the advocate magazine - march | april 2012

advocateM A R C H | A P R I L 2 0 1 2

Government Policyis Critical forWaterloo RegionDevelopmentShale Gas Development:Environmental and Energy Issueson Both Sides of the Border

Recognizing the Benefits ofReurbanization

Work & Play at The Boardwalkon Ira Needles Blvd.

Government Policyis Critical forWaterloo RegionDevelopmentShale Gas Development:Environmental and Energy Issueson Both Sides of the Border

Recognizing the Benefits ofReurbanization

Work & Play at The Boardwalkon Ira Needles Blvd.

Building Blocksfor Tomorrow’s EconomySecond of a Three Part Series

Building Blocksfor Tomorrow’s EconomySecond of a Three Part Series

Advocate_MarApr_2012_R6:AdvocateSeptOct10R0 2/27/12 1:28 PM

advocateMARCH | APRIL 2012 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Art Sinclair

EDITOR:Heather Hutchings

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:Cober Evolving Solutions

PHOTOGRAPHY:Adamski Photography and Van Valkenburg Communications

ADVERTISING AND SALES:David MacLellan - [email protected] Critelli- [email protected] Waddell- [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:Brian Bennett, Steve Brown, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick, David P. Flynn,Dana Gies, Jeff MacIntyre, Mike Maxwell, Ian McLean,Carol Simpson, Art Sinclair

CONTRIBUTORS:Bryan Atcheson and Teri Hetherington

ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES:March 19, 2012 for May | JuneMay 18, 2012 for July | AugustJuly 20, 2011 for September | OctoberSept. 21, 2012 for November | December

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The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication ofthe Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of thecontributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber.The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards(1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chambercannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that mayoccur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamberwill not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims andhas the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false,misleading, or inappropriate.

features

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

4 Remember Our EnvironmentBrian Bennett

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

5 The Challenge of FundingInfrastructure DevelopmentIan McLean

ADVOCACY

7 We won’t need Farmland if wehave no FarmersArt Sinclair

PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE

8 Welcoming the McMaster MDClass of 2014Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

EVENTS

10 Winter Networking

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

12 December 1, 2011to January 31, 2012

EVENTS

18 Mark Your Calendar

SPONSOR PROFILE

25 CMA Spells ProsperityDana Gies

MEMBER NOTABLES

26 Achieving SuccessChamber Members

SPONSORSHIP

31 Chamber Sponsors

departments

FEATURE

9 Shale Gas Development: Environmental and Energy Issueson Both Sides of the BorderDavid P. Flynn

FEATURE

14 Internationally Trained Individuals –An Ongoing Source of Talent for EmployersCarol Simpson

COVER STORY

16 Government Policy is Critical for Waterloo Region DevelopmentChamber Staff

FEATURE

20 Recognizing the Benefits of ReurbanizationMike Maxwell

FEATURE

22 Health Minister Outlines Major Changes at Chamber EventFEATURE

23 Stantec develops a Made-in-Kitchener environmental solutionfor Victoria Park LakeSteve Brown

FEATURE

24 Work & Play at The Boardwalk on Ira Needles Blvd.Jeff MacIntyre

advocateMARICH | APRIL 2012

WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM


message from the chair

Remember Our EnvironmentBY BRIAN BENNETT

This edition of The Advocate continues our series of BuildingBlocks for Tomorrow's Economy, with a theme aroundenvironmental leadership.

Stantec shares their unique made in Waterloo Region solution forthe removal of soil from Victoria Lake, which has the potential torehabilitate the material to cap or cover landfill sites and ultimatelysave money.

There is an overview of reurbanization, including intensifying oururban areas to comply with Places to Grow legislation. We canexpect our urban areas to get much taller with enhancedenvironmental and economic benefits.

We will learn more about the exciting Boardwalk development,Kitchener and Waterloo's newest locally developed commercial andbusiness mixed use node, providing services to support residents ofthe west side to reduce their carbon footprint.

Law firm Phillips Lytle reviews the emerging technology aroundShale Gas reserves, which has both potentially positive and negativeenvironmental implications. This low cost affordable fuel canpower trucks and energy generation enhancing air quality, while theextraction can have potential adverse impacts to ground water andwaste water treatment.

Locally, environmental stewardship can be as simple as reducingour carbon footprint through a reduction in travel. Enhanced useof public transit, carpooling, GO or Via travel to Toronto, officehotelling, teleconferencing and video conferencing are all waysthat can allow us to do our part. Considering more efficient use ofprocurement including ordering in bulk to reduce the frequency ofdeliveries is also an option. The proposed LRT has the potentialto make a sustainable contribution to reduce our footprint.

Energy conservation is becoming more top of mind, and one of themore visible ways to enhance our environment. We know what wecan accomplish around conservation initiatives, considering howeffective we have been with water conservation by reducing ourconsumption by 9% since 2005, while economic growth continuesto increase. New and retrofit initiatives can have a substantial

impact which can include LED lighting and motion sensors,enhanced heating and cooling systems, and something as simple asturning off computers and monitors.

Locally we are seeing significant municipal leadership, which notonly sets the bar, but also provides the opportunity to save taxpayermoney. The Region of Waterloo has replaced lights in trafficsignals with LED lights saving up to $500,000 annually. The Cityof Waterloo's new Fire Station #4 has been built to Silver Leedsaccreditation, while the Waterloo Recreation Centre, AlbertMcCormick and Moses Springer Arena renovations have allincorporated energy saving measures.

The City of Kitchener facilities include the Leeds Gold StatusActiva Sportsplex, while Fire Hall #7 and the consolidatedOperations Facility on Goodrich Drive have all been built to LeedsSilver accreditation. The consolidated Operations Facility alsoboasts an impressive 500KW solar energy system on its rooftop, thelargest clean energy solar rooftop installation in Canada.

Although the Ontario Power Authority is in the process ofre-evaluating the Feed- In Tariff (FIT) program for both wind andsolar, the cost to produce solar panels has dropped 40-60% as aresult of competition, and it is anticipated that any reduction inFIT prices will be offset by the cost reduction to purchase andinstall new solar panels.

Many of the initiatives discussed can be easily incorporatedproviding leadership to preserve our local footprint.

4 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian BennettCHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brian Bennett is a Financial ServicesExecutive and the owner of BMEConsulting, a financial consulting servicesfirm.


message from the president

The Challenge of Funding InfrastructureDevelopmentBY IAN MCLEAN

During recent 2012 budget discussions at municipalities acrossWaterloo Region, the issue of who will pay for infrastructurerepairs assumed increasingly prominent attention.

City of Waterloo staff assessed their municipal infrastructuredeficit at $250 million. A similar estimate for the entire Region ofWaterloo was reported at $265 million in 2008, indicating theproblem is escalating at an alarming rate. Regional Chair KenSeiling noted they have always compiled a ten year forecast,however with a growing population the ability to meet increasingdemands is challenging.

The issue of infrastructure funding is certainly not confined toWaterloo Region or Ontario – it is a major national public policyissue. In late 2007, a study compiled by Dr. Saeed Mirza fromMcGill University for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities(FCM) estimated the national deficit was approximately $123billion. The key categories where upgrades and maintenance areurgently required include water and wastewater, transportation,solid waste management, and recreational/communityinfrastructure.

At the time of release of the aforementioned document, the FCMasked the federal government to acknowledge the problem anddevelop a national plan for addressing the deficiencies.Municipalities alone lack the financial resources since propertytaxes are 8 percent of aggregate Canadian tax revenues.

Following that rationale, Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig appearedbefore Waterloo City Council on December 12 of last year andrequested that Waterloo Region councils collaboratively approachthe senior levels of government to secure the necessary funding fortheir infrastructure requirements. Mayor Craig has estimated hismunicipal deficit is currently $450 million, where $305 million isfunded leaving the city $150 million short.

City of Waterloo staff recently proposed an additional tax onproperty owners of up to two percent for infrastructure repairs andmaintenance. The Citizens’ Budget Task Force recommendedCouncil not proceed with this measure, arguing that savingsshould be pursued through existing programs, creating a culture ofefficiency at city hall, and comparing wages to the private sector.

Another option for infrastructure funding which periodicallyappears on municipal agendas is road tolls. Former and current

members of Toronto City Council have on occasion suggested thatresidents from the 905 who commute into the city core shouldassist with the maintenance of existing infrastructure, however thelogistics of this proposal could present some significant challenges.

The option of toll roads did generate national media attentionrecently when Ivan Court, the mayor of St. John New Brunswicksuggested publicly, and emphatically, that commuters living in low-tax suburbs and working in the city should start paying tolls andhigher parking fees to help defray the cost of maintaininginfrastructure. Court told Toronto Star National Affairs WriterRichard Brennan that you can’t have a sustainable community ifyou have almost fifty percent of the population who works in thecity living in the periphery.

