Chamber says it's going to have its own report

NEWS RELEASE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is in the final stages of working with its Development Charges Working Group to formulate a report that will outline their position on development charges.

Chamber members are very concerned about the potential economic slowdown that can result from a development charges by-law. 

“We have been aware of the possible implementation of development charges since 2013 and have monitored the situation very closely. In May of 2015, it became evident that the City was moving forward with the preparation of an updated report for Council.” said Sault Ste. Marie Chamber President Monica Dale. 

The Chamber is continuing to take the necessary steps to ensure that the impacts of development charges are fully investigated and communicated to our membership as well as members of City Council.

The Chamber of Commerce filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to view all existing research and proposals completed by the City on the proposed implementation of the development charges.

The Chamber then created the Development Charges Working Group, consisting of stakeholder groups and businesses in Sault Ste. Marie, to analyze the impacts of Development Charges on various sectors.

“Our first step was to find out what information the City already had. Once we reviewed the documents, we partnered with other stakeholder groups in the community and business owners to develop a strategic plan and implement it through the proper channels. Part of this process included meeting with City Staff and the consultant” said Dale.

When the City report goes to Council in the coming weeks the Chamber’s Development Charges Working group will be ready to present its own report.

Dale concludes, “We want our members to know that the Chamber has invested numerous hours into the preparation of our report and we are continuously working with other stakeholder groups to ensure our community can be the best place to do business.”

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(PHOTO: Heavy machinery dismantles the former Riverview mental health facility in this June, 2014 file photo. Donna Hopper/SooToday)