Advocacy at Work 

Development Charges 

In late 2024, the city of Peterborough was proposing to increase residential development charges by  48% and the non-residential rate by 55%. Joel Wiebe our VP of Government Relations & Communications, wrote a letter addressing city council. This letter highlighted several key issues an increase in DC's would bring on our business community. 

The following letter highlighted the following themes: 

• Rising Costs: Average home prices have reached $658,170 with development charges increasing by 48%, adding $23,000 more per home, this is up $46,000 since 2019​​
• Commercial and Industrial growth at risk: A proposed 55% hike will stall business expansion
• Slowing development: Peterborough saw only 90 housing starts and 147 completions by October while growth lags behind surrounding areas

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Canada Post Strike

​The Canada Post letter from VP, Joel Wiebe, spoke on the following themes:

• Small Business Impact: Addressed the impact where 80% of small businesses in Canada rely on Canada Post for parcel delivery, invoicing and receiving payments.
• Rural communities: Peterborough County as a rural community relies on Canada Post delivery to service clients and businesses that cover an area of 4,000 square kilometres
• Direct Mail: Since direct mail is a preferred donation method among older Canadians, postal strikes are causing significant delays at a crucial time of year—when most donations are made.
• Finally, urging the government of Canada to act swiftly to find a fair resolution to this dispute and mitigate further damage to our communities and businesses. 

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Draft 2025 Budget

​In late 2024, VP Joel Wiebe wrote to the City of Peterborough Finance Committee which was proposing to increase property tax by 7.8% and cut funding to several social and cultural organizations.

The following are the key themes from the letter:
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• Cuts to Key Services: The budget reduces funding for arts, culture, and community service organizations, which are vital for economic growth and quality of life.
•  Economic Impact of Arts & Culture: The arts and culture sector generates nearly $30 billion in Ontario, benefiting local businesses like retail, restaurants, and tourism.
• Threat to Social Services: Cutting funds to organizations supporting marginalized communities will worsen homelessness, addiction, and mental health crises, which directly impact businesses.
• Business Perspective on Social Issues: The Chamber is leading a campaign recognizing that social issues are business issues and must be addressed for economic stability.
•  Loss of Stability for Non-Profits: A 25% cut to municipal funding could destabilize community organizations that rely on this funding for essential operating costs.
•  Missed Investment Opportunity: Other cities, like Toronto, are increasing funding for arts and social services, recognizing their long-term economic benefits.

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​ONGOING POLICY WORK AT A GLANCE

​Passenger Rail

​Addressing Bail Reform

With the second stage of highspeed rail in progress in Peterborough, your local Chamber will be advocating to ensure that the implementation of highspeed rail acknowledge and inegrate with our community needs. ALTO will be a high Frequency Rail line connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. 

​We will be in talks with the Attorney General of Canada to address bail reform. We will be leveraging our Chamber network voice to voice your safety concerns. 

​Amending the Tax Code to Support Not-for-Profits

Asking to create a home care refundable tax credit of 15% of up to $10,000 in annual retained home care services, for a total maximum benefit of $1,500 and a one-time refundable $10,000 tax credit toward special medical equipment and renovations, including hospital beds and patient lifts. Pending Canadian Chamber of Commerce policy resolution, 2022.

Bluebox Program 

Thank you to our 5 Star Leadership Members