St. John Councillor Donnie Snook has suggested, to addresstraditional logistics concerns, that tolls could operate like BobRae’s photo radar where licence plates would be photographed andSt’ John residents exempt. A special sticker or other marker wouldprovide the exemption.

Development charges, which have evolved into significanteconomic issues in municipalities across Ontario and in particularthe Greater Toronto Area, are collected to fund future growth-related infrastructure costs. They do not address the evolvingrequirement for maintenance of existing sewers, watermains, orroads, providing another infrastructure challenge formunicipalities.

There are no universal answers to the national challenge howeverthere is a requirement for all governments to operate as efficientlyas possible to ensure all available funds are allocated to this priorityspending function.

5advocateMARCH | APRIL 2012

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ian McLean

Ian McLean is President and CEO of theGreater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber ofCommerce.


awards nominations


2012 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALAthank you

EVENT SPONSORS

AWARD SPONSORS

Cowan Insurance GroupTitle Sponsor

Manulife FinancialReception

BMO Financial GroupNominee Reception

Hatch Mott MacDonaldCentrepiece

WalterFedyWine

BDO Canada LLPGift

Bell CanadaGold

Adamski Photography AVW Telav Audio Visual

SolutionsBingemans

Brentwood LiveryeSolutions Group

The Event FirmMemory Tree

Moore’s Clothing for Men

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Conestoga CollegeConrad Business,

Entrepreneurship &Technology Centre

Equitable Life of CanadaGrand River Hospital

Laurier School of Business& Economics

CIBCGold

Gowlings LLPGold

Sun Life FinancialGold

CMA OntarioBronze

Delta Kitchener-WaterlooBronze

Goliger’s TravelPlusContributor

CHYM FM, 570 Newsand KIX 106Media Sponsor

Libro Financial GroupLutherwood

Research In MotionUnion Gas- A Spectra

Energy CompanyUniversity of Waterloo

Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel

CKWRMedia Sponsor

CTVMedia Sponsor

94.3 Faith FMMedia Sponsor

Jewel 92Media Sponsor

Waterloo Region RecordMedia Sponsor

91.5 the Beatand 107.5 Dave FM

Media Sponsor

105.3 KOOL FMand 99.5 KFUN FM

Media Sponsor

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all our sponsors

This Gala event recognizes Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce memberswho have made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership for the

betterment of our community.


advocacy

We won’t need Farmland if we have no FarmersBY ART SINCLAIR

Former Ontario Premier Mike Harris often noted there was littlevalue in preserving farmland if there are no farmers to grow cropsand raise livestock. The inference is that if governments areineffective in financially supporting the primary agriculture sectorthere is limited value in maintaining land for future production.

Farmland preservation is an issue that has existed, and hasremained unresolved, at Queen’s Park from Oliver Mowat throughJohn Robarts to Dalton McGuinty. Also, decisions to allowdevelopment on working farms has dominated many councildebates in every municipality, urban and rural, across Ontario forthat same period of time. The most intense have historicallyoccurred and continue in Niagara Region.

In early January of this year, an article by Greg Mercer appearedon page 1of a Saturday edition of the Waterloo Region Recordwhich outlined a series of challenges that local farmers mustcontend with on a daily basis. The issues range from iratemotorists caught behind slow moving machinery to constructionwaste dumped on fields.

As Mercer noted, the nuisance of farming near an urban area cansend some farmers to look for other occupations. However the lossof farmers is much more the result of urban sprawl. A localrepresentative from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, theprovince’s largest general farm organization, was quoted that noone will continue when the price of land is well past the value forfarming purposes.

Ironically, against the challenges of farming locally, growth inWaterloo Region over the next two decades will be initiated byfarmland preservation – in the Greater Toronto Area. A majorcomponent of the provincial strategy to manage the GreaterGolden Horseshoe is the Greenbelt, an area of 1.8 million acres ofland protected from any form of development. A 2008 report fromBank of Montreal Capital Markets noted that as housing leapfrogsthe Greenbelt, the population of Waterloo Region will expandrapidly. Sprawl in areas across the western GTA, such as Oakvilleand Burlington, will be severely restricted and result in anescalating population for Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.

In reference to the quote from former Premier Mike Harris andmaintaining farmers in Ontario to produce food for the nation andworld, international trade discussions have provided far largerthreats to Waterloo Region agriculture than any of the factorsmentioned previously. Late last year, the federal governmentindicated they were entering negotiations for a Trans Pacific TradePact, or TPP, with the Asia-Pacific region. Media scrutiny andanalysis from trade experts immediately focused – again - on thefuture of supply management in domestic dairy and poultryproduction. The presence of these systems has been perceived as abarrier on improving access to foreign markets for Canadianproducts across all sectors.

Elected and non-elected officials have insisted that supplymanagement will not be on the table for negotiations, howeverconcern persists on the future of this system that has existed fornearly fifty years and has been highly controversial dating back tothe years prior to its implementation. Although poultry and dairyproduction exists across Canada, the industries are centred insouthern Ontario and Quebec. Changes in supply managementwill have a significant impact on these areas which have alreadybeen the major victims of global restructuring acrossmanufacturing. Waterloo Region will be, literally and figuratively,in the middle of a storm which won’t be perfect.

Farmland preservation policies are not required in a province ormunicipality with no farming.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Art Sinclair

Art Sinclair is the Vice PresidentPolicy and Advocacy for the GreaterKitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.



perspective on health care

Welcoming the McMaster MD Class of 2014BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Health Care ResourcesCouncil welcomed the first 15 undergraduate medical students –the Class of 2010 – when they arrived in Kitchener in 2007 to begintheir first year studies at the newWaterloo Region Campus of theMcMaster Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

Since then, we have welcomed four more classes and seen thatfirst class graduate and move into residency programs on theirway to practicing medicine. A number of these graduates chosefamily medicine over other specialties and four were accepted intothe K-W Family Medicine Residency Program where they arecurrently in their second year residencies.

This past December the Chamber again sponsored the School’sannual Welcome Reception & Dinner for 29 first year undergrads– the Class of 2014 – at the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel. Wewere joined as sponsors this year by Doctors4Cambridge, theCambridge & North Dumfries Recruitment Committee.

Recognizing OutstandingMcMaster Faculty Members & StaffThe new class met some of their second and third year class peersand members of the local McMaster faculty and staff. They alsojoined them in recognizing physician preceptors and advisors whohave made outstanding contributions to the medical students’education experiences this past year. Nominations for theseannual Faculty Awards come from the medical students and therecipients are selected by a student selection committee.

Awards for mentorship and excellence in academic and clinicalteaching were conferred by a group of very enthused and gratefulmedical learners.

This year, McMaster Director ofStudent Affairs, Dr. Dorothy Emsliewas the recipient of the MentorshipAward. She was praised for hercommitment to the Waterloo RegionCampus, her enthusiasm for medicaleducation and her outstandingdedication to student well-being.

Dr. Jeff Nagge, a PharmD andClinical Pharmacist from the UWSchool of Pharmacy Faculty, wasrecognized for Excellence inAcademic Teaching. An exceptionalclinician and teacher, he has a greatability to bring his expertise fromPharmacy to the McMaster MDprogram.

Dr. Nicole Didyk, Dr. Brian Finn andDr. Rob Chernish all receivedExcellence in Clinical TeachingAwards. As outstanding teachers theywere praised for their enthusiasm andability to engage and encourage theirstudents.

TheWaterloo Region campus of theMcMaster medical school is trulyprivileged to have such high caliberphysician educators and mentorsamong their faculty to enhance thelearning experiences of these brightand aspiring young health careprofessionals. And we, as a community,are privileged to have these studentsliving and training here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Sue Fitzpatrick

Mary Sue is Vice President Family PhysicianResources and Health Advocacy.

**Photos by Lisa Malleck Photography

CLASS OF 2014

DR. JEFF NAGGE

DR. ROB CHERNISH

DR. NICOLE DIDYK

DR. DOROTHY EMSLIE


feature


Shale Gas Development: Environmental and EnergyIssues on Both Sides of the BorderBY DAVID P. FLYNN

There are a number of environmentally related issues that havecross-border implications for Canada and the United States. Theseissues, and how they are addressed, help define the Canada-U.S.relationship, and sometimes bring into focus differences in policiesand priorities between the two countries.

A significant, emerging issue is the development of shale formationnatural gas reserves in the United States. Based on certain industryestimates, development of shale gas reserves in the U.S. couldsignificantly alter the fuel mix for energy in the U.S. and transformthe U.S. into a net-exporter of natural gas, resulting in increasedexportation of natural gas to Canada, which has historically been amajor supplier of natural gas to the U.S.

