City and Fort William First Nation Collaborate on Economic Development
INSIDE Workshop helps retiring entrepreneurs make a profitable departure Be Accommodating Super Stimulating Spinal Considerations North Superior Publishing @tbay25
Brand New Thunder Bay Hampton Inn & Suites Property Doing Well!
Ontario Providing More Transit Funding for Thunder Bay
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MARCH 2017
Workshop helps retiring entrepreneurs make a profitable departure Over 10 businesses took part in a workshop February 23rd on the topic of succession planning, hosted by the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) in partnership with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. Leading the seminar was Alison Anderson of Succession Matching, a Saskatchewan-based company that pairs retiring business owners with prospective buyers. Between Alison’s speaking tour, webinars and Succession Matching’s members, the company has helped nearly 12,000 business owners in the last six years. The all-day workshop also consisted of one-to-one sessions with representatives from Lakehead University, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, and PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. Succession planning - proactively prepar-
ing for the sale of a business – makes the business easier to sell and increases the chance of its survival after the new owners have taken over. Only 17% of Canadian family businesses have a formal succession plan, according to the 2014 Deloitte Family Business Survey. Piero Pucci, Supervisor – Economic Development at Thunder Bay CEDC estimates that well over 100 businesses in Thunder Bay will be approaching retirement in the next five years. Not finding investors to resume operations could mean a lot of empty storefronts, lost jobs, and a decrease in tax dollars. “Entrepreneurs with a formal succession plan in place are better off in their retirement,” tells Piero. “With so many local business owners approaching retirement, the CEDC now offers a service to help them prepare their businesses for sale,
find prospective investors, and make a smooth and profitable exit.” Piero says that having a formal succession plan offers many payoffs. Most desirably, it can significantly increase the value of a business, as owners that plan their retirement well in advance have more time to prepare their businesses to be sold and can afford to wait for the right buyer. Piero recommends planning early, about five years from when you want to sell. “Planning ahead makes the deal more attractive to investors, as they will want a business in good standing and will look for transparency. Business owners who are in a rush to sell can raise flags, pushing buyers away.” For buyers, purchasing a business is often easier and less costly than starting
one. An existing business usually comes with an established reputation and client base, and banks favour a proven track record of profitability, making it easier to access credit. Many of the challenges that come with a new venture have already been met and the level of risk is often very low. Retiring business owners are encouraged to contact Thunder Bay CEDC for free & confidential consulting and advice in selling a business. The CEDC also offers a free and confidential listing service for businesses for sale. For businesses not wanting to list, Thunder Bay CEDC can look for potential investors locally and across the province and connect you to interested buyers. Contact Piero Pucci at (807)625-3965 or ppucci@thunderbay.ca to make an appointment.
Next Issue Deadline
Thunder Bay Business March 24th
Contact Jeff @ 623-7297 or Sylvia @ 629-7599 www.northsuperiorpublishing.com
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MARCH 2017
Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor The Government of Canada is investing $698,400 to enable the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) to launch two three-year pilot programs in support of innovative, small-medium sized enterprises, and youth recruitment and retention in Northwestern Ontario. The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor. Of the total, $499,000 will support the launch of the Business Growth and Talent Development project. Through this initiative, innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northwestern Ontario will have access to funding to help them hire young professional employees for 15-month placements. The goal of the project is to assist companies with business growth and market development. The remaining $199,400 will enable the NOIC to introduce its Youth Effect project that will provide entrepreneurial, innovative youth (aged 18-29) with experiential learning and training through 15-week placements with innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. Under this program, SMEs that identify a need for sup-
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FedNor Invests Nearly $700,000 to Support Innovative Businesses and Youth port with a specific project will be matched with qualified youth based on their skills, interest, and need. The project is expected to lead to full-time employment for many of the participants. Quotes “One of the key tenets of our Government’s Innovation Agenda is attracting and developing talent. By investing to nurture human capital in our Northern and rural regions, we are providing communities and businesses with access to an essential component of economic growth and success." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor “Our Government recognizes that Canada’s youth holds the key to our future prosperity. This investment in the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre will ensure that innovative SMEs can benefit from a skilled workforce, while helping young people access quality job training and a pathway to excellent careers.” The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North “By encouraging SMEs to grow and innovate, the Government of Canada is helping to modernize our regional economy and create meaningful middle-class employment here in Northern Ontario. The funding announced today focuses on the development of young professionals and providing scalable, innovative SMEs with the resources to grow their markets.” Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for
Thunder Bay—Rainy River “At the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, we like to develop and lead new projects, cool ideas, and activities that can positively impact our region and its people. We are thrilled that the Government of Canada, through FedNor, is helping us deliver on our mission to create jobs by supporting innovative entrepreneurs, and contribute to the long-term economic growth of Northwestern Ontario.” Brian Ktytor, President, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre Patty Hajdu. MP “ Young people have traditionally struggled to find employment in NW Ontario especially in business and this program provides an opportunity to use their skills to enhance small to medium sized businesses. This will help grow the economy. The youth will also be given supports from the Innovation Centre to help them in the work experience and grow their skills. Ideally this project will help youth see
themselves in NW Ontario and staying for a long time. Youth out migration has been a topic here and hopefully this program will help. I think there will many youth to apply.” Judy Sander, Manager NW Ontario Innovation. “We are really excited that FedNor has committed to fund these projects and bring them forward. We feel the programs will fill a need for 18 to 29 year olds for a 15 week period. who don’t have to a student going back toschoo. They will have a great experience from the beginning of May.” “Go Global is a 15 month program for companies that want to grow outside our region. The youth will be given training in business development. There will be 6 people in this program. After 15 months we are hoping the company they work for will make enough sales to keep the person on.The real job grow here is in small to medium sized companies.”
