosting a celebration on Wednesday, January 24th and is launching its “$30 for 30 Years” fundraising campaign.
Join the celebration on January 24th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77, 10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield. Learn more.
Community Care – Soup-a-licious – January 29th
Soup-a-licious is back on Monday, January 29th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cassis Bistro (27 Queen St., Lakefield). Enjoy delicious homemade soup and support Community Care! First come, first souped, while quantities last.
Or enjoy Soup at Work lunch delivery. To have soup and roll delivered to you, place your order by January 22nd. Cost is $5. Download the order form.
Proceeds enhance Community Care Home Support Services for seniors and adults with physical challenges in Lakefield and area.
Trent Lakes Small Business Survey
If you are a small or home-based business in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, the Trent Lakes Economic Development Committee would like to hear from you.
To provide the right assistance to you and your business, Trent Lakes has created a survey to obtain information from the business community on how they can serve you better.
Take the survey. The survey closes on January 31st.
This survey is a partnership between Trent Lakes Economic Development and Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.
Lakefield District Public School Open House – January 29th
Staff and students at Lakefield District Public School are excited to welcome parents and community members to an Open House on Monday, January 29th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Visit the bright and modern learning spaces, and see why staff and students love their beautiful new home!
VIDEO: Lakefield District Public School Preview
Upcoming Events
- Free Senior Skating, Lakefield – January 26th (and every Tuesday & Friday)
- Performing Arts Lakefield, Valdy – February 2nd
- PolarFest – February 2nd-4th
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.
