March 2026 InTouch Magazine

Put energy efficiency to work.

Every watt saved is a boost to your bottom line.

From building retrofits to equipment upgrades to professional training, we’re here to help Ontario businesses thrive.

Programs, Incentives and Expert Advice for Every Business

Get financial and technical support to achieve your energy-efficiency goals.

Small Business Programs

Receive financial incentives for saving energy. Becoming more energy efficient doesn’t take a lot of time, even for the busiest business owners.

Retrofit Program

Get financial incentives to upgrade equipment that will lower energy costs, improve productivity and support your business’s sustainability goals.

XLerate Program

Receive up to $15 million in funding and comprehensive support for large-scale energy efficiency projects through a streamlined pay-for-performance initiative.

FIND OUT MORE

Instant Discounts Program

Receive upfront discounts from participating distributors on the purchase of energy-efficient lighting products that will help to lower your business’s energy consumption, improve your bottom line and transform your space.

Expanded Energy Management Program

The expanded Energy Management program offers financial support for industrial facilities as part of Natural Resources Canada’s Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program.

Scan the QR code or email saveonenergy@grandbridgeenergy.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Joy O’Donnell Grand Financial Planning

VICE-PRESIDENT

Mike Gatopoulos Seventh Coffee Company Inc.

SECRETARY

Rob Simmons Cozzmic Communications

PAST PRESIDENT

Chris Rayfield ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc.

DIRECTORS

Nancy Billard

St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation

Bill Emmott Brant County Federation of Agriculture

John Imola Bank of Montreal

Eardly Judah BDO Canada

Steve Lacelle Photohouse Studios

Kristin Pass Braemar House School

Maxwell Roach JonAyves Learning Club

Caitlin Turner

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

David Prang

LIAISONS

John MacAlpine County of Brant

Linda Hunt City of Brantford

Message from the President

In a Year of Global Shifts, Local Businesses Stand Strong Together

As a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Grand Financial Planning, I have the privilege each January of attending economic briefings and leadership forums with business and policy experts from across the country. These gatherings provide valuable insight into the year ahead. While every year brings its share of uncertainty, the outlook for 2026 feels markedly different.

For the first time in decades, geopolitical risk is no longer a distant headline — it is a material factor in business planning. Since the end of the Cold War, many organizations have operated in a relatively stable global trade environment. Today, companies must evaluate how shifting trade alliances, tariffs, supply chain realignments, and government policy decisions could directly affect profitability and long-term growth.

At the same time, we are entering what many economists describe as a sustained productivity surge driven by artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping industries at a speed few could have imagined, creating efficiencies while also demanding rapid adaptation. When global instability and technological transformation occur simultaneously, it can feel overwhelming. Yet history reminds us that periods of disruption are also periods of extraordinary opportunity.

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty. Every business owner understands the weight of responsibility — not only for their own families, but for the families of their employees. That responsibility can amplify concern when markets shift or regulations evolve. However,

Joy O’Donnell, President

entrepreneurship has always required courage. It demands innovation, resilience, and the willingness to pivot when circumstances change.

The encouraging news is this: no business owner in Brantford-Brant has to navigate these challenges alone. The

Chamber exists to be a community of connection and collaboration. Within our membership are leaders facing similar obstacles and pursuing similar opportunities. Through networking events, educational programming, advocacy initiatives, and direct access to government decision-makers, we work to reduce barriers and open doors.

Membership has value in prosperous times; in challenging times, it becomes indispensable. As we mark our 159th anniversary in 2026, our commitment is stronger than ever. Our Chamber has weathered economic cycles, global conflicts, and technological revolutions. We were here then, and we are here now — ready to ensure that our local businesses not only endure change, but thrive because of it.

Joy O’Donnell President 2026

Creek View Acres Becomes a Destination Orchard

Christi Garneau and her partner, John Bisaillon, founded Creek View Acres Nursery and Orchard in 2020 when they bought a Brant County farm intending to return the land to agricultural production. With only six workable acres of a total of 23, it was important to choose densified crops that made best use of the limited land. Drawing on roots in the horticultural and landscape trades, Christi and John planted the first apple trees in spring 2021 with the help of family and friends.

The nursery quickly grew from a roadside stand selling herb and vegetable

Nursery and Orchard

plants from the farm to a regional destination for professionally grown trees, shrubs, and perennials cold hardy to the area. When they couldn’t source the newest and most unique varieties, Christi and John started growing these in the greenhouse because they wanted to plant them in their own gardens, too! Today, the farm is one of Ontario’s largest direct-to-consumer retailers of plants that feed people under the Garden a la Carte brand, offering fruit trees, berry bushes, grape vines, and

some of the most unique edible plants available.