City and Fort William First Nation Collaborate on Economic Development Representatives from the City of Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation participated in the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) today, a national program delivered jointly by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers.
This is one of four partnerships in Canada to embark on a five-year First NationsMunicipal collaboration program. CEDI seeks to improve economic prosperity through joint community economic development and land use planning. “We are thrilled to participate in this important initiative with Fort William First Nation,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “We have recognized for years that working together to address our economic challenges will strengthen our relationship and the regional economy, and move our communities forward.” As Canada turns its focus on reconciliation, and recognizing that long-term relationships are anchored in a solid foundation, the CEDI experience opens the way for First Nations and neighbouring municipal communities to create economic and social advantages. “We are confident that our common goals for local economic development will foster benefits that extend to many other aspects of community building, and will help us explore ways to strengthen our communities even more,” said Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation. The Initiative enables participating communities to benefit from workshops, study tours, and peer mentorship to help build strong partnerships and capacity for joint economic development planning, strong inter-community relationships, and improve the quality of life for all residents. Peter Collins, Chief Fort William First Nation “We are looking at developing a stronger economic development regime between the City of Thunder Bay and the Fort William First Nation through the CEDI program and
step in a new direction that could create a positive future for our communities. It is a step we needed to take and has been a long time coming. It is about building sustainable futures.” “ We want to enhance the lands we have at the FWFN and the lands that the city has in Thunder Bay and take it from there and see where we can go. Resolute is a prime example of how an industry can be developed to positive spin on both communities. Right now about 75% of the employees at the Resolute Saw Mill come from Thunder Bay. We are looking to create a brighter future for our kids and take that despair away.” “ FWFN has 1100 people that live in the community and just about 1100 that come and work at FWFN right now. Hopefully in the next 5 years we will have good results with this initiate. Right now between on and off reserve people our unemployment rate is about 50%.” “We are building our own houses and roads and have crushing going on here. The housing development had 8 different general contractors on site and 40 different families got to eat and enjoyed the opportunities to build the homes and they are occupied today. We did 8 homes last year and are hoping to do 11 this year plus 4 or 5 duplexes and
some some smaller granny homes.” “This program is about taking the declaration we made with the city in 2011 to a new direction and accomplish good things for both communities. It is about NW Ontario in its entirely and more jobs.” “The closed James Street bridge has an impact on future development. Those over 1000 people that come to work here still have to get here to work. It has hindered our movement in creating economic development and an issue we get asked about. The ultimate goal is to create wealth and give our youth jobs.” Linda Rydholm, Neebing Ward Councilor “The workshop is about how we can work together in economic development. We hope to settle on some projects in our area that might work say in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture or so many different areas and see what is the best fit. We are excited to be one of 5 groups chosen from over 80 applications. We want good paying jobs here. Today has been very positive. I think there is great potential here. If we can have more good paying jobs and middle class jobs it will good for our people. The time line for this work is years.” Helen Patterson Program Manager CEDI, FCM “ In Canada First Nations have a relationship with the Federal Government and municipalities have a relationship with the provincial government so there is no venue to work together to do joint planning. This is an opportunity to start this work together. We began this approach with 5 communities including Sioux Lookout with a food distribution project.”
