Economic Climate

Economic Climate By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering This past week, I had the opportunity of participating in 2 very informative conferences geared to the current economic climate and how businesses/organizations can maneuver through. Whether you’re a business owner or operator, the key take way was the ability to endure, never giving in but seeking new opportunities by sharing ideas, and by fostering collaboration. As we navigate uncertain times, it is especially important to celebrate what connects us all: innovation, diversity, and economic resilience. Through collaboration it enables us to focus on what unites us rather than divides us and strengthening our shared vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. In the last couple of years, businesses have faced a number of hurdles, from technological transformations to shifting trade policies. They’ve had to navigate this, while continuing to innovate, improve their products and services, and maintain strong relationships with their customers. I am especially proud of the resilience shown by businesses in Pickering. Our business community continues to grow every single day, despite facing some of these challenges. Every grand opening is a result of hard work, investment, and faith, not just in their product but themselves. Our economic development department, along with the Durham Region ecosystem, continues to work with new and existing businesses and developments – and I applaud everyone’s efforts. As a Councillor, I am especially proud to be part of these special moments, and it’s my priority to continue representing and advocating for our local businesses. It is by attracting new local business that we can expect to be in a position to reduce the current residential tax burden one percentage at a time. Looking ahead, there are many exciting advancements happening in Pickering. Our downtown is being transformed by City Centre which brings with it a new City City Centre Park which will host winter ice skating and summer water features. The refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station will not only provide reliable energy for decades to come but also generate thousands of jobs and other net benefits such as use of radioactive by-products for treatments of cancer world wide. Businesses like FGF Brands continues to bring new life into our emerging communities which attracts other businesses to invest in our innovation employment corridor. Regardless if its government, industry, academia, or community, together, we can shape policies and strategies that not only drive growth but also ensure prosperity is shared. Instead of negativism we need to seize the opportunity to connect with one another, exchange ideas, and continue contributing to the economic vitality of our communities – because we are stronger together.