Voice of Business: Exploring the Outcomes of Basic Income

As global interest in Basic Income grows, Ontario's brief pilot offers insights and raises questions about the potential for more sustainable social assistance models.

This week on the VOB we are discussing Basic Income (BI) - a concept that proposes providing people with a livable income that helps improve housing and health outcomes. The brief pilot project in Ontario did not provide enough data to get a good idea of its impact. It’s time to look at alternatives to the current social assistance status quo and see if there are better models.

Basic income would be set at 75 per cent of the median income in Canada. BI operates through a negative income tax (NIT), by assessing an individual’s tax return where their earned income would be reduced by 50 cents per dollar.  This would then determine the BI amount they could receive.

Ontario started its BI pilot project in the fall of 2017. BI aims to test how a livable income for couples and individuals would provide sustainability and how sustainability impacts employment, education, life, health, and financial security outcomes. An individual could receive up to $16,989 with an extra $500 monthly and couples could receive up to $24,000. Notably, BI would be a substitute for people on ODSP and OW.

The BI pilot project recruited 4,000 participants across three cities: Thunder Bay, Hamilton, and Lindsay. The pilot project was meant to last three years, but only lasted 18 months. The gross cost for the three years was $150 million.

Unfortunately, the pilot project was short-lived, and we could not fully analyze the impacts of the BI. These impacts could demonstrate labor market participation and healthcare use on BI.  Additionally, no data collection was done on the control group that did not receive BI, limiting our ability to compare and observe whether economic and life conditions improved without BI.

After the shutdown of the BI pilot project, recipients went back to our current social assistance, which are Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). OW currently supplies up to $733 monthly and ODSP supplies up to $1368 a month. For someone trying to re-enter the labour market, $733 is extremely difficult to live on when a rental for a one-bedroom apartment in Peterborough is $1,173. ODSP can cover rent but with very little left over.

As taxpayers, we are concerned with the costs of these projects. If these projects come to fruition, will the cost increase taxes? Will we see a decrease in labour market participation? These are valid concerns from both business owners and taxpayers.

For context, the Ontario Government is currently spending $3.7 billion less than required to fund existing programs and announced commitments on social assistance until 2026, and as of this year, our budget is short $0.7 billion. The 2024-2025 budget stands at $214.5 billion with social assistance covering 9.3 per cent of the budget.

From a sample of 200 participants in Hamilton, there was 24 per cent of people who were unemployed before and during the pilot. 11 per cent were employed but became unemployed during the pilot. 6 per cent were employed before the pilot but became unemployed to pursue a post-secondary education. 5 per cent of participants found work while on the pilot project. In total, there were almost two-thirds of people worked with 54 per cent of people working before and during the pilot excluding the 5 per cent who found work while on the pilot. 35 per cent of people in total did not work during or before the pilot. What is noteworthy is the 11 per cent who were employed but became unemployed during the pilot.

The Ontario government spends $85 billion on healthcare annually. In the same survey, 33 per cent of respondents reported a reduction in hospital emergency room visits, and 83 per cent noted increased access to over-the-counter medications. With a third of participants reducing their hospital visits, this could alleviate the strain on our healthcare system and improve people’s standard of living by decreasing the frequency of visits from lower-income individuals. Such a shift could potentially lead to cost savings for taxpayers by reducing the need to service a higher volume of patients.

Short-term results from the BI pilot project indicate potential cost savings for our healthcare system and the reduced effects from the rising cost of living. It’s time to look at all the options when it comes to assisting those living on the margins.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Wildflower Bakery, Sidewalk Sale, Business Excellence Awards and Habitat for Humanity ReStore

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Are you interested in owning a local bakery?

Wildflower Bakery in Havelock is up for sale. This is an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur to buy their very own well-appointed bakery and café business with a great reputation. The owners are hoping to find someone to carry on what they’ve built. In the meantime, it’s business as usual as they continue baking amazing treats. Wildflower Bakery features hand-crafted organic bread and European-style pastries. Drop by 4 Oak St. in Havelock to try some delicious baked goods.

A correction to last week’s Business Beat – the downtown Peterborough end of summer sidewalk sale and block party is August 31.

Head downtown on the last Saturday in August to get some deals and find something unique. George Street will be closed between Simcoe and Hunter streets to make for a pedestrian-friendly area with some live music, giving it that block party feel. Get more info at theboro.ca.

