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HB NEWS COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT KEY FOR TOWN: BONNETTE MAYOR DISCUSSES PRIORITIES AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON HERB GARBUTT hgarbutt@metroland.com Halton Hills needs to chamber of commerce at his annual state of the town luncheon. “A noticeable portion of town's budget is paid for with the taxes collected from commercial and in- dustrial. The town's capital program also relies on non- residential growth," h said. "The focus on attract- ing has the benefit of im- proving the town's residen- tial to non-residential (tax) ratio, putting the town ina better economic and finan- cial position." Bonnette said to help achieve that goal, the town launched the business con- cierge program in March. s purpose was to stream- line the process for busi- nesses interested in com- ing to Halton Hills, assist- ing them with getting the necessary information and helping guide them through the approval pro- cess. He said the program has assisted 27 businesses which could result in much as $ billion in invest, ment in the town. He said the town is focusing on four sectors: advanced manu- facturing, food and bever- age ater clean tech- nology and a usiness. “Our goal is isto stay com- petitive. We need to eco com- petitive, we need to ‘in- ypen for business 2 ap- proach, to grow non-resi- dential assessment and Metroland file photo Rick Bonnette recently held his annual mayor's luncheon, where he shared his outlook for the coming year. attract jobs." Clean technology is of particular interest to the town after council commit- ted to achieve net neutral emissions by 2030. “Those focused on clean technology will reach our Patrrenen goal for this transition to net ze- ro will keep the dollars right here in this commu- nity Bonnette said. points Bonnette touched on n include d: *Col natin finuing to support an Ip businesses re- cover from the pandemic: He said programs like Digi- treet, helping Bisinceoes improve their online presence, and Art- preneur Halton Hills have et won received. + Sup culture" "People want to set up business where there'sa good quality of life. We're focused on making Halton Hills a top-of-the-line com- munity to live, work, play and, more importantly, in- vest." Bonnette pointed to the recent Culture Days of- ferings in town as a sign of a thriving arts and culture community. opping local: "It doesn't take much for us to help a smi small business re- cover," Bonnette said. "All we have to do is shop local. He reminded everyone that local businesses employ Halton Hills residents, pay ae to the town and sup- minor sports, local veatifies and events. * McGibbon develop- ment: Bonnette said it was great to see Amico revital- ue the condo project. The downto Georg project will be 10 sete with 169 units, at a lower cost than the original project that called for 125. “There will be some pain during the construction, but once it is completed, it UONEH - dl UL | S will make downtown Georgetown even more vi. brant than it is today, for = many years to come," Bon- netle said. fordable ned Bonnette expects site proval 3 soon eet ine old an. bulance _ buil at 175 Guelph St., Wiel: will see 4 14 affordable housing units 8 created. + Expansion of the ur- ban boundaries: Bonnette said the expansion was needed in order to accom- modate a new hospital in the future. The mayor says he envisions a medical hub with ernie to support the hospital. "We have made impor- tant progress," Bonnette said in closing. more remains to be done, but I'm confident we will keep moving forward to- ward a stronger, diversi- fied and more resilient economy. a Fa & a 2 5 A 2 5 < IT'S TIME TO LOVE YOUR KITCHEN AGAIN Custom Glide-Out Storage Solutions Designed & Built for Your Existing Cabinets & Pantry # She EVERYTHING WITHIN REACH* a neighbourly company Schedule your LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED design consultation! (289) 514-2325 | shelfgenie.com