The environmental implications of shale gas development arepotentially as significant as the energy market-based impacts.Greater reliance on natural gas as the fuel of choice for generatingelectricity will, over time, likely displace a significant amount ofcoal-based generation in portions of the United States, as well as inOntario. Repowering existing coal-fired power plants to usecleaner natural gas or building new natural gas-fired power plantsshould result in trans-border improvements from an air qualityperspective. Some are even suggesting that recent events in Japan,together with increased supply of natural gas from shale formations,may cause policy makers in Canada and the U.S. to rethink furtherdevelopment of nuclear energy.

While development of shale gas reserves may provide cleaner-burning natural gas for energy generation, there are environmentalimpacts from shale gas development that must be understood andaddressed. These issues and concerns have become highly visible inNew York as a result of the State’s ongoing process to quantify theenvironmental impacts of shale gas development via the use ofhigh-volume hydrofracturing, and a parallel process to promulgatea package of comprehensive regulations to address the shale gasdevelopment process. The proximity of shale gas development toThe Great Lakes watershed and Canada is a concern for Canadiansas well.

The primary environmental issues with potential cross-borderimplications involve potential impacts to groundwater and thetreatment of wastewater that results from the development of shalegas formations using high-volume hydrofracturing. Each well

developed through the use of high-volume hydrofracturinggenerates 3 to 8 million gallons of wastewater that can contain highlevels of dissolved solids, metals, proprietary chemicals andnaturally occurring radioactive materials, and experts predict thatthe development of thousands of such wells over the next 20 yearscould lead to proper well construction, water treatment anddisposal being significant issues on both sides of the border.

Much work is underway to evaluate drilling and water treatmenttechnologies and to determine how to construct wells and treatwastewater from high-volume hydrofracturing so that shale gasdevelopment does not impact the environment and, in particular,the Great Lakes. It appears that New York, and perhaps otherstates in the U.S., will require well set backs from groundwatersupply areas in order to protect this resource and constructiontechniques that protect groundwater from impacts. With respect towastewater treatment, New York’s proposed regulations wouldrequire a party seeking to develop a shale formation well usinghigh-volume hydrofracturing to have an approved plan detailingthe method of treatment, and to certify that the well developer hassecured the adequate treatment capacity to properly treat allwastewater resulting from the construction and development of awell.

The continued development of shale gas formations in the U.S. hasthe potential to significantly alter certain fundamentals of theNorth American energy market. If this development is done in aresponsible way, it has the potential for significant, positiveenvironmental benefits in Canada and the U.S.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David P. Flynn

David P. Flynn is a Partner at Phillips LytleLLP, a U.S. based law firm with an officelocated at The Communitech Hub. Hispractice is concentrated in the areas ofenvironmental law and energy. He can bereached at (519) 570-4800 [email protected].


networking


Winter networking

1) JASON KIPFER, TD CANADA TRUST, AND DON ANDREWS, IRONWEALTH LTD.2) NETWORKING AT CHERVIN KITCHEN & BATH.3) MARILENA BENAK AND SONIA JOSHI, YMCA EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.

4) GREG SCHOTT, DAVE GASCHO, DON WALES AND IAN INGLIS.5) JEFF MACINTYRE SPEAKS TO A GROUP AT THE AML CHAMBER CONNECTIONS.

*Photography by Adamski Photography

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One Team. Infinite Solutions.

6) DR WILLIAM MORRISON AT THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST:GATEWAYS AND CORRIDORS.

7) CATHERINE COPP FROM KNIGHTSBRIDGE HUMAN CAPITAL SOLUTION.

8) CHAMBER CONNECTIONS ATTENDEES AT CHERVIN KITCHEN & BATH.9) DR. GENE DEZSCA AT THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST: LEADING CHANGE.

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new members

December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012

2012 Waterloo Region InternationalPlowing Match & Rural ExpoCharitable & Community OrganizationsDavid Pyper, Chair & CEO1606 Spragues Road, RR 4, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S5Email: [email protected] / Web: www.ipm2012.caPhone: (519) 621-0446

ABA Architects Inc.ArchitectsAndrew Bousfield, President564Weber Street North, Unit 5, Waterloo, ON N2L 5C6Email: [email protected] / Web: www.abarchitect.caPhone: (519) 884-2711/ Fax: (519) 884-2289

Aberdeen Homes LimitedHome BuildersNathan Hallman, President20 Crestview Place, Kitchener, ON N2B 0A2Email: [email protected]: www.aberdeenhomes.caPhone: (519) 744-1991 / Fax: (519) 744-1997

Alger Brand WorksPromotional ProductsDave Alger, Owner447 Frederick Street, Unit 10, Kitchener, ON N2H 2P4Email: [email protected] / Web: www.algerbrandworks.caPhone: (519) 279-9002

ANTVibes Inc.Internet Products & ServiceKarenWinter, Executive Vice President295 Hagey Boulevard, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5Email: [email protected] /Web: www.antvibes.comPhone: (289) 997-2127 / Fax: 1 (519) 513-2421

Banasch Automation IncAutomation Systems & EquipmentErwin Banasch, President144 Jansen Avenue, Unit 2, Kitchener, ON N2A 2L7Email: [email protected]: (519) 571-0537

Bin There Dump ThatWaste Management & Recycling ServicesBrad Erhardt, Owner576 Mill Park Drive, Kitchener, ON N2P 1W1Email: [email protected]: www.bintheredumpthat.comPhone: (519) 212-7333

Canadian Council of Christian CharitiesCharitable & Community OrganizationsHeather Card, COO43 Howard Avenue, Unit 1, Elmira, ON N3B 2C9Email: [email protected] / Web: www.cccc.orgPhone: (519) 669-5137 / Fax: (519) 669-3291

Canadian Home Healthcare Inc.Medical Equipment & SuppliesAmanda Fordham, President and CEO647 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C9Email: [email protected]: www.canadianhomehealthcare.caPhone: (519) 576-6544 / Fax: (519) 576-7284

CareerNicheCareer Counselling & EducationChristian Smith, Managing Director30 Duke Street West, Unit 1000, Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5Email: [email protected] /Web: www.careerniche.comPhone: (519) 489-2190

Creative Enterprise Enabling OrganizationSocial & Human Services OrganizationsHeather Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer151 Charles Street West, Unit 112, Kitchener, ON N2G 1H6Email: [email protected]: www.creativeenterprise.caPhone: (226) 929-5622 / Fax: (519) 804-2224

Desire2Learn Inc.Internet Products & ServiceJohn McLeod, Senior Director, Marketing & Alliances43 McBrine Place, Kitchener, ON N2R 1H5Email: [email protected]: www.desire2learn.comPhone: (519) 772-0325 / Fax: (519) 772-0324

Fermon ConstructionHome Improvements & RenovationsFermon Martin, Manager1182 Geddes Street, Hawkesville, ON N0B 1X0Email: [email protected]: www.fermonconstruction.comPhone: (519) 699-4095

Flyin' Fisch Synthetic LubesLubricantsHolger Fischer, Independent AMSOIL Dealer593 Ephraim Street, Kitchener, ON N2B 2C7Email: [email protected] / Web: www.flyinfisch.caPhone: (519) 571-9640

Gabe's Automotive Centre WaterlooAutomobile Repairing & ServiceGabe Choujaa, Owner/Operator339 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1W4Email: [email protected]: www.gabesautomotivecentre.caPhone: (519) 886-6220 / Fax: (519) 885-0179

GFL Environmental CorporationWaste Management & Recycling ServicesKaryn Imrie,Territory Manager16 Centennial Road, Kitchener, ON N2B 3G1Email: [email protected] /Web: www.gflenv.comPhone: (519) 578-8821 / Fax: (519) 578-8270

Gore Mutual Insurance CompanyInsuranceSara McLennan, Director Marketing & Product Innovation252 Dundas Street North, Cambridge, ON N1R 5T3Email: [email protected] / Web: www.goremutual.caPhone: (519) 618-2040 / Fax: (800) 601-9773

Handyman ServicesHome Improvements & RenovationsBrian Hergott, Owner200 Louisa Street, Unit 10, Kitchener, ON N2H 5M7Email: [email protected]: (519) 577-9636

Harms SecurityLocks & LocksmithArron Harms, President595 Peach Blossom Court, Kitchener, ON N2E 3Z9Email: [email protected] /Web: www.harmssecurity.comPhone: (519) 635-8269 / Fax: (519) 208-1369

Heer's Decorating & Design Centres IncInterior Design ServicesSue Schmidt, Manager1120 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON N2B 2T5Email: [email protected] /Web: www.heersdecorating.comPhone: (519) 576-6082 / Fax: (519) 576-6082

Heer's Decorating & Design Centres IncInterior Design ServicesLaurie Prior, Manager583 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2V 2E5Email: [email protected]: www.heersdecorating.comPhone: (519) 772-1127 / Fax: (519) 746-7544

