March 2024 InTouch Magazine

New Lansdowne Facility Announced What Expansion Means for the Community

Details on Page 14.

Cover photo: Rita-Marie Hadley, Executive Director, Lansdowne Children’s Centre and Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

Message from the President

Embracing Growth: Balancing Career Success, Lifelong Learning, and Personal

Well-being in Today’s World

The Chamber has a lot going on this year! I’m sure members are excited for the Business After Hours events each month, as well as the upcoming MP/MPP Breakfast and AGM and Presidents Event, just to name a few. These occasions are great opportunities for members to connect with each other and stay informed on the latest happenings in the business world. I hope everyone has a great time and gains valuable insights from these events!

We live in a world that is constantly changing and evolving, and in order to keep up with it, we must also continuously learn and adapt. Learning is no longer limited to just formal education institutions, but also includes online resources, workshops, and on-the-job experiences. In today’s world, it’s essential to have a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning. While having a degree or diploma is important, it’s not the only factor that determines success in the workforce. Developing skills and gaining practical experience are equally important. Starting at the bottom and working your way up may not be glamorous, but it can provide valuable learning opportunities and help you build a strong foundation for your career. It’s also important to not get too caught up in titles or salary at the beginning of your career.

Focus on learning as much as possible, building your worth, and expanding your network. By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

We all agree that achieving business success is important, but it’s equally important to maintain a healthy worklife balance and nurture personal relationships. In fact, being fulfilled in

your personal life can have a positive impact on your professional life as well. Building strong personal connections with family and friends can provide a support system and a sense of purpose outside of work. It’s important to prioritize self-care and make time for hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work. By doing so, we can achieve a wellrounded and satisfying life.

I wish everyone a wonderful year ahead. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to the chamber if we can be of any assistance.

Membership Renewals

n Ad Plus Promotions Inc.

n adidas Canada Limited

n Advanced Cellular/Bell Mobility

n Allstate Insurance

n Al’s Driveway Sealing & Repairs

n Alzheimer Society of Brant,Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton

n ANC Group

n ARK Electrical Ltd.

n Arnold Anderson Sport Fund

n Assante Capital Management Ltd./ Brant Financial Group

n Beatties

n Beck’s Printing Services

n Bell City Carpet One

n Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre

n BIA Brantford-Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area

n Bialas Printing Limited

n BML Multi Trades Group Ltd.

n BMO Bank of Montreal - Henry Street

n Bowman Precision Tooling

n Brant Build

n Brant Custom Machining Ltd.

n Brant Food Centre

n Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

n Brant United Way

n Brant Waterways Foundation

n Brantford Flight Centre

n Brantford Golf and Country Club Ltd.

n Brantford Hydraulics Inc.

n Brantford Musicians Association

n Brantford Symphony Orchestra Association Inc.

n Harold E. Brown Auto Service Centre

n Bucket Sign & Lighting Service Inc.

n Cainsville Tire Discounter

n Cambridge Pro Fab

n CaptCan Comics Inc.

n Casasanta Complete Baking Solutions

n City of Brantford - Economic Development & Tourism

n College Source for Sports

n Comfort Inn

n Community Living Brant

n Conestoga College

n Cornell Construction Limited

n County of Brant

n Days Inn

n Dragonfly Landscape Supply Inc.

n E & M Copper Products Inc.

n ESSE Canada

n Extend Communications

n Farringdon Burial Ground

n Curtiss Wright Flow Control Corporation, Farris Engineering

n Food4Kids Brant-Haldimand

n Gates Canada Inc.

n General Industrial Services

n Gilbert-McEachern Electric Ltd.

n Grand Erie District School Board

n Grand River Insurance Brokers Inc.

n Grand Valley Educational Society

n Greenspace Waste Solutions

n J. P. Harris Burford Ltd.

n J. D. Hill Jewellers Brantford Ltd.

n Home Hardware Stores LimitedBeautiTone Paint and Home Products Division

n Home2 Suites by Hilton Brantford

n Hotline Apparel Systems

n IG Wealth Management

n Ingham Monuments

n J & K Home Building Centre

n J.C.A. Food Services Ltd.

n Jeff’s at Work Office Furniture-The Design Center

n JonAyves Learning Club

n Kemira Water Solutions Canada Inc.

n Ken Burns

n Kuriyama Canada Inc.

n Lanca Contracting Limited

n R. L. Lancaster Construction Limited

n Lauderdale Developments Inc.

n Legends Taphouse & Grill

n Levac’s Trophies Unlimited Inc.

