Voice of Business: Making Ontario More Competitive For Permanent Residency

Ontario is less competitive than other provinces when it comes to approving permanent residency for new Canadians. This impacts our ability to attract talent at a time when we desperately need to increase our workforce, especially in Peterborough and the Kawarthas where unemployment remains well below the national average.

We have put forward a policy resolution for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to add pressure to our provincial government to take a look at the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program and rework it to help employers attract and retain talent.

Ontario offers a lot for prospective new Canadians in terms of job opportunities and multicultural communities, but it has become less competitive when it comes to getting permanent residency.

For many people here on student and work visas, securing permanent residency is a major source of anxiety. Fear of not being accepted before their visas expire is driving people to other provinces that increase their chances of success.

Labour markets are softening, but access to labour remains one of the biggest barriers to business. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce 2023 Ontario Economic Report found businesses reported investing in workforce development to be their second highest policy priority.

The slowing economy is likely to ease labour pressure, but the slew of impending retirements will further increase demand.

While unemployment increased in the second half of 2023, BDC reports that it’s because the active working population grew with about 430,000 jobs being created between January and November of 2023.

As much as Ontario has to offer newcomers, lack of access to housing and the rising cost of living are increasingly becoming barriers. Add this to the fact that other provinces make it easier to gain permanent residency while offering lower living costs and Ontario is increasingly becoming less attractive.

Currently, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) points system offers similar criteria to the Federal Express Entry program, which does not set the Province apart nor is it helpful for the candidates who fall outside the scope of the federal program. Our province should be targeting those who fall outside the federal criteria, especially if they are currently working or have a job offer in Ontario.

There is a lack of clarity on what National Occupation Codes (NOC) will be invited in the future, pushing people from certain professions to other provinces that are more likely to sponsor them. Additionally, provinces like Alberta have had success by removing the requirement to select a specific job or occupation from a list, opening up more opportunities for new Canadians to work in any job or business sector.

We have small and microbusinesses in Ontario that have a desire to sponsor new residents, but their business does not meet financial requirements. In the Greater Toronto Area, sponsoring businesses must have five employees and $1 million in revenue. Outside the GTA that drops to three employees and $500,000 in revenue. This financial threshold especially impacts small family businesses from immigrant communities.

Some candidates for residency have been working in Ontario for years with programs like the Labour Market Impact Assessment, but still do not qualify for residency here. Others are here studying for in-demand vocations like personal support workers, but don’t qualify for the Student Job Offer stream because their program is less than two years.

It has been pointed out by a number of industry professionals that the online application system is not as user-friendly as it could be, especially when those trying to apply may have language barriers, technology barriers, and slow internet connections.

Ontario needs to make some strategic changes to its approach to immigration and sponsoring candidates for permanent residency.

We recommend the Government of Ontario:

Make Ontario more competitive for securing permanent residency by:

1. Tailoring the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program to target candidates who fall outside the federal criteria with an emphasis on those already working in Ontario, including establishing a program for those with long-term work experience in Ontario as a pathway to residency.

2. Reducing employment criteria barriers, including:

   a. Providing clarity on what NOC codes will be invited in the future or eliminating the requirement to select a specific job or occupation from a list altogether.

   b. Lowering the revenue requirement and requirements for a specific number of employees for businesses to allow for smaller businesses to sponsor permanent residents.

3. Opening up the Student Job Offer Stream program to students in one-year programs.

4. Improving the functionality of the OINP website, providing a more up-to-date and user-friendly experience.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough DBIA Searching For New Executive Director

Following Terry Guiel's departure in October, who served for over a decade, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is searching for a new executive director.

Photo by Keegan Beekrs.

The non-profit organization promotes and enhances commercial activities, aesthetics and overall development of Downtown Peterborough.

The job is seeking someone to lead the DBIA to revitalize and transform downtown Peterborough into a vibrant hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to begin the search for a new executive director who will continue to lead the DBIA towards achieving its strategic goals for downtown revitalization and community development.” Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “We are looking for a visionary leader who shares our passion for making downtown Peterborough the region's premier destination for entertainment and business. The Executive Director will play a critical role in steering our efforts, from beautification projects to innovative programs and events, aiming to enhance the downtown experience for everyone."

Prospective candidates can submit their applications online via The Phelps Group with the deadline of March 19.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Grand Events, BARKery, Big Papa Sandwich and Cormor

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

There’s a new events space in Brookdale Plaza at 861 Chemong Rd. called Grand Events.