Herc's WaterlooHealth FoodsRick Hurl, Owner/Operator98Weber Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 3G8Email: [email protected] /Web: www.hercs.comPhone: (519) 513-9108 / Fax: (519) 489-4743

Hold Please CommunicationsTelephone On Hold Messages & MusicJoe DiGiorgio, President3850 Dougall Avenue, Windsor, ON N9G 2Y2Email: [email protected] /Web: www.holdplease.comPhone: (519) 972-7171 / Fax: (519) 972-5149

HRG Management Inc.Human Resource ConsultantsDan Scott, President620 Davenport Road, Unit 36, Waterloo, ON N2V 2C2Email: [email protected]: www.hrgmanagement.comPhone: (519) 603-0440 / Fax: (519) 772-0256


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At WSI | Absolute Marketing solutions we have answers to these and many more of your concerns. Contact us today for a no obligation consultation. We’re here to help. phone: 226-565-2303 or email: [email protected]



Industrial Waterproof Systems Ltd.Roofing ContractorsPaul Campbell, Manager, Business Development440 Newbold Street, Unit A, London, ON N6E 1K3Email: [email protected] /Web: www.iws-ltd.comPhone: (519) 645-6726 / Fax: 1 (519) 645-6589

Jason O’Keefe – Remax Twin City Realty Inc.BrokerageReal Estate Brokers & Sales RepresentativesJason O'Keefe, Sales Representative83 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6L2Email: [email protected] / Web: www.kwlistings.caPhone: (519) 503-5828

Jenna Lee Cody - Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc.BrokerageReal Estate Brokers & Sales RepresentativesJenna Lee Cody, Real Estate Salesperson901 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, ON N2B 3C3Email: [email protected] /Web: www.jennaleecody.comPhone: (519) 729-3018 / Fax: (519) 579-3442

John RobsonFinancial Planning ConsultantsJohn Robson, Financial Advisor370 University Avenue East, Suite 104, Waterloo, ON N2K 3N2Email: [email protected] /Web: www.edwardjones.comPhone: (519) 589-3118

Laura SecordChocolateTracey Saraceni, Store Manager550 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2L 5W6Email: [email protected]: www.laurasecord.caPhone: (519) 885-3730

Linus Creative ServicesAdvertising Agencies & ConsultantsBradley Southam, Creative Director120 Main Street, Unit 9, Cambridge, ON N1R 1V7Email: [email protected] /Web: www.linuscreative.comPhone: (519) 772-4554

Moose Winooski'sRestaurantsTomWideman, Co-owner100 Sportsworld Drive, Kitchener, ON N2P 2J1Email: [email protected]: www.moosewinooskis.comPhone: (519) 653-9660 / Fax: (519) 653-0021

Nicole Hacock CGA Professional CorporationAccounting & Bookkeeping ServicesNicole Hacock, Owner825Weber Street East,Kitchener, ON N2H 1H5Email: [email protected] /Web: www.hacockpc.comPhone: (519) 578-4166 / Fax: (519) 578-6507

One Source MechanicalPlumbing ContractorsSteven Pfeffer, Owner66 Rankin Street, Unit 4, Waterloo, ON N2V 1V9Email: [email protected]: www.onesourcemechanical.caPhone: (519) 885-2828 / Fax: (519) 885-2821

Ontario Table & Chair Inc.Furniture DealersKim Kinat, Owner428 Gage Avenue, Unit 3, Kitchener, ON N2M 5C9Email: [email protected]: www.ontariotableandchair.comPhone: (519) 585-1000/ Fax: (519) 585-0967

PocketNerdsWebsite Design & DevelopmentScott Hyslop, Lead Developer47 Erinbrook Drive, Kitchener, ON N2E 2Z9Email: [email protected] /Web: www.pocketnerds.caPhone: (519) 572-9455

Primerica Financial Services Ltd.Financial Services ProductsBradley Jacobs, Division Manager1601 River Road East, Unit 307, Kitchener, ON N2A 3Y4Email: [email protected]: (519) 748-4785

Quint Systems Inc.Automation Systems & EquipmentGreg Currie, Director of Sales245 Labrador Drive, Unit 6, Waterloo, ON N2K 4M8Email: [email protected] /Web: www.quintsystems.comPhone: (519) 747-3232 / Fax: (866) 523-1585

Sami Abu ShawaribComputer SoftwareSami Abu Shawarib, Owner175 Cedar Street, Unit 6, Cambridge, ON N1S 4X8Email: [email protected]: (226) 499-1652

Sanclara CorporationConstructionDan McNally, PresidentPO Box 700, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0Email: [email protected]: (289) 439-2365

Sarah Yetkiner - Freedom 55 FinancialFinancial Planning ConsultantsSarah Yetkiner, Financial Security Advisor101 Frederick Street, Unit 800, Kitchener, ON N2H 6R2Email: [email protected]: (519) 895-2044 / Fax: (519) 895-2013

SETTLE INRelocation ServicesHilde Bouckenooghe, Owner464 Old Oak Drive, Waterloo, ON N2T 2V8Email: [email protected]: www.settleinrelocation.comPhone: (519) 589-3250

Spike MobileMarketing ConsultantsMichael Lockston, Owner18 Brant Place, Cambridge, ON N1S 2V8Email: [email protected] / Web: www.spikemobile.netPhone: (519) 501-4339

Stanson Electric Inc.Electrical ContractorsMatt Stanson, President65 RoseNeath Crescent, Kitchener, ON N2E 1V8Email: [email protected]: www.stansonelectric.comPhone: (519) 747-2406 / Fax: (519) 742-8155

Stevens Exhibit Design GroupDisplay Designers & ProducersJane Marshall, Exhibit Marketing Specialist32 Brant Road North, Cambridge, ON N1S 2W2Email: [email protected]: www.stevensdisplays.comPhone: (519) 242-9581 / Fax: (519) 453-6760

T2 Training SolutionsTraining & DevelopmentMark Tessier, Co-Owner275 Tagge Crescent, Kitchener, ON N2K 3R7Email: [email protected]: www.t2trainingsolutions.comPhone: (519) 608-2969

TEDxWaterlooCharitable & Community OrganizationsRamy Nassar, Director & Co-hostEmail: [email protected] /Web: www.tedxwaterloo.com

The Achievement CentreManagement Training & DevelopmentCody O'Brien, Principal483Whitelaw Road, Guelph, ON N1K 1E7Email: [email protected] /Web: www.tac-excel.comPhone: (519) 265-3786

The Bookkeeping EdgeAccounting & Bookkeeping ServicesBeverley Snider, Owner20 Barbara Crescent, Kitchener, ON N2M 4N2Email: [email protected]: www.thebookkeepingedge.homestead.comPhone: (519) 603-0466 / Fax: (519) 603-0466

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(continued on page 30)


feature


Internationally Trained Individuals – An OngoingSource of Talent for EmployersBY CAROL SIMPSON

According to a recent report by the Ontario ConstructionSecretariat, industrial and commercial building has cooled in someareas of the province however it continues to remain strong inCentral and Southwestern Ontario. In our area this means acontinued demand for workers at all levels from labourers to tradesand professionals. Immigrants bring with them a variety of skillsand certifications but sometimes it’s not simple to have theircredentials recognized as effortlessly as they would have hoped.Over the years various bridging and support programs haveenabled foreign trained workers to eventually access appropriateemployment opportunities in Ontario including the establishmentof the Centre for Engineering Excellence established at ConestogaCollege in 2000. In 2010 the Ontario government announced anadditional bridging programming to support internationallytrained construction related workers including electrical workersand various other skilled tradespeople as well as engineers andsurveyors.

Another area of growth is the environmental sector. New bridgingprograms were announced at that same time for environmentalengineers, geoscientists and other types of engineers in the greensector. ECO Canada is a not for profit organization that supportsCanada’s environmental sector’s human resources needs. Accordingto their website, the organization recently piloted a program forforeign trained environmental workers which they expect will rollout in 2012. ECO Canada’s Environmental Immigrant Bridging(EIB) Program consists of 180 hours of training. Deliveryorganizations were located in Toronto and Edmonton with futureprogramming expected in Hamilton and Brampton. This programcan be licensed by Immigrant Serving Agencies to deliver to their

clients and so may also provide future opportunities in WaterlooRegion and elsewhere.

As local organizations such as Sustainable Waterloo continue tohighlight more and more businesses looking to decrease theirenvironmental footprint, demand for green workers will continueto rise steadily as will the greening of existing jobs. If you wouldlike employment information on over 70 local green occupations,and related potential employment opportunities, you can visitwww.workgreen.ca.

In both the construction and environmental sectors, immigrantswill continue to contribute to the increasing pool of workersrequired to support both of these major employment sectors.

Carol Simpson is a member of the Working Action Group of theImmigration Partnership of Waterloo Region. If you would likemore information about the Immigration Partnership, pleasecontact Nora Whittington at [email protected].