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“The Journey of Hope” by Michael Muia from Michaels' Hair Design
Have you ever wondered what that lump under your skin or that sore that doesn’t want to heal is? Have you let it go, thinking that it will go away or heal on it’s own? A trip to see your doctor is highly recommended. In 2012 it started with a sore in my mouth. Naturally I thought it was another canker sore. I would get those from time to time from the citrus fruits and tomatoes. It was two weeks and counting and still no relief from the pain. I made a trip to my doctor and I was immediately referred to a specialist. A biopsy did not reveal my most dreaded thought of having cancer. So I lived with the pain for several months until I was back to see my doctor another specialist and another biopsy, no cancer, and medication was prescribed for the sore. The months were passing and the medication
changed a few times and another trip back to the specialist and another biopsy. Then in October 2013 the dreaded call while I was at work, after he said the word cancer the rest of what he said was just a blur. I was immediately booked in to see an oncologist and the plan was mapped out for me. I was to go to Toronto and be assessed. This was all very scary, at this point I didn’t know whether I would live or die. I prayed that I could have surgery and be saved. This is when you realize that nothing else matters except survival and having your family and friends holding your hand through the biggest fight of your life. By Christmas that year I had recovered from a very painful surgery and would begin chemo and radiation in January 2014. Unfortunately, on rare occasions some of us have adverse reactions and complications to the treatments, so I spent the coming months in the hospital having chemo and radiation. These treatments
made my surgery look like a bed of roses. Thankfully, I can say I am a cancer survivor. However, again for some of us there is collateral damage due to the treatments and medications you have had to take. In my case I was a medical puzzle to most doctors and specialists. I continue to have treatments on a monthly basis to control other medical issues as a result of this collateral damage. Getting diagnosed with tongue cancer was very shocking to me especially when I’ve been a non-smoker, healthy eater and exercised regularly. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would get tongue cancer. I can say that the last 4 years of my life has certainly been very challenging for myself, my wife, my children and the rest of my family. Looking back, I realize that as much as you think you are doing all the right things to maintain health and wellness, our lives are sometimes consumed with our everyday work commitments, activities with the kids and all the
other things that most of us do that keep us so busy in our lives. At the end of the day you realize you haven’t lived in the moment at all because we have been too busy. We are doing one thing but our minds are processing our next five steps just like a chess game. I have learned that to maintain a better state of mind and a healthier body you must take the time to slowdown and take care of yourself first by finding time to exercise, eating properly, and getting enough sleep. When you’re feeling sick take the time to get well, we tend to push through and continue at the same pace as when we are at 100%. I’ve been told by numerous doctors that one of the most important things to maintain in our lives is keeping a positive attitude. With this, we can scale the highest summit of any mountain. Michael Muia.
Super Stimulating Spinal Considerations Here are some interesting facts about the spine. Did you know … · Our spines have 33 individual vertebrae. Some fuse together over time to become the sacrum and the coccyx (tail bone). · Babies have 300 bones in their body while adults have only 206. This is because several bones in the skull, pelvis, spine and limbs fuse together as we mature. · The spine has three main curves creating a double S configuration. A forward curve in the neck, a backward curve in the mid back and another forward curve in the low back. Maintaining those curves at all times is essential for spinal
health and to minimize the chance of spinal degeneration. · Newborns have a C shaped spine. Only when they learn to look up from crawling, sit up and then stand and walk do they develop the double S configuration. · Sitting in a hunched or slouched position puts 200 pounds of pressure on the bones in our lower back. · The spinal cord is an extension of the brain. It contains all the nerve pathways that go from the brain to the rest of the body. · Astronauts can return from space up to 3% taller due to cartilage in the spinal column expanding in response to microgravity. · As we age the discs between
our spinal bones (vertebrae) start to dry up. This can cause disc height to shrink by about 1 mm. Add up all the discs and as you get older you could loose about two centimeters of total height from disc shrinkage alone. · You are taller first thing in the morning after sleeping all night then you are at the end of the day because taking pressure off your spine while you sleep allows the discs to resorb water. · The four primary motions made by the spine are forward (flexion), backward (extension), side bending (lateral flexion), and rotation. · People with back pain who do not engage in an exercise program to
strengthen their muscles are 22 times more likely to experience a relapse. · The first bone in your neck (cervical vertebrae) is called the atlas after the character in Greek mythology forced to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. The atlas carries the weight of the head. · The spine is comprised of 76 joints. · Your spine has a memory. For positive long term health it must be properly aligned, strengthened, stretched and kept mobile regularly. · The spine contains more than 120 muscles. · The spine is incredibly flexible. If bent, it would form 2/3 of a circle. · The spine is strong. It can withstand hundreds of kilograms of pressure. · Poor spinal posture will affect every system in your body including the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, immune and nervous systems.