Orchard crops continue to grow each season with 25 types of apples now cultivated, including eight heirloom varieties, in addition to stone fruits and raspberries. Christi and John practise integrated pest management, drawing on the latest research and professional development in the sector. Fresh fruit is available seasonally along with locally made, small batch cider, preserves, and gifts throughout the season.

Christi and John are eager to give back to the community by hosting events for local horticultural societies, donating to community fundraisers, exhibiting in local fairs, and serving on volunteer boards including the Brant Woodlot Owners Association.

Creek View Acres Nursery and Orchard is located at 400 Johnson Road, Brantford. The farm reopens to visitors for its sixth season on March 27th, 2026.

Brantford’s Brant Men of Song

Mark 65 Years of Harmony

Brantford is known for historic inventions, diverse industries, sports figures, and entertainers. Among its lesser-known nicknames: “The City of Choirs.”

The Brant Men of Song (BMoS) proudly hold the title of Brantford’s longeststanding chorus. Formed in 1961 by local musicians Bob McIntosh and Frank Holton, BMoS are celebrating their 65th Anniversary this year. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Bill Schatz, Accompanist Amy Groleau, and Assistant Director Sylvia Jarvis, 35 men from various backgrounds bring joy to the community through

choral singing — performing at local events, fundraisers, and long-term care facilities, contributing to the cultural fabric of Brantford and County of Brant. Choral singing has deep roots here. As far back as the 1850s, Brantford had two choral groups — Gideon’s Band and the Brantford Choral Union — and since then, dozens of musical organizations have called this city home.

To celebrate this milestone, you’re invited to join the Brant Men of Song on Saturday, April 11, 2026 for a Day of Choral Singing at Hope Christian Reformed Church, 64 Buchanan Crescent. Made possible through

a grant from Enterprise Brant, the afternoon workshop (1 to 4:30 p.m.) is open to all voices ages 19 to 99. Participants will explore 4-part harmony, basic musical terms, and learn several pieces — culminating in an evening concert at 7 p.m.

Singing promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and it’s simply fun! Concert admission is by donation to the Brantford Food Bank. The workshop is free — register at brantmenofsong@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events:

Sing into Spring — Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Burford United Church, 7 p.m.

A Sapphire Celebration — Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Sanderson Centre, Brantford, 3 p.m.

Grateful support from Rock Solid Trailers. Article submitted by Amy Groleau.

COVER STORY

Innovation Hub Expands STEAM Opportunities for Brantford Students

OBy Alena Besedina

pened in November 2024 at North Park Collegiate and Vocational School in Brantford, the Innovation Hub and provides learning opportunities and hands-on activities for elementary and secondary students, as well as parents/caregivers in the community.

Teacher Consultant at the Grand Erie District School Board, Miriam LaPeare, expanded on the Innovation Hub’s role and the programs it offers.

“Elementary schools can come for field trips. Our secondary students come for special events like hackathons and game jams, and they can also come for trips,” LaPeare said. “We’ve also hosted after-school events for families in the community.”

The initial idea behind creating the Innovation Hub was to raise awareness of STEAM education within the school board, allowing students to approach learning through an integrated model that combines

Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics.

“We also do all sorts of professional learning for educators to promote STEAM thinking back in their classrooms as well,” LaPeare said. Besides offering students a productive way to spend their free time, the Innovation Hub provides five different pathways created to reflect a variety of interests.

“Last year, we started with engineering design, where students would learn how to create 3D designs using programs such as Tinkercad and print their final products with a 3D printer,” LaPeare said.

Along with engineering design, students can explore operating drones through the drone pathway, crop production and harvesting in the agriculture pathway, storyboard creation and short movies in the stop-motion animation pathway, and cybersecurity, where students learn about decrypting codes and ethical hacking.

“It’s a fun place to visit and work because every day is something different,” LaPeare said.

When comparing learning in the Innovation Hub to a traditional classroom, LaPeare explained that the focus is on understanding a problem, researching solutions, and developing ideas through hands-on experience.

“Quite often, we give students the materials and the prompt, and we really want them to do some productive problem solving and critical thinking about how they can solve the problem,” LaPeare said.

In addition to practical and technical skills, students also develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and learning to view failure as an opportunity for growth.

According to LaPeare, STEAM education is particularly relevant as technology continues to advance rapidly, making science and mathematics essential to future problem solving.