n Liftway Limited

n Littell Promo

n Lorenzin Research

n Lynden Park Mall

n M&T Printing Group

n Maxwell Management Group Ltd.

n McCleister Funeral Home & Chapel

n McClelland Glass Centre (002310921

Ontario Ltd)

n McGowan Office Interiors Incorporated

n Millennium Security Services

n Mohawk Motel

n My Tailor

n New Life Pentecostal Assembly

n The Olde School Restaurant Est. 1982

n Optic House Inc.

n Paulmac’s Pets Brantford

n Pauwels Travel Bureau

n R.B.T. Electrical & Automation Services

n Savory Electric Ltd.

n Scott C. Chapin CPA Professional Corporation

Continued on Page 16 >

Membership Corner

Celebrating Over 150 Years of Economic Growth

Afew months ago while discussing the Chamber’s continued growth and demographic shift with a new business owner, it occurred to me that the region’s very earliest business professionals would be amazed to see what the City of Brantford and the County of Brant’s economic climate looks like today.

Rewind to 1866, when a visionary group of local entrepreneurs founded the Brantford Board of Trade – an organization with a mission to unite businesses. Already, the area had seen massive change in just a few decades; as the first Board of Trade President Ignatius Cockshutt described Brantford in the 1830s, “It was not much of a place; in fact simply a through road with a few houses where Colborne Street is now.”

This group was the genesis of what has now become the city’s cornerstone for economic collaboration.

The Board of Trade emerged as the orchestrator of events that not only facilitated business but also added an element of festivity. Market fairs and unique mixers became the norm, and the Board of Trade demonstrated a commitment to injecting enthusiasm into the serious business landscape.

In 1867, the Brantford Board of Trade assisted with the formation of the Grand River Transportation Co. to promote the export of goods up and down the river. Soon after, the focus became on rail transportation and members of the Board of Trade were the first call made by business and government leaders for advice and guidance when it came to trade policy, land development, and taxation.

As time progressed, the Board of Trade officially transformed into the Chamber of Commerce in 1927.

Throughout the 20th century, the

Chamber adapted to the evolving economic landscape; from post-war economic booms to late-century technological revolutions, the Chamber ensured that Brantford-Brant’s businesses remained resilient and innovative.

Fast forward to today, and the Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant is proud to stand as a testament to resilience. Our annual events, once characterized by market fairs, have evolved into essential gatherings where we can both laugh and have serious discussions about the city’s economic future. The Chamber has become a symbol of tenacity and a steady commitment to fostering growth.

As we reflect on Brantford-Brant’s business history, we should all be proud of over a century and a half of resilience, prosperity, and dedication to the community’s economic well-being. Each and every Chamber member and Brantford-Brant business leader has contributed to this success and will continue to be the backbone of the economic vitality throughout the City, the County, and Six Nations.

Greg Evans

Taxes – A Summary of Changes and Updates Financial Feature Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

The Canada Revenue Agency has been busy this last year with changes that affect all taxpayers. Here is a quick summary to keep you in the know:

Trust Reporting

CRA has implemented new trust reporting requirements for 2023. These new rules have extended the trust filing requirement to bare trusts. Bare trusts can include situations when one person on title of an asset is not the true beneficial owner of the assets. Common bare trust situations include parents on title of a child’s home to help obtain a mortgage, bank or investment accounts opened by a parent/grandparent for their children/ grandkids, adding a child’s name on a bank account for estate/probate purposes. The filing deadline for 2023 trust returns is April 2, 2024.

Electronic Payment Requirements

Effective January 1, 2024, all payments or remittances to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that exceed $10,000 can no longer be made by cheque. Payments to CRA over $10,000 must now be made electronically through your online banking, or made directly at your banking institution. Please note, CRA may assess penalties for payments continuing to be made by cheque.

Interest on Late Payments

Ensure that your payments to CRA are made on time. Interest charges on late payments, instalments and remittances have increased significantly due to increases in prime rate by the Bank of Canada. The prescribed interest rate charged on late payments is 10% for the first quarter of 2024. The prescribed rate is updated quarterly.

Home Office Expenses

The simplified $2/day flat rate home office expense claim has been eliminated for the 2023 taxation year. Employees must now use the detailed method when claiming home office expenses. In addition, employees must meet certain conditions, such as being required to work from home more than 50% of the time for a period of at least four consecutive weeks in the year in order to claim employment expenses. Finally, employees must also have a signed T2200 – Declaration of Conditions of Employment from their employer in order to claim these expenses.

