Chamber asks for a delay in second reading of proposed kennel development By-law
News Release
August 29, 2018
Chamber asks for a delay in second reading of proposed kennel development By-law
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is asking Colchester County Council to delay the second reading of a proposed temporary By-law impacting the development of kennels.
The Chamber has engaged with its members and municipal officials on the issue which has resulted in the submission of several recommendations on the proposed Municipality of the County of Colchester Kennel Development By-law.
“At this time, we are asking that County Council delay the second reading of the proposed By-law in order to allow time for consultation to occur with local businesses that will be affected, as well as to establish a timeline to be included while the land use By-laws are reviewed,” said Chamber president Joanne McRae.
Of particular concern to Chamber members is the lack of timeline associated with the implementation of the proposed By-law which council has indicated would be temporary.
Based on feedback from its membership, the Chamber believes if a By-law of this nature were to remain in effect for an indefinite period of time, there is potential for wide-spread negative impacts to local business of all kinds, from real estate to existing kennels, veterinarians, breeders, groomers, pet supply businesses, trainers, boarding facilities, dog daycares, kennel clubs, professional dog handlers and many others.
“It is unreasonable to expect business to wait an undetermined timeframe for the county to lift a moratorium directly impacting their livelihoods,” said the President.
Colchester County has attracted high-caliber canine events drawing thousands of people to this area and has been home to dogs trained as international champions. The pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business and needs the support of Council to continue to provide economic benefits to this region.
Since 2013 the pet industry has grown 3.8 per cent and was worth more than $7 billion in Canada, with 52 per cent of households having a pet. Colchester County boasts a wide variety of pet-related businesses and is well positioned for economic growth.
The Chamber provided several recommendations to council including a need to clearly outline how proposed new legislation would be enforced and the estimated cost to tax payers.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is committed to working cooperatively with government to better educate businesses about their legislative obligations and look forward to engaging with the government on this critical issue in future.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 128 years. It represents more than 400 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance.
Read letter submitted to the Municipality of the County of Colchester
Chamber Hosting Roundtable on Federal Agriculture Policy
Chamber Hosting Roundtable on Federal Agriculture Policy
The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a roundtable this month seeking input on agriculture related issues.
The roundtable will be held on Aug. 29 at the Marigold Cultural Centre at 10 a.m.
Foothills MP John Barlow, Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food (Associate) and member of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food., and Bow River MP Martin Shield will be in attendance.
Barlow and Shield are touring the Cumberland-Colchester region to meet with local stakeholders to discuss federal agriculture policy, such as its effectiveness, issues that are faced by industry and how it could be improved.
Pre-registration is required to attend this session, email [email protected] or call 902-895-6328.
Impact Investing Pilot Program Launches in Nova Scotia
(August 13, 2018 – Truro, NS) Social enterprises across the province of Nova Scotia may be eligible for a boost – thanks to an exciting, new pilot program being launched in partnership between Nova Scotia’s credit unions, their trade association, Atlantic Central and the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
Launching today, the Impact Investing pilot program will invest up to $25,000 into eligible Nova Scotia social enterprises who are making a real impact in their communities. Social enterprises can be a not-for-profit, a Co-operative or a privately owned enterprise that has a social mission and are delivering social impacts. Applicants must be providing a service that meets a need in their community or is helping under-served populations.
“The capital available through the program is intended as an investment in our communities” says Dianne Kelderman, President and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. “The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council and credit unions have a long history of giving back to the places we call home, so this is a natural fit and an extension of what we already do”
Interested social enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding by visiting their local credit union or connecting with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. Enterprises must prove that they are financially sustainable and have support within their local area.
Applications for the pilot will remain open until September 17th with funding recipients being announced later this fall.
Documents and further information can be found at www.novascotia.coop
About Atlantic Central
Atlantic Central is the trade association that represents 50 member-owned credit unions across Atlantic Canada.
About the Nova Scotia-Cooperative Council
The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council is the economic development arm of the Nova Scotia Co-operative and Credit Union system. The Council represents 322 Co-operative businesses who employ over 11,000 Nova Scotians and have over $5.2 billion at work in our provincial economy.
Coalition to Keep Trade Free established
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is joining the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to rally the business community through its Coalition to Keep Trade Free, and we are inviting you to participate.
Members can show support by joining the Coalition to add your logo to the Keep Trade Free website https://www.keeptradefree.com/ and to share its messages on your social media platforms using #KeepTradeFree.
Fall Flavours Festival
Join us as we celebrate Fall with our Annual Fall Flavours Festival on September 26th.
From 6-9pm at the Truro Farmers Market we will celebrate local with over 12 chefs using as many local ingredients to create delicious appetizers, main courses, and desserts for our guests to sample. We will also have local beer, wine, and spirit samples as well as live music, cash bar, and LOTS of prizes! Guests will vote on their favourite dishes from each category and our top chefs will receive a prize. We will also be featuring a Guest Chef!
Tickets are limited. Please call Amanda at (902)895-6328, or email [email protected] to reserve yours