PETERBOROUGH, ON, JULY 21st, 2016: Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has called on Premier Kathleen Wynne to commit dedicated provincial infrastructure funds to developing and expanding broadband internet access in remote and rural areas of the province. With record investments being made by government in transit and transportation infrastructure, the business advocacy organization is calling upon the provincial government to recognize, through infrastructure dollars, that access to high speed internet is also essential for Ontario businesses to compete in the 21st century global economy. 

“Local businesses in Peterborough and area are becoming increasingly dependent on internet access for their everyday business practices,” said Stuart Harrison, President & CEO, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “High-speed internet access has become a necessity for doing business in today’s economy and it is critical that all regions across Ontario have access to this essential infrastructure.” 

“EORN [Eastern Ontario Regional Network] fully supports the Chamber’s call for more provincial investment in high speed internet and mobile broadband services,” said Dave Burton, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “While we have made significant progress in expanding access to high speed services across Eastern Ontario over the past few years we know there are still gaps and capacity issues to be resolved.  We also know that our economic future is tied to the ability of our local businesses to grow their markets and customer base through the Internet.  Helping local small businesses prosper will strengthen not only our communities but help the Province as a whole prosper,” added Burton.

While the Peterborough Chamber and the OCC acknowledge broadband investments made by the Government of Canada in the recent federal budget, internet access continues to be an issue in parts of Ontario. The letter to the Premier identifies three key recommendations that the Ontario government should address in the coming term to ensure all communities in the province are able to compete in the global economy:

1. Develop a robust broadband investment strategy that acknowledges that broadband is an essential infrastructure investment, and creates space for continued private-sector investment.
2. Build partnerships across all levels of government in order to leverage funding and respond to local need. Recognizing that the private sector has driven investment in broadband infrastructure, the OCC recommends an intergovernmental funds matching formula that will continue to incentivize large private sector investments.
3. Benchmark Ontario’s internet speeds and access. In order to ensure Ontario is able to compete in a technology-driven global economy, we need to create broadband infrastructure that is equal with those of other globally-competitive jurisdictions.

“Just as businesses depend on roads and electricity, high-speed Internet is fundamental to advancing the province’s economic interests,” said Allan O’Dette, CEO & President of the OCC. “Committing funds to broadband infrastructure in rural and remote regions of the province will ensure that economic fragmentation is reduced in Ontario.”

With government services increasingly shifting to online platforms, universal access to high speed internet is becoming more important than ever. By working with the Peterborough and the Ontario business community, government can develop broadband policy that is responsive to existing needs while not dissuading private sector investment.

Merrett Home Hardware has been part of the Peterborough community since 1996. Since then, they have made it their business to give back to the community that has supported them.

Drew Merrett and his hardware store have donated building supplies to the Lighthouse Community Centre for new cabinets, and new set supplies for 4th Line Theatre. They donate the use of a cube van to transport food once a week to the Lighthouse Community Centre (where Drew serves food each week). They are involved in the Partners in Employment Program, a provincial program to help job seekers gain job experience. And for the past three years, they have sponsored a community run, supporting the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Family Health Team Foundation and now the Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. On September 10th, the run will be the Merrett Home Hardware Run for Mental Health with presenting sponsor Bell Let's Talk.

Congratulations to Drew Merrett and his team for their ongoing support!   #TeamPtbo

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is seeking members* interested in serving on the Board of Directors.

This is an exciting opportunity for members who are vitally interested in our organization, who have foresight, and are good at conceptualizing. Serving on the Board of Directors with fellow business leaders in the community will utilize your group and teamwork skills. 

The Board of Directors plays a significant role in the development of Chamber policies and focuses on governance of the organization through policy governance. 

Directors must be willing to make the appropriate time commitment (please see application form). Representing the Chamber Membership, Directors carry forward the "Voice of Business" to all levels of government.

For more information on the work of the Chamber, please visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca. 

If you are interested, please complete the Board Application Form.

The form must be completed in its entirety and submitted to the Chamber by September 1st, 2016 at either: 
Email: [email protected]  
Fax: 705-743-2331 
Regular mail: Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, 175 George Street North, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G6 
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​*Only members in good standing may apply.