About this Committee

 

Through the advocacy committee, the Chamber enhances the voice of business in the community. Concerns and proposed solutions are communicated to the appropriate level of government or agency. The following are some of the issues that that Advocacy committee has worked on:

  • 4-laning of Highway 35
  • Planning & Development Approval Process
  • Transient Traders Bylaw

With the support of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce provincial and national issues can be brought to the forefront.

  
   
 
 

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The following are some of the key issues currently being developed by the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce and our Advocacy Committee.  If you should have any questions or concerns about these issues or others affecting your business, please contact Amy Terrill.
 
 
Election Task Force
The Election Task Force is well underway with strong support from the business community and the endorsement of the Chambers of Commerce in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon.
What is now a Kawartha Lakes Chambers of Commerce initiative will attempt to achieve the following:
  • bring issues of concern to the business community to the forefront during the municipal election campaign
  • educate the candidates about the concerns and suggestions of the business community
  • educate the electorate about the importance of economic development as a way to help solve their concerns around taxes, services, infrastructure and jobs for their children
Strategies that will be used to achieve these goals include:
  • Asking members to support the campaign with flyers in their place of business
  • Fundraising in order to finance an ad campaign that will reach out to the electorate
  • Attendance and participation at all candidates' meetings
  • One-on-one meetings with candidates
  • Cooperation with the media in order to assist in getting our key messages to the public
Volunteers and financial assistance are needed to ensure the success of this campaign.  If you would like to get involved, contact Amy Terrill.
Clean Water Act 
The Clean Water Act, 2005 (Bill 43) passed second reading at Queen's Park in May, 2005.  Teh Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is concerned about aspects of the legislation and is working closely with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in order to propose amendments.  Comments will be received from the public at travelling committee meetings this summer.
We agree that it is vital to have a safe and reliable source of water in this province and commend the government’s intention to protect our water supply through Bill 43 The Clean Water Act, 2005. However, our Chamber and our members believe components of the proposed Bill have the potential to place businesses at a competitive disadvantage and could very well lead to undue hardship for business owners, agricultural producers and municipalities.
Our concerns are as follows:
  • property owners who are in compliance with current standards should not bear the sole financial responsibility for meeting new benchmarks
  • existing standards and criteria should be recognized
  • permit officials are given broad powers within the legislation without the appropriate technical, political and financial authority
  • the legislation provides further downloading of responsibility and financial burden to the municipalities
  • the definitions of "threat" and "potential threat" in the legislation are too broad and no measurable criteria are outlined
Members of the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to share their comments on Bill 43 with M.P.P. Laurie Scott.  Our Chamber will be speaking at the committee meetings this summer.

Mason Homes Application (Hwy. 35 and Colborne Streets)

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce Advocacy committee discussed the application by Mason Homes for commercial development at Highway 35 and Colborne Street.  The application came before council on June 27 and prior to that was the subject of two public meetings.  Amy Terrill represented the Chamber at one public meeting and made a statement.
 
The Chamber's support of this application has been well received by many people.  In follow up to the public statement, the Chamber is working with the Chair of the Lindsay Downtown BIA in order to determine how the Chamber can assist the BIA in it's continued revitalization efforts. 
 
4-Laning of Highway 35
 
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce has advocated in favour of the 4-laning of Highway 35 for the following reasons:
 
  • efficient highways are the economic lifelines to Ontario communities
  • effective and efficient passage on Highway 35 is essential to the growth of the City of Kawartha Lakes
  • Highway 35 provides an economic link to our largest target market, the GTA, whether it be for manufacturing, agriculture or tourism
  • the residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes deserve a safe highway
The MTO recently held the final Public Information Centre on the project where the proposed design of the highway was provided.  Projected completion date is many years away, possibly 15 or more.  Interim passing lanes may be constructed.  We will continue to advocate for quick completion of the project.