What Are You Doing for Businesses?
“…this is your time to ask the tough questions about what candidates will be doing to ensure we are indeed open for business.”
BY KITHIO MWANZIA
Over the past decade, Niagara has been undergoing a significant economic transition. In the past four years there has been an unprecedented investment into public infrastructure by all orders of government. While the investments were long overdue, and the projects created jobs and private sector business opportunities, the job of growing Niagara’s economy is far from over. As the 2010 municipal elections take place this fall, a critical question for business owners and employees to ask candidates is: “What are your plans to help private enterprise grow and prosper in Niagara?”
As the St. Catharines – Thorold Prosperity Council’s report Paths to Prosperity noted, one of the most effective means in which to grow economic capacity is to focus on the growth of existing companies within the community. Through a business-focused policy agenda, municipalities can assist in the growth of business. Success will be demonstrated by net new growth for existing businesses, an increase in start up businesses and better integration of business, government and post-secondary institutions for the purposes of business incubation and development.
Other means in which local government can play an important role in facilitating business development include: competitive tax rates, development application processes, and land planning policies or through economic development services and a business-friendly culture. As it becomes increasingly competitive to retain business, regions that embrace and encourage an “open for business” culture will be more prosperous. To create an open for business environment, municipalities in Niagara must begin by removing red tape and excessive bureaucracy.
For instance, across all thirteen municipalities, Niagara has different zoning regulations, interpretations of provincial statues and development charge policy. This cumbersome collection of rules makes operating a business in Niagara unpredictable when it comes to compliance costs, particularly those operating in more than one municipality in Niagara. By removing restrictive, time-consuming processes and duplicated regulations the costs that businesses would incur could instead be invested in expanding the business and ultimately employment opportunity in Niagara.
The next four years will be critical for Niagara. With a robust public sector dominating employment in Niagara, the region must work to build its private sector. We cannot afford to have a large public sector without a strong private sector. As candidates seek support and votes, this is your time to ask the tough questions about what candidates will be doing to ensure we are indeed open for business. The people that are elected in 2010 must be willing to work with business to build Niagara’s economy.
The Chamber has planned a series of debates for municipal and regional candidates as part of an election strategy to engage the business community on the 2010 municipal elections. If you have any input on these subjects please forward your comments to policy@sctchamber.com follow regular updates on Chamber advocacy issues at twitter.com/sctpolicycdnr
This column by Kithio Mwanzia, Policy Coordinator St. Catharines—Thorold Chamber of Commerce.
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