Owner and operator Leslie Grand is a local teacher who loves spending time meeting new people and providing people with special ways to celebrate life events. She offers a stress-free space where you can host a party without worrying about cleanup.

There are pre-planned custom-themed parties to make planning easy. They set up the party, provide the games and fun and clean it all up when you’re done. Grand Events will also be hosting community building events like coffee and tea socials, youth nights, and artisan craft shows. Find out more at grandevents.ca.

Looking for treats for your four-legged friend?

Downtown Peterborough’s Blackhoney is going beyond its bakery to offer a BARKery. The menu includes some creative options like bacon cheddar pupcakes, spinach and carrot yappetizers and a canine crunchies with peanuts, apple and carrot.

The BARKery offers specialty items to help with their joints, calm and relax them, or help them take their pills. Drop by 217 Hunter St., in behind the coffee house, with your furry friend and get some treats for everyone.

The owners of The Original Spaghetti House have opened Peterborough’s newest sandwich eatery at their 512 George St. South location.

Big Papa Sandwich offers quality cuisine with hand-picked ingredients. Sandwiches include chicken, veal, meatball, steak and sauteed veggie. Takeout and delivery are available. Check them out at the corner of George and Lansdowne Street.

A Peterborough company is looking to 3D print houses.

Cormor, lead by Dwight Corcoran and PTBOCanada founder Neil Morton, have machinery that uses innovative technology to print homes out of concrete. It’s the first large-scale 3D concrete printer in Canada.

They’re looking to build homes as well as commercial and industrial buildings through modular and on-site construction. The process offers a cost-effective and quick way to build high-quality and sustainable buildings.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Fleming College Business Students Benefit In New Partnership With Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce

Fleming College and the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have partnered to create a student membership program where business students can attend the latter’s monthly events and access its resources, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Students in Fleming’s International Business Management and Global Business Management programs can take advantage of the opportunity.

The Chamber’s multiple networking events allow students to engage with local entrepreneurs, tour local businesses, meet the region’s industry leaders and establish connections in the business community.

Fleming students can also access and attend Chamber-hosted webinars and seminars. Access to the Chamber’s job board, newsletter subscription and online Knowledge Hub is also included.

The Chamber will also host two events at Fleming College, bringing the region’s business community members to the Sutherland Campus.

This new membership program is available to first-semester students in the Winter 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Around the Fire, PFF Group of Companies, Down Syndrome Association and Chambers of Commerce

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Donald Fraser is launching a new venture called Around the Fire, a writing and communications business focusing on storytelling.

Community-building is at the core of Donald’s work and he’s looking to work with non-profits, public institutions, and community-based businesses and programs. He will work with local designers, producers and content creators to present your story. Donald has spent more than two decades telling stories in the community as a writer, communications specialist, social media pioneer, local food promoter and music promoter. You can find him at aroundthefire.ca.

There are some leadership changes at PFF Group of Companies.

Elizabeth Teleki is taking on the role of President for the Park Place Advisory pillar of the business, Chris Zelasko is moving to the role of President for the employee benefits firm and Chad Donnelly is moving into the role of COO for the PPF Group of Companies and remains a partner in the firm. The PPF Group of Companies is a boutique, full-service financial firm with expertise in employee benefits, wealth management, insurance, succession planning, taxation, and estate planning. With offices across Eastern Ontario, the pillars of the business include Peak Benefit Solutions, Park Place Financial, Farm Life and Park Place Advisory.

The Down Syndrome Association is hosting a Bowl-a-thon celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on March 24 at 10 a.m. at Lakeview Bowl.

This is your chance to support the Down Syndrome Association by sponsoring a lane or donating prizes. Lane sponsors get recognition at the event and some social media promotion in exchange for covering the cost of a team. The association is celebrating their recent move into Alternatives Community Program Services, which is an amazing accessible space and helps to deliver the level of support its members deserve.

The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Port Hope, Northumberland, Clarington and Trent Hills and partnering with the Goodman Sustainability Group to offer three workshops.

Indigenous Economic Reconciliation will be offered virtually on February 29, How to think, lead and implement sustainability strategies will be April 30 at Dalewood Golf Course in Cobourg, and Leadership trends will be offered virtually on June 27. Find out more at pkchamber.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Chamber's Power Hour Invites Political Leaders For Panel Discussion On Business Issues

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is gathering local political leaders for a panel discussion to tackle local business issues in a ‘Power Hour’ at Stonehouse Hall on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.