The finalists are in for the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

The annual awards publicly acknowledge and honour local businesses and business leaders in our community who go above and beyond. While the shortlist of finalists is out, recipients will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Oct. 29. The evening starts with a pre-show party at The Venue at 5:45 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. at Showplace. Get your tickets at pkexcellence.ca.

The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lakefield is officially open! The new Lakefield location provides Selwyn and the surrounding area with a spot to shop for great deals and donate previously enjoyed furniture and building products. Proceeds from the ReStore play a crucial role for Habitat for Humanity by covering the organization’s operating costs, ensuring all donations go straight to local housing projects. Habitat have been busy building, including recent developments at Leahy’s Lane Phase 1 and 2, providing 53 local families and individuals the opportunity to become homeowners. Help fund local affordable homebuilding projects by dropping by the ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Road.

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Finalists Announced For Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards where the winners will be announced in a ceremony at The Venue on Oct. 29.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The awards publicly recognize and honour local businesses and business people who have demonstrated a passion for excellence.

The evening begins with a reception at The Venue, followed by the ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre. Megan Murphy will host the event, which will award prizes in 22 categories, including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year. 

“Excellence is out there, throughout our local business community in Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s so important to recognize the hard work, innovation, resilience, and impact of our local businesses and business leaders, and this annual celebration does just that.”   

Tickets are available online. 

The following is a list of the 2024 Business Excellence Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically):

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem

Winning recipients:

• Dr. Taylor Bonner

• Joe Curry

• Hillary Flood

• Dylan Radcliffe

Businesswomen of the Year

Entrepreneur

• Rosalea Terry (nectar co.)

Organization

• Heidi Popov (Kawartha Gymnastics)

Business Citizen of the Year

(To be announced at the ceremony)

Business Student Leadership Prizes

Winning recipients:

• Ali Jammal (Trent)

• Joylyn Johnson D Souza (Trent)

• Swarna Latha Mareedu (Fleming)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Ashburnham Realty (The Railyard Development)

• The Canadian Canoe Museum

• Holmes Riseley LLP (823 Park St. S.)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Couture Candy

• McLeod's EcoWater

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• New Beginnings Building Services

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Green Street Inc.

• nectar co.

• Wanderlight Alpaca Experience

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• Winner: Scott & Paula Cornish (Whiskey Lane Livestock)

Green Initiatives

• Camp Kawartha

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Dietrich Homes

Health & Wellness

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy

• Flow Spa

• Trent Health in Motion

Hospitality

• The Dirty Burger

• Levantine Grill

• Millbrook Mercantile

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

• Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• OmniWorx Design

Marketing & Promotion

• Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

• Harmony for Healing

• nectar co. - The Viral Keepsake Campaign

Micro Business

• The Chocolate Rabbit

• Millbrook Mercantile

• Peterborough Disability Tax Services

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Winner: Sama Noor Yousafzai (Goodies on Mews)

Not-for-Profit

• Five Counties Children's Centre

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

• Kawartha Gymnastics

Professional Services

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Holmes Riseley LLP

Retail

• Dan Joyce's Retailing Limited

• Paris Marine

• Shop The Lake Inc.

Skilled Trades

• New Beginnings Building Services

• R & M Smith Contracting

• Tom's Heating and Cooling

Tourism

• Beachwood Resort

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring DBIA, NFP Seminar, The Cottage and Nine Ships 1825

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

There’s an end-of-summer sidewalk sale and block party in downtown Peterborough on Aug. 26.

Organized by the Downtown Business Improvement Area, the event will offer exclusive deals, unique finds, and a lively atmosphere as George Street is closed between Simcoe and Hunter streets. There will be live acoustic music and a pedestrian-friendly space to shop and explore downtown. Get more info at theboro.ca.

Would you like to master the art of a successful grant application?

The Chamber of Commerce is holding a seminar for not-for-profits with facilitator Gail Moorhouse of Recharge Solutions. The seminar will include essential skills and strategies to create compelling grant proposals, best budgeting practices, demonstration of budget impacts, and aligning with funder priorities. The seminar will be Sept. 20th from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Chamber boardroom at 175 George St. N.  Get more details at pkchamber.ca.

The Cottage in Havelock is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an entire year of festivities and fun.

