Media Releases

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce presents its position on Funding Tools for “The Big Move”

May 1, 2013 – Hamilton, ON - The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has taken the position that the regional transportation infrastructure investments of The Big Move, which include and LRT in Hamilton, are key to the future growth and prosperity of our economy.

Recognizing that the province of Ontario is currently faced with a $300 billion debt and a $10 billion deficit, it is necessary to discover new ways to fund the infrastructure costs.  Of the $50 billion required for The Big Move plan, $16 billion has been funded by all three levels of government; the remaining $34 billion will require $2 billion dollars in new revenue on an annual basis.

To that end, the Hamilton Chamber has joined with other Chambers around the region, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and boards of trade across the region in facilitating the conversation regarding funding. Over the past months we have facilitated consultation sessions between our community, our Chamber members and Metrolinx. Metrolinx will be submitting their recommendations for funding tools to the province later this month.

Four basic principles were identified as crucially important. These principles are; that the new funding is dedicated to new infrastructure projects; that the process is transparent; that the regions receive their fair share of the infrastructure; and that the direct beneficiaries are asked to contribute (User Pay Principle).

 As a result the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is recommending to Metrolinx and the Government of Ontario the following funding tools for The Big Move:

High Potential
Sales Tax
Fuel Tax
Parking Space Levy

Medium Potential
Development Charges
Land Value Capture
Vehicle Kilometers Travelled (VKT) Fee
Highway Tolls

Details on the individual funding tools can be found on http://www.bigmove.ca/shortlist and the Chamber’s Big Move Funding Tools Policy Position.

 

Friday night,  three awards were presented at the Beverly Golf & Country Club to honour excellence and achievement in the community. Keynote Speaker was George Chuvalo, former Canadian Boxing Champion.  The Dundas division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce congratulates the following individuals:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank):  Tom Bontje

Tom Bontje, a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, has positively impacted the lives within 73 agencies and 222,000 individuals through his commitment to United Way, Dundas Valley School of Art, Dundas Historical Museum and the Dundas Arts Community Foundation.  He was instrumental in getting government funding to support those community arts organization in Dundas.  Tom has also been involved with Big Brothers and the Cancer Society along with coaching basketball and acting as a liaison in the St. Mary’s High School Rowing Team.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Dundas Valley Collision Centre): Sydney Stenekes

Sydney Stenekes has a reputation of being one of the most capable and dependable students in Parkside High School.  She is head of the Parkside Ambassadors that greet visitors to the school during special events.  She is a member of Me to We and helped organize their Halloween for Hunger event.  She is a member of the Healthy Action Team which staged a campaign to promote positive mental health.  Sydney also volunteers during the Parents Night Out program at Rock Chapel United Church entertaining a large group of children while their parents get the night off.    Her above 90% average at school also shows she can successfully merge academia and volunteerism.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:  The Village Bakery

The Village Bakery is a full service, from scratch, just like mom used to make bakery.  Every product, created on site, from old family recipes.  They have a small seating area for light lunch and is a great place for the community to meet and relax.  Customer Service is paramount and keeps their customers loyal...in fact they have received a Tourism Award for it.  The community of Dundas wanted this business so much that when a devasting fire put the bakery out of commission, they raised the funds to assist them to re-open.

HAMILTON (April 9, 2013) – Last night, three awards were presented at the Ancaster Mill to honour excellence and achievement in the community. The Ancaster division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce congratulates the following individuals:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank):  John & Ellie Voortman

John & Ellie Voortman were a team from the very first day they met.  There wasn’t one without the other and together they thrived on each other’s strengths in everything they did.
John & Ellie changed a horse farm to Oakrun Farm Bakery in 1979 with a vision and drive to succeed.   Their generosity in taking care of their community through time serving on a variety of committees; employing those who some would find unemployable; and sharing their commitment of caring to those less fortunate is what they are known for in Ancaster.

Upon retirement instead of relaxing they set up a charitable bakery where they bake bread...300-400 loaves per week to be donated to local food banks, Wesley Urban Ministries, The Hamilton Dream Centre, Brantford and Caledonia Food Banks.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Ancaster Mill):  Rebecca Collings
 
Rebecca Collings is a charitable young lady who exemplifies leadership qualities and is a truly uplifting spirit.  Rebecca scholastically participates in Cops vs Ancaster High Basketball; Grade 9 Weekend Group Leader and Fundraising Leader for the 2012 Triathalon Planning Committee.  Within the community Rebecca volunteers for the Ancaster Food Drive, Step 4 Kids Challenge, Camp Maple Leaf and on the City’s Synchronized Swimming Club.  As an accomplished synchronized swimmer she has swum competitively for nine years, from recreation level up to and including national level.  Her 1006 volunteer hours were balanced between a part-time job, school academics, varsity teams and competing in her sport.
 
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Heritage Household Services): 
Stephen J. Dunn Insurance Agency Ltd.

Stephen has built his business from a shoebox of potential clients to serving the insurance and financials needs of over 3400 households encompassing over 10,000 car, home, life, business, disability and mutual fund accounts.  His dream team of four full-time and two part-time employees have been with him well over 10 years and they believe in giving back to the community by sponsoring various local sports teams, golf tournaments and community service through participation on many Boards of charitable causes.

Thanks to sponsors RBC Royal Bank, Ancaster Mill, Heritage Household Services, Ancaster News, Rotary Clubs of Ancaster and Realtors Association of Hamilton/Burlington.