James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr DiGiuseppe visit www.portarthurchiropractic.com.
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MARCH 2016
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Follow Your Bliss For a few weeks in mid February I felt very unsettled? I was extremely busy throughout the daytime. One night in particular I was relaxing before bed and I had a sudden wave of anxiety rush over me. I was almost sick to my stomach. I felt like I was afraid to go to sleep and wake up again the next morning? I asked myself what was my fear about? My answer was a memory from 2 years ago when I was moving through a huge shift in my life and I wasn’t financially prepared at all. Somehow, I felt like this same shift was reappearing AGAIN! I was frightened and I had to use logic to calm myself down. I asked myself if I was consistent with my efforts and am I working towards a goal? My answer was yes! Then I asked if I was willing to push through and not give up even if I hadn’t seen the big results from all of my efforts? My answer was yes again! My final question was, why do I feel upset and frustrated? This time, I didn’t have the answer. I felt like I was in the movie “Groundhog Day”. Something needed to change within me so that I could move through my
unknown fears? I couldn’t shake this for about one week, so I decided to use the blend of the following 3 Essential Oils in my diffuser at bedtime. Within 2 days I was much calmer, refocused and I carried an overall sense of lightness or freedom. I felt like I was myself again and ready to move forward with my business. The most important thing I realized was that I was releasing a memory from the past and it was showing up as anxiety!!!! · Cilantro is used when you are feeling constricted or emotionally trapped to shift into a sense of liberation and ease. · Juniper Berry is extremely beneficial when you have irrational fears, recurrent nightmares or restless sleep to helping one feel protected, courageous and self aware. · Roman Chamomile can ease a sense of discouragement, drudgery or frustration so that we can feel guided, peaceful and more relaxed. If you are feeling anxious while moving through any sort of change in your life right now, a blend of the oils can also be used topically on the forearms, over the heart area or behind the neck. For more information on how to add essential oils to your daily lifestyle for a
stronger sense of balance, please contact Tammeron at tammerontv@gmail.com or join my FREE weekly Facebook Classes under Tammeron’s Place entitled: How To Use Essential Oils for Emotional Well Being. I also offer weekly Tarot Readings on my YOUTube Channel under
Tammeron TV. Each week I answer a random question sent in by entrepreneurs who are going through challenges in their business. I use a 2 card draw and recommend the top 3 essentials oils to bring emotional balance. Cheers Tammeron
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Thunder Bay Architect John Stephenson: President of Ontario Association of Architects Local architect John Stephenson has recently become President of the Ontario Association of Architects. I asked him some questions about the position.
out architects there would be no architecture. It’s very exciting for me to be able to advocate for the public appreciation of architecture and to be the public voice of the OAA which represents such a strong and vital cultural industry and profession.
1. It must be quite an honour to represent the Ontario Association of Architects as President. What does it mean to you? Being elected OAA President by my peers on OAA Council is certainly an honour but more than that it’s a huge responsibility. As the spokesperson for the Ontario Association of Architects I have the dual responsibility of first and foremost, advocating for the protection of the public interest, which is about ensuring that society benefits from excellent architecture that is safe, healthy, performs at the highest levels and lifts the human spirit. Secondly and of equal importance, I have the responsibility of speaking on behalf of my profession, of advocating for the important and central role that architects play in the creation of a built environment that meets these lofty goals. I think my long career in practice here in Northwestern Ontario and my many years of involvement as a volunteer for the OAA
2. Tell me a little about the architects group, some history, number of members and impact they have on the Ontario economy.