They have added an 18-hole mini golf course, café and outdoor patio to their retail store. Each hole in the mini golf is thoughtfully crafted to provide a unique challenge to keep you entertained and making memories. Be sure to check out their showroom of top clothing brands with goods and gear that extend from apparel to water toys. While you are there, grab an ice cream, coffee, latte, milkshake and a world-famous Dooher’s donut. It’s always cottage season. Drop in or connect online.

The Nine Ships 1825 board of directors hosted Irish Consul General of Toronto– Janice McGann for the Nine Ships 1825 Bicentennial Project launched on July 30 at the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The Nine Ships 1825 organization has been created to co-ordinate and promote this 200th anniversary in 2025 of the Peter Robinson Emigration of 2,024 Irish people to the Peterborough area. Visitors are expected from all over the world for the bicentennial and the Nine Ships 1825 project looks forward to welcoming them to the area. Visit nineships1825.com for information.

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Hometown PTBO: Adam Brown On Dr. J's Being On the Move and Keeping It In the Family Business With It and Chemong Lodge

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Chemong Lodge and Dr. J's co-owner Adam Brown about growing up near the Lodge, Dr. J's moving out of the former Montréal House location and keeping business in the family.

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Full Tilt Cycle Hosting Reopening Event to Recover From Break-and-Enter In Late July

As part of the cycling comeback, Full Tilt Cycle is hosting a Spin & Community Rise Up Party on Thursday afternoon/evening after the business was subject to a break-and-enter in late July.

Photo courtesy of Full Tilt Cycle.

The day includes spin classes from 3 to 6 p.m. (in one-hour intervals at 3, 4, 5, and 6 p.m.) followed by a community party at 7 p.m. with tickets priced at $25.

The business was ransacked on July 30 and the perpetrator left with roughly $34,000 in product according to Peterborough Police.

Full Tilt Cycle released the following statement the day after the incident:

“Dear amazing Full Tilt Community, after eight years of being proud members of downtown Peterborough we feel disrespected and at a loss! On Monday evening, Sadie and her daughter walked into our studio for our first ride of the day to find our studio broken into and ransacked.

Our merchandise, bike supplies, electronics, cleaning supplies and even personal shoes and all our towels were GONE. Our front desk area was pillaged and a mess was left in our studio that has been nothing but a safe and happy place. We are overwhelmed with frustration and feeling our sanctuary to many of you, has been violated. We are dealing with the Peterborough police and Ashburnham Realty to find the perpetrator. We will post more when/if we get footage of the culprit(s).”

The suspect was found and arrested by Peterborough Police on Friday. They discovered them among several people sleeping outside in the Water Street and Murray Street area.

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Voice of Business: Nine Ships 200 Year Anniversary Plans Set Sail

The Peterborough Irish Club, joined by the Irish Consul General, announces a new website dedicated to the historical Irish nine ships.

This past week, your local Chamber of Commerce hosted members of the Peterborough Irish Club (PIC)and Irish Consul General Janice McGann. Members of the PIC gathered to present their new website documenting the Peter Robinson nine ships' immigration to Canada in 1825.

In attendance were guests who were descendants of the people of the nine ships from Ireland. The voyage of the nine Irish ships to Canada departed on May 6th, 1825, from County Cork, Ireland. The ships carried 2,024 individuals who traversed the Atlantic Ocean to reach Canada for a new life. The nine ships would leave a legacy in founding Peterborough and many other communities in the surrounding areas.

The newly created website documents a detailed history of the nine ships led by Peter Robinson from start to finish. The website features information on the journey of the nine ships into the City of Peterborough, a biography of Peter Robinson, the ships, and even the ship’s list of travelers—the content of this website is derived in partnership from the local historians of Trent Valley Archives.

The launch of the Nine Ships website is also particularly important for the 200th anniversary next year. This celebration will host many activities such as boat cruises, tours, plays, and art displays. Local First Nations have also been invited to participate. The commemoration will seek to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the immigrants from nine ships who immigrated from Ireland.

Several members of the PIC gave their own words on the importance of being a descendant of nine ships and the pride of their ancestors who embraced the challenge of a new life in Canada. Some members from the PIC and McGann acknowledged the complex histories intertwined with local First Nations. This involved the local Anishinaabe people adjusting to their new Irish Neighbors.

According to the Nine Ships website, the history of Peterborough credits the immigration of the Nine Ships to the founding of the city of Peterborough. After arriving in Cobourg, the Irish settlers transported their possessions to Peterborough. Upon arrival in downtown Peterborough, they were then given directions to their land administrated by Peter Robinson, whose office was at Water and Simcoe Streets. From there, each family was scattered around Peterborough County working to build farms and communities.

