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wmeatoo automate - Wednesday, (kluber 20. mm - 23 Big issues 0 C O O I O Busmess community watching taxes, infrastructure and merger m electron BYGImMACDONALU . , . . .. f -..,A c. Mam“. ”If ’ -. t . or; as 57 as, , " " “a?" 1 ' ‘ ”Q: a“, ,»"§+?r.‘i«\.~ Qw‘iiéff 4- .7 J v-“aflr ӣ3“. w _ u. ocal business owners are " err-“t: My.» 1 Ff; in; Si;' an.» Li” closely watching the buildup . P ' . ’ 3”; in! _' "9,333; 5 . ~. ~> to Monday's municipal eleo ' fl ' g fig, non, .. gfigf if 5 The Chronicle asked three ‘ " ’ " maior business organizations for their take on what the main issues ,- will be for newly elected politicians I. â€" the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. the Water- ‘\ lo Region Home Builders Associa» $5, ' ‘\ tion and the UpTown Business : , ' i. improvement Area. 3“ ’ The biggest issue is taxes, said ; lan McLean. current councillor - and recently appointed president W. l a”, _ , a" l of the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo __ _ a; ‘V‘R‘tâ€"«m’w' 3 Chamber of Commerce . It's the issue that many candi» ~ ~ »,.- dates have been talking about and has become a defining issue of the mayoral race. 3 But tax burden isn‘t limited to private citizens McLean said. “Taxes impact businesses, too.” he said. “Taxes and rising costs need to be from and centre.” The chamber is also actively ’~ 7’5' ' watching the vote on a merger with Kitchener. “We're supportive of talks about efficiently delivering services for the community." McLean said. ‘ “Having a discussion . . . is a valu~ .. ablThzexfiififtgistglngatching Road crews work on the reconstruction of University Avenue East. Road repairs and other infrastructure costs are on the agenda for the local business the merger question. though the community as they watch for the results of Monday‘s election. mmmm organization has no formal posi~ “There needs to be a greater She believes there should be a that isa negative." Brooks said. “The city has had numerous tion on the question. understanding of the current con- balance between public and pri- The biggest focus for the BIA is changes in leadership and one “The associafmn is concerned. ditions of the municipal infra- vate investment in any rapid tran- the uptown streetscaping project. wonders what affect this has on given the impact to planning and structure. the capacity and ability sit project. but that has little to do with the strategic planning and on consis- development. that there needs to to support the required densities. a The LRT will have the biggest election, Brooks said. tency of policies and programs,“ ‘ be greater coordination of munici- municipal program to impact in Waterloo on the busi- “it's on the agenda and all the she said. pal services between the municiA replace/upgrade the municipal nesses intim-uptovmcon. options are on the table now.” she The business community as a palities.” Waterloo Home Builders infrastructure and the municipal But the BIA isn't worrying about said. whole needs to be on the agenda Association president lanice lundingsource." she said. the rapid transit debate. They're The thing all three organiza- and “front and centre” of the Kochan said in an email. Upgrading the infrastructure more closely watching who will be tions are most interested to see is minds of politicians, McLean said. Yoning and development issues also affects local business, as it representingWard 7, said executive who comes out in the elections. “We here at the chamber are also dominate business conccms. often leads to road closures and director Patti Brooks. At the City ofWaterloo. Kochan ready to work with all of the politi- The municipal infrastructure redirection, Mclean said. “We‘re obviously getting a new wonders what new leadership cians to be elected in Kitchener- deficn -c5[ima(ed to be over 5100 With infrastructure also comes uptown councillor and there are would mean. considering the Waterloo,” he said. million _ is of particular concern. the election's other big question â€" several canddiates without politi- municipality recently hired a new The municipal election is Oct. Kochan said. Light Rail Tiansit, Kochan said. cal experience but we don't feel chiefadministrative officer. 25. A . i w , » I KNOW YOU DON T REALLY WANT A MORTGAGE, ' “OHM“ YOU WANT A HOME! " “““‘°" its. MAXIMUM RESULTS _-' " ‘ N» 1 . t ”a A , . . Finn-eh! lenien- he. "ii. a 3 (are if; sif- 35,4” "at: 5" a. 7 , mwrfatebooktom. The Right Mortgage 1:3 I, "A -’ "45 u 3- . ' "g nL‘ ' ' "A it» A Hume in mm A night ‘-l<l‘t lndepaidenflywwwm ' . _ All uni-tun Hail} .llw".:_‘ “in ofthtmagthmmwmuk ‘ ' H . ‘ ; mum-i \ litealxlmi . . Email for your FREE lSTTlME BUYERS KIT! Karen Monteiro p:1-877-904~9222 e:Karen@mrfinancial.ca Whinortgagebrokerxom to, weekly rates and 5 savingtips: Monmt 870k", AM? I build my business helping Canadians achieve their home ownership or lifestyle goals. Sign up@ mtherlglttmortgagelnhcom '