Invited politicians for the panel are Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Michelle Ferrari, Peterborough-Kawartha MP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Mayor Jeff Leal. The discussion is moderated by Joel Wiebe, the Chamber’s vice president and government relations & communications.

Opening remarks are in the morning with a lunch served prior to the panel discussion occurring in the afternoon.

The event features a moderated Q&A session with questions submitted from by the audience.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Voice of Business: Enforcing Fair Property Tax Ratios

Businesses in Ontario pay much higher property tax rates than residents, despite using fewer services. The Ontario Municipal Act requires municipalities to tax commercial and industrial properties at a ratio of 0.6 to 1.1, but many municipalities have no plans to comply.

For 2024, the City of Peterborough moved to increase its business tax ratio from 1.5 to 1.65, shifting added tax burden onto the business community in order to minimize the rate increase for homeowners. This trend is causing concern among businesses across Ontario.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has put together a policy resolution on this tilted “Enforcing fair property tax ratios” that we have submitted to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). It will go to the membership to debate and vote on in April, at which point approved resolutions become part of the advocacy efforts of the OCC for the next three years.

Our resolution:

Commercial and Industrial property taxes in Ontario municipalities are calculated based on a ratio of what residential property owners pay. For example, if a municipality has a commercial tax ratio of 1.75, commercial property owners are paying 175 per cent what a resident is paying for the same amount of property tax assessment.

The Ontario Municipal Act Reg. 386/98: Tax Matters – Allowable Ranges for Tax Ratios sets an allowable range for property tax on commercial and industrial properties at 0.6 to 1.1.

A quick look at tax ratios from a selection of municipalities from across Ontario from 2023 demonstrates that this range is not being followed:

Commercial Industrial

• Barrie 1.43 1.51

• Milton 1.46 2.09

• Peterborough 1.5 1.5

• Brantford 1.75 2.25

• Guelph 1.84 2.2

• North Bay 1.88 1.4

• Woodstock 1.9 2.63

• Sudbury 1.91 3.45

• Belleville 1.92 2.4

• Kingston 1.98 2.63

• Thunder Bay 1.98 2.37

• Clarington 1.98 2.49

• Sarnia 2.02 2.4

• Niagara Falls 2.15 2.95

• Sault Ste. Marie 2.31 4.38

Municipalities are coming under increasing financial pressure due to factors that include inflation in everything from capital projects to wages, increased demand for services, and an increased role in areas like public health and homelessness. Despite this pressure coming from a variety of sources, they essentially have one tool for raising the funds to do it — property taxes.

More financial pressure on municipalities is leading them to further increase tax ratios to the benefit of residents at the expense of the business community.

The City of Peterborough spent a decade lowering its commercial and industrial tax ratios to 1.5, achieving that several years ago. This year it voted to increase the tax ratios to 1.65, shifting $3 million in taxation from residents to businesses. Businesses in the City of Peterborough will on average pay 22 per cent more in property tax in 2024.

Similar stories are playing out across Ontario and businesses cannot continue to bear the brunt of property taxation on behalf of residents. Businesses use fewer services but are expected to pay significantly more for them.

It is clear Reg. 386/98 of the Ontario Municipal Act has no teeth. Municipalities across Ontario have been charging property tax ratios well outside the allowable range for decades with no plans to change. The Government of Ontario needs to put some teeth in the act and hold non-complying municipalities to account.

Recommendations

That the Ontario Chamber of Commerce urge the Government of Ontario to:

Enforce existing property taxation ratios set out in the Ontario Municipal Act Reg. 386/98: Tax Matters – Allowable Ranges for Tax Ratios by withholding provincial support — including access to provincial funding streams — to municipalities that:

a) are not taxing commercial and industrial properties at the required rates or

b) are not actively transitioning to the required rates based on a plan that specifies gradual decreases on a timeline approved by the Province.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Nutty Bean Café, Realign Wellness Centre, Trent Research and Dan Joyce Clothing

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

The Nutty Bean Cafe in Lakefield is under new ownership.

Sherry Salminen has handed the reins over to April and Brad who plan to continue offering great coffee and delicious food in a cozy atmosphere in downtown Lakefield at 33 Queen St. The Nutty Bean Café starts every morning serving fresh baked goods and breakfast with a selection of sandwiches, house-made soup, and salads throughout the day. They feature organic fair-trade, shade-grown coffee by the cup or beans by the bag.