The 200th anniversary hopes to celebrate the legacy left by the Irish settlers of the nine ships. The commemoration event will take place next August and will hope to attract visitors and descendants of the nine ships from as far away as Australia and the United States. This event will serve as a great information gateway for future visitors wanting to know more about the historical impact of the Irish people from these nine ships.

Irish Consul General expressed her support for the upcoming calendar of events and the launch of the new website. McGann highlighted that “immigration is an act of bravery and resilience, where there is no chance of going back. Canada offered hope for a better life and opportunity. Today we are blessed to have an Irish Community that thrives and continues to keep our heritage alive.” The meeting concluded with a gift to McGann from the Peterborough Irish Club thanking her for her visit to Peterborough.

For all those interested, the website can be accessed at nineships1825.com.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Great Outdoors Landing, Gauvreau Accounting, Summer Soul Yoga and Goatchella

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Looking to get out on the water this summer?

Great Outdoors Landing have added some new 2024 Yamaha Waverunners to their fleet. Rentals are available for half or full day. Located in Bridgenorth at 888 Garthorne Ave. Great Outdoors Landing offers boat docking, cottage rentals, a boating store, ice cream, and rentals of kayaks, boating accessories and personal watercraft. Visit greatoutdoors.life for more information and to book your rental.

Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory has launched their third annual Gear Up for Good campaign, an initiative dedicated to providing essential resources to under-served children in our community.

This year they’re doubling their target to 200 backpacks filled with school supplies. In addition to backpacks and supplies, they are providing complimentary haircuts to boost students' confidence as they start the school year. The donations will benefit both Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Children's Aid Society. Gauvreau is looking for additional support, including providing haircuts, backpacks, and supplies. Donations need to be dropped off at 150 King St. by Aug. 16.

There is free yoga in downtown Peterborough this summer.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area has partnered with Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness Studio to hold free outdoor yoga outside the Venture North building at 270 George Street North on Saturday mornings. These free sessions will be Aug. 10, 17 and 24. It’s a great way to kickstart your Saturday morning with some wellness.

Each class will be followed by a small downtown vendors market with some downtown businesses setting up booths for some post class shopping and refreshments.

Don’t miss Goatchella, this summer’s premier goat festival.

This annual event will be held on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Haute Goat at 1166 5th line in Newtonville. Goatchella is a celebration of local farms, local makers, and local goats. There will be more than 30 artisan vendors, live entertainment, music, a pink tie gala and of course, goats. The Barn Door Stage will feature Melissa Payne. Find out more at hautegoat.com.

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POI Business Interiors Makes Its Way to Downtown Peterborough

POI Business Interiors has made its way to Downtown Peterborough after the soft launch of its business space on Thursday evening.

(from left to right) Julie Hicks, chief branding officer; Kirk Robertson, workplace consultant; MaryBeth Foeller, workplace consultant; Stacie Tasker, workplace consultant and Anthony Goad, vice president of sales. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The office equipment supplier has soft-launched its space between Gray Guardian Games and Pipe Dreamz at 418 George St. N., the former Sustain eco store. They did this to get familiar with their neighbours and surrounding businesses.

For over six decades, the business has been owned by three generations of the Scholl family, beginning with Max Scholl in 1958. Jonas Scholl, C.E.O., leads the business.

POI helps organizations to create inspiring workspaces according to their website.

The organization has eight locations throughout the country in cities such as Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, London, Winnepeg and more.

The company plans to host a grand opening of its space at an undisclosed future date.

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Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to Host Sidewalk Sale Aug. 31

The (DBIA) has announced an end-of-summer sidewalk sale event that will take place on Aug. 31.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

This event is held downtown with shops hosting their own sidewalk sales with George Street between Simcoe and Hunter Street being closed off for the day.

“The end of summer sidewalk sale event is a really wonderful and exciting opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our downtown and all the unique businesses within the core,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “This event not only supports our local businesses by driving foot traffic into the area and encouraging people to explore and shop but also strengthens the sense of community by helping foster a lively downtown environment that everyone can enjoy.”

The DBIA is encouraging downtown businesses to participate. Contact the DBIA Marketing and Communications Manager by emailing amanda@ptbodbia.ca to be involved.

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