Second Additional CPP Enhancement

The second additional CPP contributions (CPP2) started January 1, 2024. For 2024, pensionable earnings between $68,500 and $73,200 will be subject to CPP2 at a rate of 4% to a maximum CPP2 contribution of $188. Self-employed individuals have a CPP2 contribution rate of 8% to a maximum of $376, as self-employed individuals are required to pay both the employer and employee shares.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at Millards at (519) 759-3511 or visit us at www. millards.com

Information included in this article is based on announcements issued by Finance as at November 25, 2021. Particulars of these programs may change prior to final enactment by Finance. I

Pam Merrylees, CPA, CA, LPA Partner

Lansdowne Children’s Centre looks forward to big expansion

Since 1952, Lansdowne Children’s Centre has been supporting youth with unwavering dedication; delivering rehabilitation services for children with physical, communication, or developmental needs due to individual conditions.

By Georgia York

With over 3,600 clients being supported annually, the treatment centre ran into the issue of having to wait list children and families in need of help. In an effort to serve the community on a new level, Lansdowne Children’s Centre has been approved for the next phase in their journey: a new building to better service a growing population with an ever-increasing need for support.

“It’s been a story of growth and we have outgrown our current facility,” said Rita-Marie Hadley, Executive Director at Lansdowne.

Hadley expresses her gratitude for being able to grow their services and continue to meet the needs of the community. The location of the new centre doesn’t create a barrier around where their aid is received, reaching across Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

“We do touch many lives and our mission being to support infants, children, and youth so we can reach their potential,” said Hadley.

“We work with kids who may have risks around their developmental milestones and for some kids they may, with early intervention and supports at the right time, no longer need our services.”

Lansdowne primarily delivers government-funded services such as children with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, chromosomal disorders, and neurological conditions. The harsh reality is that some children who participate in Lansdowne’s support programming have short, fragile lives, which is why at every board meeting the staff honours those lives and their involvement with a memorial statement.

Hadley believes the process of developing and moving in to the new building will cause some growing pains, but she remains confident in the ability to serve future generations. Staff will be looking towards the community for continuous support through fundraising participation.

“It’s impressive to think about our role and legacy, and thinking of the future citizens who are going to be members of the Chamber and the business community who may have passed through Lansdowne’s doors and helping them along the way,” said the Executive Director.

As one of Ontario’s 21 Children’s Treatment Centres, Lansdowne holds the responsibility of caring for others close to their hearts.

With the new building in the works, Lansdowne’s values of respect, inclusion, diversity, empowerment, and safety will follow them along into this new chapter. I

40th Annual Business Excellence Awards finalists

community builder award entrepreneur of the year award company of the year award diversity, equity and inclusion award

Membership Renewals

Presenting partner

Resiliency & Business Acumen Award

sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by: sponsored by:

Who will our 40th annual Business excellence awards finalists be?

stay tuned to our socials for the big announcement happening on Thursday, march 21st, 2024.

@chamber.brantford.brant

@btfdbrantchamber

@chamberbrantfordbrant

@chamber-of-commerce-brantford-brant

BRANTFORDBRANTCHAMBER.COM

< Continued from Page 7

n Sherwood Restaurant & Catering

n South Coast Physio Plus

n Spence Print Solutions

n Stepright Capital Planning Inc.

n StreetSeen Media

n Steven J. Szasz Fine Quality Homes

n TD Canada Trust - Market Street

n Tirecraft Brantford Inc.

n Tonik Cannabis

n UFT Can. Inc.

n Underwood, Ion & Johnson Law

n David Van Elslander

n Waste Connections of Canada

n Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

n Westland Insurance Group Limited (formerly Bunnell Hitchton)

n Whole Body Health

n William Street Eyecare

n Winmar

n Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services

n Wurth Industry of Canada Ltd.

n YNCU - Charlotte St.

n J. H. Young & Sons Ltd. I

Ask a Lawyer Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Notice of Security Interests: Why homeowners should know about them

There has been an increase in the inappropriate use of security interests registered on properties which has affected many homeowners across Ontario. It has become increasingly important for homeowners to understand these security interests and their associated rights.

A Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) is a notice that can be registered on title of a property under the land titles registry system. A NOSI is similar to a lien and is registered on a property to secure a debt owed to a business or company for goods and services provided to a homeowner.