There’s a new, unique service to elevate individuals who want to look and feel better inside and out.

Angela Hobbs is taking her expertise as a holistic medical spa practitioner of 20 years and going back to her own practice. She offers services that include permanent makeup, paramedical tattooing, hypnosis, and skin specialties like mole removal. Angela is inspired to elevate individuals from a holistic approach connecting body, mind, and spirit. You can find her on Facebook or at Realign Wellness Centre at 157 Charlotte St.in Peterborough.

For more than 25 years, the Trent Community Research Centre has been working with businesses and community organizations, connecting them with students for research projects.

These research projects address some of the biggest challenges our communities face. There will be a celebration of community-based research on March 28 at Market Hall. The event will feature presentations on research, a discussion panel, and an awards presentation. Register or find out more about community-based research at trentu.ca.

Dan Joyce Clothing is hosting a Beat the Blues event at their location at 87 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough.

The event is scheduled as a drop-in from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and will feature local experts offering advice on various ways to support good mental health. Beat the Blues will feature Jodi from Jodi-Lee Nutrition and Wellness, RJ from Flow Spa, and Tori from Wild Rock Outfitters. Drop in and learn some new methods for improving your mental health. You could also win some draw prizes from the experts.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Sonnet Insurance and Kawartha Credit Union Partner To Offer Home and Auto Insurance Coverage To Kawartha Members

Kawartha Credit Union (KCU) and Sonnet Insurance have teamed up to provide home and auto insurance for Kawartha’s members.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Credit Union.

Sonnet is known as the country’s first coast-to-coast fully online home and auto insurance companies according to a press release.

It also states that members will have access to competitive prices including usage-based insurance options, valuable offers and potential savings of hundreds of dollars by bundling home and auto insurance, in addition to top-tier care from Sonnet’s fully licensed insurance advisors along the way.

“Kawartha Credit Union is committed to supporting our members with the best products, services, and advice to assist them in achieving their financial goals,” comments Norah McCarthy, KCU president and CEO. “Through this relationship with Sonnet, we are pleased to provide our members with access to savings on easy-tounderstand insurance options that help them get the coverage they need, with the exceptional service they are accustomed to receiving at Kawartha.”

“We are excited to team up with Kawartha Credit Union to offer their members reliable coverage to protect what matters most,” said Eric Marion, Sonnet VP of Group Insurance. “This relationship means we are well positioned to provide our secure, affordable, and easy online insurance experience to members.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PTBO Northern Originals, Village Apothecary, Let Me Write It and Carl Oake Rotary Swim

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

The children of the late artist George Elliott are collaborating with PTBO Northern Originals and Flavour to launch a new clothing line with the catchphrase ‘I’d rather be in Peterborough.’

The phrase came from a callout from the Chamber of Commerce to local artists and marketers in the mid-70s to create a brand statement for the city. The campaign helped launch his art career. The clothing design features a collage of local landmarks, including Market Hall, the Pagoda Bridge and the Lift Lock. You can get your “I’d rather be in Peterborough” clothing at Flavour at 383 George St. or find them online.

The Village Apothecary in Millbrook is expanding with a refillery.

Refilleries promotes sustainable shopping practices by using reusable packaging that can be refilled on-site with shampoo, moisturizers, cleaners, and more. They prioritize plastic-free products to reduce waste in the environment and to help reduce your carbon footprint. Drop by The Village Apothecary at 36 King St. in Millbrook and refill your containers.

After a two-year layoff due to Covid, Russ Sanders of Let Me Write It is again taking bookings for senior seniors for mini-biographies.

Your life is important, a mini bio would be a cherished gift for loved ones and friends. The mini-bios entail five or six interviews (or more if needed) which will include proofreading to ensure all facts are correct. He will also take your old photographs and renew them. The mini-bio, along with your refurbished photographs, are then entered into a loose-leaf book. To book an appointment, contact Russ at epigram@nexicom.net.

The 38th annual Century 21 United Carl Oake Rotary Swim, sponsored by Baker Tilly, is back March 1 at the YMCA of Peterborough.

Last year’s event raised $40,000, bringing the total to $1.4 million over the last 37 years. This year, there are two new events — a Cannonball Challenge and a Floating Catwalk Challenge, where participants try to run the length of a slippery plastic mat floating on the pool. Funds raised will go to Easter Seals. Sign up to swim or make a donation at CarlOakeRotarySwim.com.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.