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol Simpson

Carol Simpson has been the ExecutiveDirector of the Workforce Planning Boardfor 11 years. She is currently a member of theWaterloo Region Immigration Partnership’sWorking Action Group and is also Co-Chairof the Guelph Wellington ImmigrationPartnership.


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cover story

Government Policy is Critical for Waterloo RegionDevelopmentBY CHAMBER STAFF


In the current global economy where attracting new jobs,investment, research funding and skilled professionals are thecorridor to prosperity and sustained economic growth, theresponsibility for the public sector to ensure their jurisdictions arecompetitive becomes exponentially critical.

In the January/February edition of the Advocate Waterloo RegionHomebuilder’s Association President Jamie Adams noted that it isimperative that all levels of government take a sober secondthought when considering additional regulatory, financial or landsupply restrictions on the residential construction industry thatcreates jobs and is one of the few bright spots in the Ontarioeconomy. This assessment is shared by all industrial, service andcommercial sectors across Waterloo Region.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been a leading advocatefor equitable corporate taxes at the federal level to ensure businesscosts are comparable to our trading partners. Provincial labourlaws can build barriers to investment, as indicated by the exodus ofjobs from Ontario in the early 1990s when the Bob Raeadministration provided a series of initiatives that were stronglysupported by organized labour and universally opposed by smalland large businesses.

Increasingly, the municipal level of government in Ontario –whether two-tiered regional such as Waterloo, single-tier, or thetwo-tiered county system in rural areas has been placed underincreasing scrutiny for ensuring their by-laws and overallregulatory regime is not uncompetitive with neighbouringmunicipalities.

An on-going and significant issue for both the residential and non-residential construction industry is development charges. TheMike Harris administration passed the Development Charges Actin 1997 that, in legal terms, allows municipal authorities to imposecharges against land to pay for increased capital costs for servicesinitiated by new development.

Education development charges fund the acquisition of school sitesand site-related costs to accommodate growth related pupil costs.The fees are collected by local municipalities on behalf of catholicand public school boards, and typically designate a residential andnon-residential rate.

In early 2011, the two local school boards commenced a review oftheir Education Development Charges By-law passed in 2006.Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. from Mississauga wascontracted to conduct the background study, as required under theEducation Act, for both boards. After limited consultation with thelocal business sector and municipal economic developmentofficials, the newWaterloo Region District School Board charge tobe applied on non-residential building permits is $0.92 per squarefoot, while the corresponding Waterloo Catholic District SchoolBoard charge is $0.31 per square foot. It should be noted that 20percent of local charges are funded through non-residentialdevelopment, the highest percentage in Ontario behind theToronto Catholic District School Board.

In response to the new By-laws and their significant potentialimpact on business and economic development across WaterlooRegion, our Chamber filed Ontario Municipal Board appealsagainst the two local boards in June. The appeal focused on thelack of consultation with local public and private sector officials,noting also that correspondence was directed to the boards fromthe cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo expressingconcerns on the process and analysis of potential economicimpacts.

Although the appeal was withdrawn in November, our Chamberhas received assurances that for all future increases the boards willbe more proactive in their relationship with businesses andmunicipalities to ensure we remain competitive with similarjurisdictions across Ontario in terms of the cost of doing business.

Development charges will continue as a significant issue across themunicipal sector. Ryerson University urban and regional planning


cover story

professor David Amborski has warned that rising fees will lead to alack of affordable housing, leading to workforce shortages andemployers relocating their operations.

Development charges fund new infrastructure. Apart from thisaforementioned issue is the cost of maintaining existing sewers,watermains, roads and other systems providing the foundation offuture population and economic growth. In November of 2007,the Federation of Canadian municipalities released a reportestimating all three levels of government in Canada must spend$123 billion to repair the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure.

During recent municipal budget discussions, the City of Waterlooestimated their deficit has escalated to $250 million, while a 2008staff report from the Region of Waterloo indicated a regionalshortfall of $265 million. The potential for these figures to increaseexponentially is staggering for municipal taxpayers, particularlybusinesses that pay twice the residential property tax rate.

Another prominent municipal issue that requires action from theprovincial government is labour arbitration. Our Chamber firstraised this issue as a public policy priority approximately one yearago and subsequently asked candidates during the recent provincialelection campaign for their positions. We also succeeded in passinga resolution at the Annual General Meeting of the OntarioChamber of Commerce in May of 2011.

Our resolution noted that the 2010 Ontario Budget indicated thatto manage spending pressures and help redirect $750 million tosustain public services such as schools and hospitals, thecompensation structure for all non-bargained employees in theBroader Public Sector and Ontario Public Service was frozen fortwo years. Municipalities were excluded, however Queen’s Parkrecommended they exercise restraint in order to address theprovincial deficit.

The failure of the province to impose wage freezes on unionizedpublic sector workers continues to place significant pressure onupper and lower-tier municipalities. Numerous contracts are

settled through arbitration, a process that provides employers withlimited control over the outcome. Most significantly, decisions byarbitrators do not incorporate the ability of municipalities acrossthe province to pay higher wages.

The Emergency Services Steering Committee, a partnershipbetween provincial municipal organizations and police servicesboards, indicated in an April 2011 report that labour costs withinemergency services continue to escalate at rates exceeding those inother sectors, including higher wage increases, better benefits, andsuperior pension plans. In addition, the disproportionate increaseof costs in emergency services is adding to the diminishing capacityof municipalities to fund key projects and essential programs.

The Emergency Services Steering Committee’s position is that alarge part of the municipal employers’ decreasing control overthese costs is attributable to the current provincial arbitrationsystem. The current process routinely fails to properly incorporatethe criteria established in the applicable legislation, most notablythe economic situation in Ontario and the relevant municipality.In the majority of awards delivered in 2010, arbitrators did notprovide any rationale for their decisions, essentially failing toestablish that the relevant criteria was considered and theaccompanying analysis conducted to reach a final decision.

Finally, there needs to be a comparison of overall compensationlevels of other union and non-union employees in the communitywho ultimately utilize the same resources and contribute to themunicipal tax base. This comparison should not be limitedexclusively to emergency services personnel.

The public sector responsibility on ensuring a competitiveenvironment for business is immense. The local business sector,over the past recession, has been forced to examine new andinnovative ways to maintain and expand their operations. To meetthe challenges of a growing population and economy in WaterlooRegion, all governments must pursue that same objective.



events

Mark Your CalendarBY CHAMBER STAFF


March 2, 2012International Women’s DayBreakfast7:30am-9:00amLocation: Kitchener City Hall RotundaMember: $25General Admission: $35Pre-Registration is required.

Join us to recognize and celebrate theoutstanding achievements of women in ourcommunity and around the world.

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March 8, 2012Point of View with Berry Vrbanovic11:30am-1:00pmLocation: Bingemans, Embassy RoomMember: $35General Admission: $50Pre-Registration is required.

Join Berry Vrbanovic, President of theFederation of Canadian Municipalities andCouncillor of the City of Kitchener, as hediscusses the diverse role the FCM plays.He will focus on the key priorities of theFCM such as Infrastructure, Transit andTransportation, Policing and Public Safety.

Event Sponsors:

March 20, 2012Research In Motion Chamber YoungProfessionals Present Board Basics5:00pm-7:00pmLocation: Waterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: $10General Admission: $15Pre-Registration is required.

Come learn about the importance andbenefits of participating on a Board level!

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March 22, 2012The WalterFedy NetworkingBreakfast Series Presents Growthin the Region7:15am-9:00amLocation: Holiday Inn Kitchener WaterlooMember: $28General Admission: $40

Join us for a panel discussion featuringrepresentative from both the public andprivate sectors focusing on the merits ofgrowth from various perspectives, and howthis growth affects the region.

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at the Waterloo Inn, 475 King St. N., Waterloo 519-884-0220 www.waterlooinn.com

March Break• One night accommodation; buffet breakfast (4);

complimentary “First Release” in-room movie; room service mini menu tray plus full use of all hotel facilities including indoor pool and more!

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March 28, 2012125th Anniversary Point of ViewLuncheon with Mark Carney11:30am-1:30pmLocation: Waterloo Inn Conference HotelMember: $35General Admission: $45

Join us for a Point of View Luncheonfeaturing Bank of Canada Governor andHead of the international Finance StabilityBoard, Mark Carney.

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April 10, 2012AML/Rogers Chamber Connections5:00-7:00pmLocation: Destination InnMember: ComplimentaryGeneral Admission: $10Exhibit Booth: $75

Join business professionals in a lowerpressure atmosphere where you can meetnew people, greet existing contacts anddevelop your business circle.

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April 18, 2012Research In Motion ChamberYoung Professionals NetworkingEvent5:00-7:00pmLocation: The EmbassyMember: $5General Admission: $10

Come on out to this casual networkingevent and meet new contacts and re-connect with existing contacts!