Most commonly, NOSIs can be registered where equipment, such as a furnace or water heater, has been financed by the homeowner. The NOSI would remain on title of the property until the amount due under the financing agreement is paid in full. At that time, the NOSI would be discharged from title of the property. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of NOSIs by door-todoor sales companies. In some cases, NOSIs have been registered even if goods or services were not completed and/or homeowners were advised that the goods and services were at no charge. These companies may also register NOSIs above the agreed upon amount or in duplicate which leads to an increase of debt to the homeowner.

Currently there is no requirement on business or companies to notify homeowners that a NOSI has been registered. It can be a shock for homeowners to discover a NOSI, or multiple NOSIs, registered on their property and for tens of thousands of dollars. Homeowners typically remain unaware that any NOSI has been registered on title to their property until they refinance, sell or conduct a title search.

Depending on the terms of the NOSI, a court order may be required to allow for its discharge from the property. The Consumer Protection Act offers some protection for Ontario homeowners by largely prohibiting door-to-door sales. The agreement entered into by homeowners under these door-to-door sales can also be deemed unenforceable under the Act. As such, the Act can often be relied on by consumers to obtain the necessary court orders to remove NOSIs from

their title.

If you or someone you know has been approached by a door-to-door sales company and goods or services have been provided, it would be prudent to conduct a title search of your property to determine whether any NOSI has been registered. You may also wish to speak to a lawyer about any agreement entered into as a result of door-to-door sales tactics and the enforceability of the same.

The lawyers at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP have the knowledge and expertise to assist you with any questions on your rights related to door-to-door sales and NOSIs registered on your property.

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford 20 Wellington St., Brantford.

Courtney Boyd, Associate

Member Profile Acupunture by Anna at Grand Wellness

Is Pain Stopping You

From

Living Your Best Life?

When you have good health, anything is possible! But what if your well-being has been neglected and now you are left with an array of symptoms that make no sense, and pain that you just want gone? Do you want to be heard and taken seriously by your healthcare provider and be given a solution that works and brings you back to health?

Acupuncture is your answer!

Acupuncture is a time-tested practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for centuries to promote holistic wellness. Acupuncture looks at how root imbalances affect the whole system. While taking care of immediate symptoms is

important, resolving a root cause is essential for achieving lasting results. Say good-bye to quick fixes and embrace the natural healing power of acupuncture. Maintaining good health and preventing disease is one of the strengths of this medicine. It boosts the immune system, decreases inflammation, and helps respond to stress in a healthy way. It lets you have a better sense of control over your health. This gentle and effective treatment can address a wide range of conditions:

n pain management

n sleep problems

n stress and

n digestive difficulties

Acupuncture can offer a safe and natural alternative to pharmaceuticals

Acupuncture is just one part of a broad system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other healing modalities include cupping, guasha, electro-acupuncture, and ear seeds. Cosmetic acupuncture for facial rejuvenation and Indie Head massage with an acu twist are also available to book with Anna at Grand Wellness Centre.

Anna Shleykova

Don’t settle for temporary relief. Experience the transformative power of acupuncture and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Acupuncture is covered by most extended health benefits plans.

If you, or anyone you know need relief from pain and stress, or could benefit from acupuncture in other ways, mention InTouch to get 10% off your first treatment.

I and invasive procedures.

I am putting on a live webinar specifically for you on April 9th!

This webinar will smash through the myths around mortgages for business owners and help you get approved.

Scan the QR code below and let’s work together to get towards your financial goals.

Bringing Certainty to Painting: The Story of CertaPro Painters

IIn 1992, CertaPro Painters® began with the vision of making residential and commercial painting services easier and more convenient for homeowners and business owners. From the beginning, our promise has been that of certainty, aiming to reassure customers of our quality and expertise. CertaPro Painters® of The Grand and Niagara is proud to be part of the largest residential painting contractors in North America, and we take pride in bringing personalized service to customers allowing them to focus on what matters most.

In 2018, after working for over 30 years in the paint industry, Dave Skinner

CertaPro Painters® of The Grand and Niagara

decided to open a new family run

CertaPro Painters franchise serving customers in Brantford, Brant, Flamborough, Haldimand, Niagara and Norfolk County. We are very proud to have received more than 200 5-star reviews from our customers since we opened.

We complete both interior and exterior projects for commercial and residential customers. We have experience with a wide variety of coatings, application equipment and lifts while working with products from all the major paint companies. We’re happy to provide free estimates and advice on the proper surface preparation, primers, and finish coats, to deliver outstanding long-term finishes for your project.