and in the governance of my profession gives me a strong and balanced perspective on why architecture matters to all of us and why a strong profession of architecture that is valued and respected, helps to protect the public interest. The buildings in our rural and urban environments are the built expression of our culture, public building especially. We say that architecture affects everyone every day and with-
The Ontario Association of Architects is a self-regulating professional association governed by the Ontario Architects Act. The Architects Act confers on architects an exclusive right to practice architecture by providing services to the public. The social contract embodied in the Act requires in return, that the OAA regulate the profession by establishing enforcing the qualifications of members to practice architecture, ensuring their continued competence and policing their performance through a complaints and discipline process that is accessible to the public. The Act also sets out additional goals which
include promoting the public appreciation of architecture. The OAA’s Vision is an Ontario in which architects are valued contributors to society, by creating a safe and healthy built environment that performs at the highest levels and elevates the human spirit. The OAA membership consists of just under 4,000 licensed architects, which includes 114 licensed technologists OAA. These are members who have a license under the Architects Act giving them a limited restricted scope of practice in smaller buildings. The OAA membership also includes about 550 students in architecture programmes and just over 1500 interns who are graduates of a professional degree programme in architecture who are undertaking he experience and examination requirements for licensure. OAA also certifies architectural practices in Ontario which today number almost 1800. These practices likely employ upwards of 10,000 people in addition to architects. Continued Next Page
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Thunder Bay Architect John Stephenson: President of Ontario Association of Architects Continued From Previous Page As architects, the work we do significantly impacts and guides the construction and renovation of a very large majority of the buildings in Ontario. While the cost of architectural services represents a relatively small percentage of the $33.6 billiion building construction industry, perhaps less than 3% overall, we hit way above our weight in terms of the value that we add to this industry through our creative input and our professional services. Every building embodies a vision for a future built environment and it is the architect that is the one professional amongst the many skilled and trained disciplines that collaborate to create the buildings we live work and play in that is specifically trained to see the ‘big picture’ in order to merge the requirements of building owners, occupants, users and society in order to express the cultural history, vision and ambitions of the people and communities that use these buildings every day. 3. Do you have specific goals you want to achieve in your upcoming term? The OAA has many worthy ongoing projects and initiatives, all of which are important. Having said that, there are a number of current initiatives that I am prioritizing: One of the more urgent goals is to explore new ways to strengthen our approach to combatting bad procurement and contracting practices that put the public interest at risk either directly or indirectly. We need to mitigate or eliminate practices that marginalize the role of the architect and hinder the ability of our profession to provide excellent architectural solutions that result in safe, healthy, functional and uplifting public buildings. We must continue the advocacy for more enlightened procurement practices, including continuing to promote Quality Based Selection as a benchmark for retaining architects, but also, on a much more serious note, fighting back against RFP and Contract Language that puts the public interest at risk by requiring architects to assume risk that is outside our control to manage and is therefore uninsurable. The Architects Act of 1984 defined the need for mandatory professional liability insurance for architects as being clearly in the public interest. Contracts that make this impossible to realise with certainty must continue to be opposed. Maintaining the close working relationship with clients and end users of our buildings is central to our ability to deliver safe and healthy buildings that perform at the highest levels and which elevate the human spirit. Only architects are trained to marry all these requirements into design solutions for buildings. Unfortunately, our client relationship now is increasingly managed by Project Managers who do not understand or value the importance of our essential skills as architects and are actively working to commodify our services to the detriment of the public interest in architec-
tural excellence. We must find ways to engage with the project managers and enhance their understanding of our value. At the same time, architects must also raise our game and become effective project managers ourselves. Another very important current project of the OAA is the refresh and zero net energy/carbon deep retrofit of the OAA headquarters building in Toronto. This project will establish the OAA and, by extension the profession, as leaders in climate action through responsible architectural design. This will give credibility to all our members in their role as advocates for the need for climate change mitigation. As for longer term goals, some of the ambitions that are on my radar screen include: The OAA needs to Work with regulators in other provinces to achieve a national consensus on a renewal of the path to licensure for architects through school and internship. The very nature of our profession and the way we practice architecture is changing rapidly and our system of preparing young architects for practice needs to be more nimble. We need to advocate vigorously for housing affordability in general and First Nations community building and other important issues of public concern that intersect with the practice of architecture. We need to advocate for a provincial, and perhaps even a federal architecture policy to recognize and support the profession’s valuable role in community building through public architecture. We need to talk with renewed purpose with our sister professions of Interior Design and Landscape Architecture about the potential for maximizing collaboration,
and look for possible new organisational and professional synergies. 4. Your appointment is an achievement for NW Ontario. What will it mean for architects and others in general in NW Ontario? We are a small profession in Northwestern Ontario but we have always been highly engaged in our community and region. Many of our members have a history of active volunteer participation not only in our profession and in its governance but also in the cultural, economic and community life in our region and its cities and
towns. I will of course use my voice to ensure that the unique challenges of architectural practice in Northwestern Ontario are not lost sight of amongst my many colleagues in other parts of the province, but I am but one of many voices already doing this. More importantly, by raising the public awareness and appreciation of architecture and the valuable contribution of architects across the province I hope that we will be able to foster the creation of excellent buildings and neighborhoods for the benefit of everyone.
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Brand New Thunder Bay Hampton Inn Property Doing Well! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Thunder Bay BUSINESS The Arthur Street area near the airport has a new look with the addition of a state of the art Hampton Inn & Suites now open! After their official opening date of September 27th, 2016, the beautiful most current design of the 2500 unit Hampton Inn chain, has done well. It includes 104 rooms with 28 ofthose that are suites. Jeffrey Dizon, General Manager Hampton Inn & Suites and has previously worked in Lloydminister with Hampton Inn. “ Since we opened we are getting great feedback with this new layout, the latest from Hampton Inn. I moved here last July when the building was still under construction. There were many permits to be approved, regulations and Hampton standards that had to be followed. We have to satisfy the local government and the Hampton standards. The hotel was delayed a month or so to reconstruct some of the rooms to meet the Hampton standards,” said Jeffrey Dizon. “ It was a good experience being here through the opening and also part of my training. Hampton is very strict in their requirements with their seven different brands.” When you walk into the Hampton Inn & Suites property you will be impressed with it’s very eye pleasing lobby especially for a northern climate like here in Thunder Bay. The breakfast area is adjacent and serves hot and cold food as well as fruit and is open from 6am to 10 am every morning. It is complimentary and part of your room package. They even have complimentary cookies and water for their check in guests.
There is a pool and gym that is amazing. Also the Hampton Inn & Suites has two meeting rooms, one that can accommodate 15 people and the other 12 people.
evening mainly because of the weather conditions. It can be last minute here.
The room cost during winter time is $139 but government and seniors rates
Our airport shuttle runs from 5am to 6pm. If the guests need to go later we pay the taxi fee for them.”
are lower with the senior at $125. The new Hampton Inn & Suites was constructed by Thunder Bay’s BNL Burmet Northern Ltd. General Contractors
“ Our rooms are both standard and suites. The suite is almost double the size of the normal room. They have one king or two queen beds. In the suite the bathroom is divided and there is a walk in closet, a wet bar, fridge, microwave and pullout couch,” said Dizon. “The standard rooms have king or two queen beds for whichever is preferred by the guest. We have a fridge, 48 inch TV’s and a workable desk. WiFi is free 24 hours.” “ We are focused on the corporate and leisure traveler. Walk ins are high in the
To date the Hampton Inn & Suites have 24 staff including the manager. Only 2 are part time, the rest full time.
Continued
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Brand New Thunder Bay Hampton Inn Property Doing Well! Continued “ We began slowly but soon got a nice crowd and reached 67% occupancy on our first day open which was a good start as well as a good challenge for our new staff. Since that second week in January we are starting to sell out. This week of February 6th we are sold out for 4 days. Our online surveys are 93% positive feedback of which we are proud. We are starting to build our base of corporate clients. We must maintain our standards high,” said Dizon. “ It has gone well and into the spring and summer we will achieve high occupancy. Being near the airport is good for us as it is a hub for NW Ontario. We are also doing well with government employees. You can book directly or on line as well as with third party websites. We do recommend booking directly with us which is most flexible for us to change reservations and allows for less hold time on the phone.” Jeffrey Dizon loves Thunder Bay and
Start your day with a free hot breakfast featuring hearty oatmeal and toppings along with a buffet to suit every appetite. Enjoy coffee and tea from the comfort of your own room. Choose a suite for more space and separate living
Thunder Bay • Rooms with minifridge, microwave and sofa bed • Suites with separate living area and more space • Indoor pool, fitness center and business center • Small flexible meeting room with projection screen Rooms & Suites Included in Every Stay • • Hampton bed® • room •
is planning to buy a house here and stay long term. He has two children aged 3 and 9 years old.
At a Glance A new and modern Thunder Bay Airport hotel. Located directly on the Trans Canada Highway, our Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Thunder Bay makes it easy to explore the area. Close to the casino, airport and city center, you’ll be just minutes from all the fun. This new, five-story hotel offers amenities for a comfortable stay including a free hot breakfast buffet, free WiFi and airport shuttle service.