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April 24, 2012Energy & Environment Forum8:00am-1:00pmLocation: Wilfrid Laurier UniversityMember: $50General Admission: $75Member Exhibit Booth: $150General Admission Booth: $200

The Energy and Environment Forumpromotes awareness of environmentalissues within the business community andthe community at large through a half dayevent that will bring the attendees face toface with experts who will share practicalinformation that can be implemented bothat work and home.

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feature


Recognizing the Benefits of ReurbanizationBY MIKE MAXWELL

It is time to recognize the unique characteristics of reurbanizationdevelopment in municipal policies and update revenue tools which donot recognize its reduced costs for municipalities. As intensificationand redevelopment projects need to become a more important part ofthe region’s answer to growth pressures, policies must be evaluated toensure that planning and revenue tools are aligned to encouragegrowth which is most beneficial to existing and new residents.

With the population of Waterloo Region projected to reach 730,000in the next two decades, increased pressure on area farmland, and asubstantial infrastructure deficit, intensifying our urban areas mustgrow in importance. According to the Region of WaterlooReurbanization Market Study, reurbanization units reached 50% ofnew construction in 2010. And the study indicates increasingacceptance of these projects, especially among senior, empty nesters,young singles and couples. Higher density redevelopment projectssuch as high-rise, mid-rise and townhomes are consistent with theurban housing demands of residents attracted to the area for post-secondary education or employment. The demand and need for thistype of development are clear.

Reurbanization development offers considerable sustainabilitybenefits for the environment and the local economy. The benefitsreach further than just the residents of these projects.

Environmental Benefits:• Smaller physical footprint: less than half of the land area, servicingroad, water, sewer, hydro lines per resident

• More energy efficient for heating and cooling

• More transportation efficient: greater use of existing and futurepublic transit and roads, increased walk-ability and proximity toemployment and amenities

Economic Benefits:• The cost for municipalities to deliver services to reurbanizationresidents is much lower for water, sewer, road maintenance, andfire and community services, as many services already exist; yet, atypical reurbanization project could increase property tax revenueby 25 times.

• Reurbanization projects contribute $20,000 - $25,000 per unit indevelopment, parkland, education and other local fees whilerequiring very little new infrastructure.

• Infill and redevelopment projects provide the density to supportpublic transportation and neighbouring businesses

• CIBC’s Canadian Metropolitan Economic Activity Index recentlyidentified construction as a major contributor to WaterlooRegion’s ranking as Canada’s third strongest economy

The demand and the benefits are clear; the challenges are cost andaffordability. The opportunity exists now to improve theaffordability of these reurbanization developments for purchasers orresidents while decreasing the future infrastructure deficit formunicipalities. Infill and intensification projects are less expensivefor municipalities to service in terms of capital and operating costs,yet the revenue policies such as development fees, parkland fees andproperty taxes do not recognize this. There is a real opportunity forregional and municipal leadership to align revenue policies withplanning policies in order to promote reurbanized projects.

The Regional municipalities have taken some enormous steps overthe past few years to promote the strengthening of its cores. Aswitnessed by the Growth Management Strategy in the City ofCambridge, the Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF)in Kitchener, and the progressive objectives set out in the draftOfficial Plan in the City of Waterloo, the municipalities are wellequipped to make reformist decisions to steer revenue policiestoward the promotion of urban redevelopment.

While most planning policies encourage infill and intensification,many revenue policies have yet to align with the opportunity todirect positive growth. The time is right to consider marginal costof development when setting municipal fees for development and torecognize the substantial benefits of reurbanization in meeting thedevelopment, environmental and economic needs of the region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Maxwell

Mike Maxwell is President of MomentumDevelopments, a Real Estate DevelopmentCompany Specializing in Sustainable, UrbanInfill Projects.


feature


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feature


Health Minister Outlines Major Changesat Chamber Event

On January 31, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo, OntarioMinister of Health and Long-Term Care Deb Matthews outlined herplans for reform in the delivery of services across the province. Thenew Action Plan for Health Care in Ontario will focus on illnessprevention, increasing access to family doctors, and supportingOntario’s growing senior population.

The Chamber has been active for nearly two decades in the criticalphysician recruitment portfolio, including the formation of theChamber Health Care Resources Council in 2006. Through theefforts of a committed group of volunteers we have reduced thenumber of local residents seeking a family doctor in half from 40,000to 20,000. The successes of this Chamber initiative have beensignificant however the ambitious objective is to ensure that withinfive years every person in Kitchener Waterloo will have access to aphysician and the best primary care possible.

Along with our local recruitment efforts, we have secured majorreforms to the provincial Underserviced Area Program (UAP) and thesystem of offering financial incentives to doctors relocating tocommunities with chronic shortages. Through the changesimplemented by the Ministry of Health and Long-Care two yearsago, Kitchener Waterloo is on a level playing field with neighbouringmunicipalities across southern Ontario and capable of recruiting thehuman resources capacity required for the demands of a growingpopulation.

Access to hospital services remains a critical priority for WaterlooRegion, where provincial funding on a per-resident basis has

historically been among the lowest in Ontario. Our rate of populationgrowth has not been matched by increases in financial support formany local health and social services. Minister Matthews did indicatethat the long-awaited expansion of Cambridge Memorial Hospital(CMH) will proceed, expected to commence in late 2013 and reachcompletion by 2018. Along with Grand River and St. Mary’s, theCambridge facility provides care to residents across Waterloo Regionand the expansion is a benefit for all municipalities.

Minister Matthews emphasized the status quo is no longer an optionin the delivery of health care across Ontario. Our Chamber, throughthe Health Care Resources Council and other ongoing initiatives, willmaintain a major presence in this portfolio and direct considerableefforts towards ensuring we have the local services to match ourexpanding economy and population.

*Photography by Van Valkenburg Communications


feature


Innovative sediment management strategy couldbe utilized across Ontario

A made-in-Kitchener solution designed for the city’s Victoria ParkLake Improvements project could have positive environmentalimpacts across the province.

Engineers andscientists atKitchener’s Stantechave developed a testprogram with the Cityof Kitchener and theRegion of Waterloo tofind a beneficial re-useof the sediment thatmust be removedfrom the popularlake as part of thelake improvement program.

Victoria Park Lake was created as part of the original Victoria Parkdevelopment over 100 years ago and has since become a belovedgathering place for the community. But water quality has been anongoing concern. Stantec is currently working with the City ofKitchener to reconfigure the lake to address the management ofsediment accumulation, while maintaining the footprint and culturalheritage landscape.

We are already in the process of removing approximately 60,000 tonnesof accumulated sediment from the lake and transporting it to theCambridge landfill site. Once there, the sediment will be turnedregularly and analyzed over a three-year period to determine its viabilityas a topsoil product given its nutrient value. The Region of Waterlooand the City of Kitchener are equally partnering over the testing period.

By managing the minimally impacted material in this way, the City ofKitchener will save the significant costs of disposing the material atpermitted landfills.

At Stantec, our hope is that at the end of the three years, we will be leftwith a nutrient rich topsoil product that can have useful applications.This would be a much more sustainable solution than trucking thematerial to landfill where it would simply sit and take up space.

One potential use for the rehabilitated sediment could be as a topsoilto cover landfill sites. Currently, trees and plants at capped landfillsites cannot be fertilized, as those added nutrients can interfere withongoing surface water quality monitoring. But, because therehabilitated sediment is expected to be nutrient rich, it would helptrees planted at old landfill sites thrive, without interfering withessential testing.

If the process proves successful, the implications could be huge.Instead of land filling this type of material each time it comes out of astormwater pond or other source, we would have a sustainable use forit. This project gave our team at Stantec the opportunity to look at anenvironmentally friendly, long-term solution that can be appliedthroughout the province.

The improvements to Victoria Park Lake will continue through thewinter, with restoration expected to be completed for summer 2012.

Stantec develops a Made-in-KitchenerEnvironmental Solution for Victoria Park LakeBY STEVE BROWN, MBA, P.ENG.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Brown

Steve Brown is Stantec’s Canada East SurfaceWater Discipline Leader. He has more than20 years of experience working in the waterresources field. Based in Stantec’s Kitcheneroffice, Steve is also the Project Manager forthe Victoria Park Lake Improvements project.

SEDIMENT BEING REMOVED FROM THE SOUTHEAST ENDOF VICTORIA PARK LAKE.

RECONSTRUCTION OF VICTORIA PARK LAKE EDGES NEAR JUBILEE DRIVE.

ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS TO VICTORIA PARK LAKE SHOWING SEDIMENTREMOVAL, RE-CONSTRUCTION OF LAKE EDGES AND THE EXISTING TRUNKSEWERS THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE.


feature


Work & Play at The Boardwalk on Ira Needles Blvd.BY JEFF MACINTYRE

When The Drifters’ song about the boardwalk plays on the radio,we’re all transported to a time where things seem romantically simple.We’re reminded of leisurely walks, special shops to enjoy, and a placewhere community can come together. Similarly, KW’s The Boardwalkis quickly becoming an exciting mixed use shopping and commercialdestination for our region to work at, escape to, and enjoy a relaxingshopping experience.

Developed in partnership by local developers, The INCC Corp. (IraNeedles Commercial Centre) has invested significantly knowing ourregion will benefit in countless ways. Providing the much neededcommercial and retail services for the under serviced west-side of thetwin cities, along Ira Needles Boulevard, is the most obvious benefit.But the 4,000 new jobs, $500,000 that will be paid monthly inmunicipal taxes to the cities, and the $6 million that will be paid indevelopment charges should not be dismissed. And the timing couldnot be better - job creation, regional revenue, and amenities forresidents make this development an incredible win-win situation foreveryone involved.

Built on about 90 acres spanning both Kitchener andWaterloo, TheBoardwalk has been under development since its inception in 2005,when public and private planners worked together to create a masterconcept plan to meet today’s design excellence requirements. Whenfully constructed, thirty buildings will have compatible architecturaldesign features, and three modern roundabouts will provide safeaccessibility for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Coordinatedlandscaping of the private storm water features including walkwaysand sitting areas has quickly made The Boardwalk a destinationoffering something for everyone. And, it has become a labour of lovefor the local developers as they live where they build.

With construction ongoing from 2009 to the present, The Boardwalkis over sixty-percent complete at 700,000 square feet. The siteincludes Walmart, Lowes, eight sub-anchor retailers, three banks,three restaurants, a ten screen Empire movie theatre, plus TheAthletic Club. A section of stores retailing apparel and accessories isunder construction, together with two additional sub-anchor storesand three fast food restaurants. The first phase of office space atapproximately 80,000 square feet is being readied for construction

this spring. When fully complete, the site will offer residents onemillion square feet of commercial retail to enjoy with one quarter of itas an office park.

Environmental initiatives have also been voluntarily incorporated intothe development where feasible and practical including white roofingmaterials, low energy LED parking lot lighting, a commitment to saltreduction during the winter, and use of 100% post consumer recycledplastic creating a boardwalk that connects an elaborate pedestriansidewalk network.

Grand River Transit is committed to the site as a west-side hub,offering the same transit capacity provided to other shopping sites inthe region. The site will operate as a lifestyle centre for residents ofthe region to “work” and “play” on one site. The planned officetowers will allow employees to eat, exercise, bank, shop and beentertained without ever leaving the site (or driving in their car fromplace to place). This transition serves Waterloo well, as employmentlands generally fill the gap between University Ave. and Erb St., anarea that is mostly undeveloped at the present.

Romancing The Boardwalk nostalgic theme while providing the muchneeded commercial and retail space required in our region will proveto be exciting to watch over the next three to five year years when thedevelopment is fully complete. Whether residents are looking towork or play, meeting at The Boardwalk will be a phrase of the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff MacIntyre

Jeff MacIntyre is the owner of two smallbusinesses in Waterloo Region. WinexpertKitchener South is an on-premiseswinemaking shop. So There BusinessSolutions assists employers to increaseprofitability through market access, salesassistance, business development planningstrategies, mentoring and training.


sponsor profile

The letters “K” and “W” represent a prosperous community poisedfor continued growth and success – Kitchener-Waterloo. Kitchenerhad one of the best ranked economies among Canada’s 25 largestcities, ranking third in CIBC’s 2011 Canadian MetropolitanEconomic Activity Index thanks to a very strong labour market anda low level of business bankruptcies.

Similarly, the letters “CMA” represent a community of strategicmanagement professionals with accounting expertise who create afoundation for success – for entrepreneurs, employers andinternationally educated professionals alike. Certified ManagementAccountants are professionals who provide leadership, innovationand an integrating perspective to organizations of all sizes in allsectors of the economy.

Certified Management Accountants of Ontario awards the CMAdesignation to qualified professionals, and is more than 25,000members strong across the province. Founded in 1941, CMAOntario celebrated its 70th anniversary last year and has been amember of the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber since 1999.

Its foundation in strategic business management and accountingmakes CMA the designation of choice not only for managementprofessionals, but also entrepreneurs who want to drive theirbusinesses forward.

“The CMA designation improved my critical thinking skills andfinancial prowess - two key skills for every entrepreneur,” saysSamantha Hurwitz, CMA, CHRP. Samantha is the founding partnerof FlipSkills, a leading strategic HR consulting firm based inWaterloo. “It has given me the confidence to make bold andinformed choices for my business. The result? Outstanding growthand an improved bottom line.”

CMA Ontario and the Kitchener-WaterloocommunityAt CMAOntario our drive to create the best possible results fororganizations through the development of skilled professionals goesbeyond the walls of our offices. CMAOntario’s tradition of service tothe community is born out of our responsibility and commitment tothe communities in which CMAs live and work. Part of that supportis the development of new business talent in Kitchener-Waterloowhich CMAOntario supports through the Chamber’s YoungProfessionals Group. Beyond developing new business talent,recognizing success is just as important which is why CMAOntariosupports the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards Gala.

Chamber membership has offered CMAs and CMAOntariotremendous opportunities to connect with the community andKitchener-Waterloo businesses.

In addition to supporting the Chamber, CMAOntario fosters thedevelopment of future business leaders by providing financial supporttoWaterloo’s premier business and technology educationalinstitutions, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo andConestoga College.

The further development of Kitchener-Waterloo’s strong tech andbusiness sectors is vital to the region’s continued prosperity. As such,

CMAOntario is a title sponsor of Communitech, an organizationdedicated to the growth and commercialization of KW’s digitalmedia and technology industries.

Beyond KW’s business and tech communities, CMAOntario reachesout to KW’s internationally educated community through Focus forEthnic Women, a career and resource centre for immigrant andvisible minority women, and the YMCA. A tradition for many years,CMAOntario’s annual UnitedWay campaign has helped strengthenour community and improves the quality of life for those living in it.

On a personal level, many CMAs are involved in their community,including myself as a Director on the board of the Kitchener-Waterloo and District chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

CMA Ontario and your organization’s successCMAs keep the economic engines of the KW region running. Morethan 1,500 CMAs and CMA candidates create value at more than300 KW organizations. In roles ranging from analyst or manager todirector or CEO, CMAs contribute to the success of top KW organ-izations including Manulife, Open Text and Sunlife among others.

CMAs add value to business by developing total business solutions,identifying new market opportunities, and maximizing shareholdervalue. The CMA designation is an excellent program to pursue forthose looking to create possibilities in their careers or fororganizations wishing to further develop their internal resources.

The CMA designation and your businessLearn how the CMA designation can support your business success.Whether you are an entrepreneur or recruiting for your company,learn how the CMA designation can support your goals at one ofour many upcoming events in the region. Choose from interactiveinformation sessions, transcript evaluation submission clinics, speednetworking opportunities and special guest speakers.

To register for events, please visit http://forms.cma-ontario.org/infosessions/ and select Midwestern ON&Niagara

To request an information session for your employees during officehours, or to learn more about the CMA designation contact DanaGies, MBA, CMA at [email protected] or visitwww.becomeacma.com.


CMA Spells ProsperityBY DANA GIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dana Gies

Dana Gies, MBA, CMA, is a RegionalMarketing Manager with CMA Ontario,where she develops strategic partnershipswith employers and businesses in theKitchener-Waterloo area. To learn moreabout the CMA designation and how it cansupport your business success, please emailDana at [email protected].


feature


Member notables

Peter Cober Recognized as Printer of the Year

Peter Cober of Cober Evolving Solutions in Kitchener was recently recognized bythe publishers and editors of Graphic Monthly Canada as Printer of the Year.

The award is given to an individual who in the course of building his or her businesshas changed the industry and placed a mark upon it, and also contributed to thebetterment of the sector as a whole.

Vernon Cober founded Cober Print in 1916 at his home on Samuel Street in theEast Ward of Kitchener. Peter Cober and his sister Billie-Anne Gural are the thirdgeneration to run the company with the fourth generation of family members nowassuming principle roles.

Conestoga College Receives Federal Funding for Institute ofFood Processing Technology

On February 10, 2012, Minister of State for the Federal Economic DevelopmentAgency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) Gary Goodyear announced that upto $2.3 million will be invested in the Conestoga College Institute of FoodProcessing Technology (IFPT).

Conestoga will utilize this funding to equip the IFPT with modern food processinglines that simulate actual work environments across Ontario’s many facilities.The funding will assist in producing a more highly skilled group of graduates tomeet the current and future demands of Waterloo Region and province-wideemployers.