Our team members are skilled professionals who take great pride in their work and will arrive on time, keep you informed, deliver what we promise, and guarantee our work. We’ll also get to know what’s important to you so that we can customize the way we work with your daily routine. What matters most to us is your complete satisfaction because, we don’t just work in the neighborhoods we serve, we live there too.

New Members

n 123 Supplies

CLEANING & JANITORIAL SUPPLIES

Pamela McCann Lopez (226)922-1562

Pamela@123supplies.ca

Brantford, ON

n DW Cooper Contracting

EXCAVATING CONTRACTORS

Jake Cooper (519)756-4761

Jake@dwcooper.ca

Brantford, ON

n Giabex Inc.

EXERCISE, HEALTH & FITNESS TRAINING & GYMS

Zoleikha Rashidi (226)227-3663

Info@giabex.com

Paris, ON

Advertise with the Chamber

Contact Greg at greg@brcc.ca

n Hunter Austin Chartered Professional Accountant Professional Corporation

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

Mark Hunter (519)751-4353

Markh@yourcpaprofessional.ca

Brantford, ON

n Iqaluk Family Resources and Consulting Ltd.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES & COUNSELING CENTRES

Francis Oduro (519)861-7009

Info@iqaluk.com

Brantford, ON

n Jade’s of Paris RESTAURANTS

Jennifer Yin (519) 442-3413

J.Yin@live.com

Paris, ON

n Loving Hypnosis

HYPNOTHERAPY & HYPNOSIS

Renia Pruchnicki (519)860-6911

Info@lovinghypnosis.com

Paris, ON

n Matrix General Contracting & Construction Inc.

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Rob Meadus (519)498-8895

Rmeadus@matrixgcc.com

Ayr, ON

n Netxeno Solutions Inc.

WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Taqi Virani (647) 502-6864

Taqi@taqivirani.net

Brantford, ON

n Rangoli Indian Restaurant & Bar RESTAURANTS

Mahipal Reddy (519)751-9901

Ssfoodsinc@hotmail.com

Brantford, ON

Advocacy Chamber Network’s Ongoing Advocacy Efforts Navigate Economic Challenges in 2024

Advocacy on behalf of the business community is a constant and persistent focus of the Chamber Network across the province, and across the country. This fall and winter, the national and provincial networks pushed for additional changes to the CEBA loan program to support some of the hardest hit businesses, but were unable to secure further extensions or changes to the program. The fall out from this will be felt over the next 12 months.

The annual MP/MPP Breakfast, generously sponsored by our community’s post-secondary institutions, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and Six Nations Polytechnic, will have concluded as you read this. MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma have challenging post-secondary files, with the recently announced federal government cap on new international students and changes to the eligibility criteria for post-graduate work permits, and the precarious financial state of Ontario’s postsecondary education sector. The increase in international student enrollment over the past five years brought some much needed financial stability to the sector, while also increasing our provincial workforce, however, some students have been taken advantage of by bad actors in the system, and there may be unintended consequences in the housing sector as well.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce budget submission and 2024 advocacy efforts build from the October 2023 policy convention previous covered. Pragmatic responses are recommended to climate change, supply chain stability, the cost of doing business in Canada, life sciences, talent and innovation.

The Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant authored a policy Driving Innovation in Canada that was adopted by the CCC at the convention last fall, in addition to a policy related to stabilizing food supply chains in commodities.

The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee

is continuing to evolve to meet the growing number of opportunities in our region. Through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce policy debates, the Chamber is considering provincial issues including transportation, intensification, property tax ratios and reform, and an economic response to funding homelessness and mental health services.

Locally, the Chamber is monitoring the municipal budget process, as the City of Brantford moves to a multi-year budget process, under Strong Mayor powers, both for the first time, and as the County of Brant is challenged – as many municipalities are in 2024 – to deliver a budget that is affordable while maintaining service levels and investment. The Joint City-County Shared Services Committee will be a key priority of the Chamber in 2024 as well.

All

David Prang

BRANTFORD 2051

MAYOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS

Hosted by Mayor Kevin Davis

Date: Wednesday, April 24

Time: 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Register at: brantfordbrantchamber.com

The local business community is invited to attend a formal breakfast with Mayor Kevin Davis to learn about the current state of Brantford’s economy, the actions that the City has undertaken to date, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Publication showcasing Brantford, Brant & Six Nations bscene.ca BScenePaper

Empowering people to achieve their vision of independence, health, and wellbeing through support in Addictions & Mental Health, Justice, Housing, and Employment.

www.st-leonards.com

(519) 759-8830 Watch for some exciting updates in 2024! Our team is here for you! Contact us today.