area. Our rooms offer a mini-fridge, microwave and sofa bed. You won’t have to go far to conduct business or discover the sights with our convenient location. Try your luck at the casino, walk through parks and learn more about Thunder Bay at one of the various area museums. Swim at the indoor pool and get in a workout at the fitness center. Stop by the business center if you need to finish a project or print tickets for your next excursion. End the day with a peaceful sleep on a clean and fresh Hampton bed®. About the Hotel Hotel Facts • •
Free airport shuttle Close to OLG Casino
Free hot breakfast Clean and fresh Free WiFi in every Gym/fitness center use
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Be Accommodating © 2017 Brian Babcock
The Ontario government has wisely decided to introduce new rules under the Accommodating Ontarians with
Legal Matters Disabilities Act in stages. As a person with a disability, I appreciate the effort to level the playing field for all Ontarians. As a business owner, I appreciate the concern for my bottom line. The phase implemented effective January 1, 2017 governs hiring practices. They affect all employers. If you have over 50 employees, there are
requirements in six areas: · Hiring · Workplace information · Communicate accessibility plans · Talent and performance management · Accommodation plans · Return to work process There is useful information on government websites, but if you are in this category you may wish to obtain professional advice Smaller businesses have simpler obligations: · Hiring: notifying employees and the public about accommodations available in the hiring process. You may do this on your website, or in job postings. · Assessment and selection: notify applicants that accommodations are available, upon request; consult with applicants and upon request arrange or provide suit-
able accommodations. · Information: notify successful applicants, new and existing employees about policies for supporting employees with disabilities. Update when policies changes. This may be done through various techniques including email; newsletters; memos; websites; bulletin boards; meetings; or individually. · Accessible formats and supports: on request, consult with employees to provide appropriate supports. This may, for example, include office manuals, but also general information such as office newsletters in alternate formats. · Career Development: take into account the needs of disabled employees. · Performance Management: take into account the needs of disabled employees. · Redeployment: when transferring employees, take steps to ensure accommodation needs are met after the transfer.
In addition to these new Employment Standards, small businesses are now required under the Communications Standards to make information available and communicate in an accessible manner. The intent of the simpler standards for small business is to make it possible to comply without professional advice, but if you lack the expertise, you may wish to consider consulting an expert. Organizations with twenty or more employees will be required to confirm compliance with these, and existing standards, by filing a compliance report by no later than December 31, 2017. So, if you have missed the initial deadline, it is not too late to comply before the reporting deadline. Weilers Law has been advising Northwestern Ontario businesses on their obligations under employment law for over 70 years.
Ontario Providing More Transit Funding for Thunder Bay Ontario is boosting support for Thunder Bay, providing them with reliable, longterm funding to improve and expand local transit and offer more travel options for commuters and families.
strategies and improve accessibility. Supporting stronger public transit systems is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Starting in 2019, Ontario will increase funding for Thunder Bay and other municipal transit systems across the province through an enhancement to the existing gas tax program, doubling the municipal share from two cents per litre to four cents by 2021. There will be no increase in the tax that people in Ontario pay on gasoline as a result of the enhancement to the program. Thunder Bay which has received an average of about $1.8 million per year in gas tax funding, could see its funding increased to an estimated $2.3 million in 2019-20,
QUOTES “I am proud of our Province’s commitment to increasing funding for public transit. The increase in gas tax funding for the City of Thunder Bay reduces the amount the City of Thunder Bay is required to contribute from tax dollars collected from City residents. This funding will also assist in continuing to build up our local economy, as well as contribute to the overall wellbeing of people in our Community.” - Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan
$2.7 million in 2020-21 and to $3.6 million in 2021-22. Thunder Bay is able to use gas tax funding to make major infrastructure upgrades, buy additional transit vehicles, add more routes, extend hours of service, implement fare
“This is great news for users of Thunder Bay transit. Increased gas tax funding will help improve services for all and help Thunder Bay broaden the appeal of public transit.” - Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay Superior North “Transit plays a critical role in the vitality of our City and contributes to quality of life for our citizens, as well as visitors. We are thrilled with the Province’s ongoing investment in the Gas Tax Program. This investment will continue to improve our public transit system and allow us to continue to improve Transit, working towards a healthy, vibrant, connected and strong City.” - Mayor Keith Hobbs, City of Thunder Bay
A Unique Way For Canadians To Save Money And Pay Less Tax Tax-Free Savings Accounts, or TFSAs, have been available to Canadians since 2009. TFSAs allow users to invest large sums of money tax-free using almost any
