Hamilton City Council approves final report of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery

HAMILTON, ON - Today, Hamilton City Council approved the Final Report of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery.

A series of six motions to provide immediate action were also approved including:

• General Business License Fees, Trade License Fees, Taxi and Personal Transportation Providers (PTP) Fees, and Film Permit Fees be frozen at 2020 levels for 2021;
• Investigating the creation of a Small Business Tax Sub-Class;
• Business Improvement Areas be provided a one-time enhancement grant of $10,000 each;
• The establishment of a COVID Concierge service through the Hamilton Business Centre, in partnership with the three chambers of commerce;
• Requesting the Province amend the Ontario Building Code Act to permit municipalities to utilize Building Permit Reserve funds to offset the cost of waiving Building Permit fees for affordable housing projects; and
• Requesting support from the federal and provincial governments on 14 initiatives to position the City of Hamilton now, for long-term, sustainable and equitable economic recovery.

The Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery was established by Hamilton City Council to provide multi-sectoral advice to guide Hamilton’s sustainable and equitable recovery during, and in the aftermath of the pandemic - creating an aggressive, action driven plan to position the City of Hamilton now, for long-term, sustainable and equitable economic recovery. Economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic is an urgent priority for Hamilton as it is for the rest of the country.

Additional Resource

• Report of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery (See Item 8.1)

“I am thankful for the excellent work done by the Task Force members and they are to be commended for their civic-mindedness for their contributions. The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health challenge, but it is also an economic challenge. Economic recovery is an urgent priority for our community and that’s why I’m pleased we will now move to the next phase which is putting the Task Force recommendations into action.” –  Mayor Fred Eisenberger

“I would like thank and congratulate Council for approving the Task Force’s final report and choosing to move quickly to approve a number of items. Our recommendations echo the voices of hundreds of people from a variety of business sectors. We look forward to continuing to work with Council and the City of Hamilton to support a long-term, sustainable and equitable economic recovery for our community.”  –  Ron McKerlie, Chair Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery

“The motions approved by Council represent short term wins that we hope will support the start of the City’s economic recovery.  It was an honour to be a part of these solutions, but I believe for them to be successful, action must be taken, not just quickly but strategically, engaging other levels of government as necessary.” –  Terri Johns, Vice-Chair Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery