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 Barriers to Succession Planning

Return of passenger rail service to Peterborough through VIA Rail for a High Frequency Rail line connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. Approved Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy resolution, 2021.

​Leveling the tax playing field to allow for more family run businesses to stay in a family Approved Canadian Chamber of Commerce policy resolution, 2019.

​Tax Rebates for Home Care

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.

​Maximizing Growth in Built Areas

​Advocating to make it easier to redevelop buildings in historic downtown areas to be homes again. Approved Ontario Chamber of Commerce policy resolution, 2021.

Thank you to our 5 Star Leadership Members