investment possibility such as mutual funds, individual stocks, Guaranteed Investment Certificates or bonds. Tax-Free Savings Account can benefit Canadians across all age groups For people in their 20s and 30s using a TFSA strategy can help to afford home, cars, vacations, or recreation while still saving for the future. For people in their 40s and 50s TFSAs can compliment saving for retirement or saving for children's education. TFSA can help increase tax-advantaged savings. For those in their 60s and older who are retired, the withdrawals from a TFSA will not affect eligibility for Old Age Security or Guaranteed Income Supplement. Also, TFSA cash flow can also help you delay taxable RRSP withdrawals until age 71. TFSA at a glance
· Investments grow tax free inside the account · Withdrawals are completely tax-free · Withdrawals do not count as income for tax purposes, so they do not raise your tax rate or affect eligibility for incometested government benefits, such as Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement. · Withdrawals can be re-contributed · You have to be a Canadian resident 18 years or older · Unused contributions can be carried forward and are cumulative · TFSA assets will be transferred to your spouse in the event of death tax-free If you don't contribute the full amount each year, you can carry forward the unused amounts based on the contribution limits for each year. By the end of 2016
the cumulative contribution total was, $46,500. Current rules have the total annual contribution amount increasing by $500 each year. Your 2017 contribution limit is $52,000. The contribution amount for each year is as follows: · 2009: $5,000 · 2010: $5,000 · 2011: $5,000 · 2012: $5,000 · 2013: $5,500 · 2014: $5,500 · 2015: $10,000 · 2016: $5,500 · 2017: $5,500 Grow your savings faster than a regular savings account Tax-Free Savings Accounts are an excellent complement to your current financial strategy. However, since the TFSA was introduced in 2009 only about half of Canadians are taking advantage of its benefits of earning tax-free income for life and paying no taxing on death of the accumulated TFSA's value. Michael Morrow, CFP Michael is a Certified Financial Planner and President of Morrow Financial and The Benefit Experts. For more information, please contact Michael @ 807 684 1805 or visit: www.thebenefitexperts.com l www.morrowfinancial.ca
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MARCH 2017
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Ontario Working With Thunder Bay Community to Reopen Recreation Centre for People with Disabilities Centre Would Continue to Provide BarrierFree Services
luxury and make life as normal as possible is great. That is what the service clubs do best.” “It was a journey going through this. We pulled two ministries together to transfer this land so in the future the new corporation will own it outright, I think that is historical.”
Ontario is working with Thunder Bay community groups to reopen the Wilderness Discovery Family Resort and Conference Centre on Shebandowan Lake, which provided outdoor recreational opportunities for individuals with impairments. In 2015, the local organization operating the property decided to redirect its resources to other programming. Local community groups have expressed interest in acquiring the fully accessible property so that they can continue to offer barrierfree services and recreational facilities for Ontarians and their families. The province will consult with indigenous partners and will work with the local community to develop a detailed plan for the property, outlining specifics for the centre as well as plans for other community programming to serve youth, veterans and seniors. Supporting services for communities is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. QUOTES “I’m happy that we’re finally able to discuss proposed next steps regarding the Shebandowan Lake property. I know how important it is to the Thunder Bay community to get the Wilderness Discovery Family Resort and Conference Centre back up and running again, and as quickly as possible. Additionally, I want to thank the Minister of Community and Social Services Helena Jaczek and the Minister of Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli for their support.” —Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder BayAtikokan “Ontario is committed to working with local community groups in Thunder Bay to reopen the Lake Shebandowan property, to give them a chance to reclaim a beloved fixture of their region and help it grow.” —Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure “The re-opening of the Wilderness Discovery Centre will help enhance the lives of many local residents and others, including those with physical impairments for years to come. This announcement provides an opportunity for local community groups to revive barrierfree services and recreational facilities for Ontarians who use this centre.” —Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services QUICK FACTS § The Shebandowan Lake property has 2,209 feet of shoreline and is located in the District of Thunder Bay. § The Wilderness Discovery Family Resort and Conference Centre was established in the early 1980s by the Handicapped Action Group Inc. to promote outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. § The terms for any transfer of the Shebandowan Lake property would ensure that the lands were used for the purpose for which they were transferred.
day.” Bob Hookham President of Fort William Rotary Club. “ It is an awesome phenomenal day, an emotional day which has taken at least 22 months to bring this around. It is a great
“ Many of us take this for granted- nature, fishing, being out there in the wildernesss. The disabled community does not have that option so to be able to give them that
“The camp will look similar as it does today with 6 cabins and two apartments down below, with a conference centre that seats 120 people. We will add a commercial kitchen to it and make it more open to other functions and other groups as well as make improvements through out including new docks. There is about $350,00 to $400,00 work that needs to be done before it opens. This summer and fall will help us do that and it will be state of the art.”
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