The Ontario Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting from April 27th to April 29th. Each year, the OCC allows local chambers the opportunity to present policies and agendas pertaining to local advocacy priorities. If passed, resolutions will become part of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy platform for the following three years.
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, South Niagara Chambers of Commerce, Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Niagara Board of Trade and Commerce were in attendance and presented a co-sponsored resolution on the zoning preservation of crucial employment (manufacturing, retail, warehousing) lands.
“As more of our communities become landlocked in order to preserve our natural heritage, employment lands face increased re-zoning pressures for housing,” said Kevin Jacobi, President of the Welland/Pelham Chamber of Commerce. “While we support efforts in creating affordable and attainable housing for our employees and community, it can’t be at the cost of the employment zones which provide the jobs which make more homes, more affordable and attainable. Support of this resolution will help to ensure that as our communities grow, we do so in a balanced manner which let people work in the communities they call home.”
“We are thrilled to be working with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, along with our local Chamber colleagues on this resolution. As Niagara Region is anticipated to grow to a population of 694,000 people by 2051, it makes it increasingly timely to ensure we protect employment lands for future growth.” says Lindsey Hendriks, Executive Director, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
With strong support for this policy resolution, this will move forward as a key initiative in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce advocacy agenda.
For more information, please contact Lindsey Hendriks, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
E: Lindsey@lincolnchamber.ca
P: (905) 563-5044
W: www.lincolnchamber.ca