City of Kitchener CAO Carla Ladd Departs for Barrie

After 26 years of service with the City of Kitchener, Carla Ladd has departed toassume the Chief Administrative Officer position in Barrie.

Ms. Ladd became Kitchener CAO in 2004 and managed ambitious plans to revitalizethe city core, expand the central library, and elevate support for the arts and culturesector. Also within her term as chief administrator the University of WaterlooSchool of Pharmacy and McMaster University Waterloo Regional Campus of theMichael G. DeGroote School of Medicine were both established at King andVictoria Streets.

Our Chamber extends best wishes to Ms. Ladd as she assumes her new position inBarrie and expresses appreciation for her many years of dedicated public service tothe residents and businesses of Kitchener.

CANADIAN PRINTER OF THE YEAR


member notables


The Economical Insurance Group Appoints New Directors

The Economical Insurance Group recently announced the appointment of Richard(Dick) Freeborough and David Wilson to their Board of Directors.

Mr. Freeborough retired from KPMG LLP in 2004 after a 39 year financial servicepractice and currently chairs the Board of Governors at the University of Guelph.Mr. Wilson was Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission from 2005 to 2010 andalso served as Vice-Chair of Scotiabank and Chair and CEO of Scotia Capital.

Based in Waterloo, Economical is a Canadian-owned and operated company thatserves the insurance needs of more than one million customers, with $1.7 billion inpremiums and $4.6 billion in assets. The organization is preparing to be the firstCanadian property and casualty insurance company to demutualize.

BMO Boosts Credit to Canadian Businesses by $10 Billion

On January 26, 2012, BMO Bank of Montreal announced they would make $10billion available to businesses across Canada over the next three years.

Frank Techar, President and CEO, Personal Commercial Banking at BMO noted ina company news release that this new money will provide small and medium-sizedbusinesses with more certainty of available credit and represents an on-goingcommitment in them and the Canadian economy.

The Bank is seeking to increase lending in every region of the country by activelyreaching out to women and aboriginal entrepreneurs. In this respect, 16 percent ofCanadian SMEs are led by women employing over 1.5 million people, whileaboriginal entrepreneurs are increasing at a rate of over three times faster than therest of entrepreneurs.

Member Notables are taken from local news sources and member submissions. In order to be considered “notable” an item must be an accomplishmentor event that is outside of the ordinary course of business and therefore deemed newsworthy. While we would like to include all submissions, space constraints

make it necessary for the Advocate editors to choose items that best fit the above criteria and are most timely.

©2

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Phill

ips

Lytle

LLP

THE COMMUNITECH HUB, 151 CHARLES STREET WEST, SUITE 152, THE TANNERYKITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 1H6 (519) 570-4800 PHILLIPSLYTLE.COM


member notables


As a project accountant, Shveta uses strategic thinking andleadership skills to manage the finance behind some of theworld’s coolest websites. At Blast Radius, she has herhands in everything from analyzing financial data to projectreporting and tracking for big international brands. Whenshe was in university, Shveta quickly realized she didn’twant to be just a regular accountant. So when she graduated,she went straight into the CMA program. Now, two yearslater, Shveta is finished her CMA and can concentrate 100%of her time on loving her job. Visit becomeacma.com tolearn more about becoming a CMA yourself.

becomeacma.com

Create Possibilities.

®/™ Registered Trade-Marks/Trade-Marks are owned byThe Society of Management Accountants of Canada. Used under license.

TM

I USE FINANCIALDATA TO BUILDVIRTUAL WORLDS.

Shveta Mohan, CMAProject AccountantBlast Radius



T 519.745.7136 • TF [email protected] • www.cobersolutions.com

Contact us to learn howCober’s Direct Marketing expertisecan multiply your bottom line.

DeliveringSOLUTIONSfor 4 generations...Is Direct Marketing part of your business equation?

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HEALTH AND WEALTH SOLUTIONS

The Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society invites youOn the Cat Walk Fashion Show presented by

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new members


Attention Payroll,Accounting & HR Professionals

HR FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE PAYROLL PROFESSIONAL - MARCH 29

Learn proven ideas and approaches and receive practical

recommendations that can be easily and cost-effectively

implemented back on the job. The tools provided will allow

you to play a more valuable role in your organization and

develop skills required for success within HR.

Upcoming Seminars in the Kitchener-Waterloo area:TAXABLE BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES - APRIL 19

Learn the payroll implications for a full range of

taxable and non-taxable benefits and allowances.

ADDITIONAL SEMINARS:

Payroll Administration in Quebec - May 3

Learning Payroll I - June 20

Learning Payroll II - June 21

Visit www.payroll.ca/go/?KW12 for curriculum, costs,

location and to register online.

As Canada’s foremost trainer of payroll practitioners, the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) has over 30 years

of experience designing and delivering up-to-date and comprehensive education for payroll professionals,

payroll service providers and other business professionals who have a functional responsibility for payroll.

[email protected] | 1-888-729-7652

The Event Firm Inc.Event PlanningCarolina Soares, Owner72 St. Leger Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 6R4Email: [email protected]: (226) 476-1186

The Kitchener Waterloo Racquet ClubCharitable & Community OrganizationsCorey Martella, President138 Duke Street East, Kitchener, ON N2M 2L2Email: [email protected]: www.kwracquetclub.comPhone: (519) 745-6108

The Williamson GroupFinancial Services ProductsDante DeDominicis, Business Development Consultant225 King George Road, Brantford, ON N3R 7N7Email: [email protected]: www.williamsongroup.comPhone: (519) 756-9560 / Fax: (519) 756-9914

TribeHRBusiness ConsultantsJaclyn Halliwell, Marketing Officer151 Charles Street West, Suite 120, Kitchener, ON N2G1H6Email: [email protected] /Web: www.tribehr.comPhone: (855) 874-2347

Tyromer Inc.ManufacturersMichael Winter, President and CEO295 Hagey Boulevard, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R5Email: [email protected] /Web: www.tyromer.comPhone: (647) 963-9094

Unit Precast (Breslau) Ltd.Concrete ProductsGail Caswell, Controller43 McBrine Place, Kitchener, ON N2R 1H5Email: [email protected] / Web: www.unitprecast.caPhone: (519) 648-2101 / Fax: (519) 648-3585

Vipond Inc.Fire Alarm SystemsTerri Webb, Sales Representative29 Manitou Drive, Unit 1F, Kitchener, ON N2C 1K9Email: [email protected] / Web: www.vipond.caPhone: (519) 895-0280 / Fax: (519) 895-0091

Virtualn Sys EngineersComputer ConsultantsPhillip Williams, Owner550 Silvermeadow Place, Waterloo, ON N2T 2P9Email: [email protected]: www.virtualn.comPhone: (519) 572-8179

Welker & Associates Inc.Bankruptcies - TrusteesChris Welker, President & CEO420Weber Street North, Unit B1, Waterloo, ON N2L 4E7Email: [email protected] / Web: www.welker.caPhone: (519) 885-4411 / Fax: (519) 885-6511

Westmount Funeral ChapelFuneral HomesPam Dawson, Location Manager1001 Ottawa Street South, Kitchener, ON N2E 2X5Email: [email protected]: www.westmountfuneralchapel.comPhone: (519) 743-8900 / Fax: (519) 743-8054

Westmount MovingMoving & StorageJoe Gagnon, President335 Gage Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2M 5E1Email: [email protected]: www.westmountmoving.comPhone: (519) 895-1100 / Fax: (519) 895-1105

Wildcraft Grill BarRestaurantsAshley Howat, General Manager425 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 2Z5Email: [email protected] / Web: www.charcoalgroup.caPhone: (519) 885-0117 / Fax: (519) 747-3492

December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012(continued from page 13)


sponsors

Helping us make our vision possible


A special Thank You to each of these Chamber Sponsors.

MEDIA PARTNERS

TITLE SPONSOR

CHAMBER PATRON

CHAMBER CHAIR’S CIRCLE

CHAMBER TRUSTEE

CHAMBERCONNECTIONS

Manulife Financial

LEADERSHIP SERIES


What makes a strong bio-economy?

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People.Which is why BioTalent Canada™ is working with industry and job seekers in Kitchener-Waterloo, Du'erinto meet the HR needs of the bio-economy.

Canadian biotechnology companies are currently suffering from a nationwide skills shortage. BioTalent Canada is working withindustry to implement solutions, by leveraging its skills development and recognition resources including the BioReady™ label.

Find out what we can do for you as Canada’s only national organization devoted exclusively to bio-economy HR.

Connect with us if you manufacture:bio-energy | food processing | medical devices | nutraceuticals | pharmaceuticals | other bio-products

www.bioready.caBioTalent Canada: The HR hub of Canada’s bio-economy.

Proud member of theGreater Kitchener Waterloo

Chamber of Commerce

This project is funded by the Governmentof Canada's Sector Council Program.


the advocate magazine - march | april 2012

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