LaPeare adds, “The future is someone who can think creatively in and out of the box. If you look at any innovation, it’s somebody willing to step outside the traditional sandbox.”

Commerce Brantford • Brant

From Content Library to Consistency and Authority Digital Playbook

In January, the focus was on building your digital foundation. I laid out ideas to capture what is already happening inside your business, assign a content collector, and centralize images and video within one shared folder. The goal: start documenting what’s happening, start collecting images internally. You have created momentum.

Now comes the strategic part. Collecting content is important, using it consistently and intentionally builds positioning.

Your content showcases your industry authority.

When a potential client sees your business branding more than a handful of times, the next move is automatic. They look you up. They visit your website, review LinkedIn, and scroll your social channels.

Within moments, impressions form. They are looking to see if your content reflects professionalism.

Understanding

Influence and Authority

Influence online is not about popularity or paid partnerships. It is about shaping perception before a conversation takes place. Authority develops when your expertise is consistently visible and explained over time.

A buying decision is rarely influenced by a single post. What makes the difference is steady exposure. When your business appears consistently in a thoughtful and professional way, your name becomes recognizable, and familiarity makes the next step feel easier.

That familiarity is influence at work.

Engagement Is Feedback

Most people scroll quickly. Your goal is to create posts that pause that scroll and content that invites a potential client to read, watch, and engage.

A “LIKE” may seem small, but it

signals resonance. It tells the platform your content has value and provides feedback about what connects with your audience.

If engagement is low, it does not mean digital presence is ineffective. It means refinement is needed. Pay attention to which posts generate comments, saves, or shares. Those patterns reveal what matters to your audience.

What to Measure

For many business owners, social media still feels unfamiliar. Most entrepreneurs did not start their businesses to become content creators. Yet digital visibility is now an extension of leadership and creative marketing.

You do not need to post daily. You need to post intentionally and consistently.

One thoughtful post per week builds momentum. One clear message shared consistently strengthens recognition. One behind-the-scenes explanation demonstrates expertise.

Create a weekly plan and build it into your calendar.

Progress over perfection still applies.

The Competitive Advantage

The businesses that stand out are not necessarily the largest. They are the most visible and the most consistent. Chamber members already have strong community presence. When that presence is aligned with intentional digital exposure, positioning strengthens.

Your Next Step

If you built your content library after January’s issue, now is the time to establish your posting rhythm. If you have not started yet, begin this month:

n Choose one consistent day each week.

n Select one content theme.

n Post with clarity and context. Digital presence does not require complexity and frustration. It requires intention.

In the next InTouch issue, we will explore what makes content truly effective — what “great content” looks like for a Chamber business and how to understand and embrace trends without losing your professional tone. And, tag the Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant so we can amplify

For information about membersonly advertising opportunities, please contact the Chamber at 519-753-2617 x22

Upcoming Changes to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act

On November 27, 2025, Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, received Royal Assent. While the amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 are not yet in force, they will impact eviction timelines and procedures. Landlords and tenants should begin preparing for these changes now.

Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent

Currently, landlords must provide a 14day voiding period in the N4 Notice for NonPayment of Rent before filing an eviction application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Under the amendments, landlords would be able to apply to the Board after only 7 days, effectively shortening the timeline between missed payment and an eviction hearing.

In addition, at the eviction hearings before the Landlord and Tenant Board, tenants would be required to pay 50% of the current owing arrears before raising any maintenance and repair concerns to seek a rent abatement. The effect of this change would limit the number of maintenance and repair concerns raised to delay payment of rent until the eviction hearing. Currently, tenants are permitted to raise maintenance and repair concerns at the eviction hearing for rent arrears to offset their unpaid rent without paying any portion of the arrears.

Eviction for Personal Use

At present, if a landlord is seeking to eviction a tenant from a rental unit for their or their family’s personal use, the landlord is required to give at least 60 days’ notice plus compensation equal to one (1) month’s rent regardless of how much notice was given.

Under the new changes, if a landlord gives at least 120 days’ notice, then the one months’ rent compensation would no longer be required. If the landlord gave less than 120 days’ notice, the compensation would still be payable.

Review of Board Decisions

The current review process for Landlord and Tenant Board decisions provides that a request to review must be filed with the Board within 30 days of any issued order. Many landlords/ tenants rely on this review process when they believe a mistake was

Under the new changes, the deadline to request a review of a Landlord and Tenant Board decision would be reduced from 30 days to 15 days. While extensions remain possible, parties will need to act promptly to preserve their right to seek review.

If you have questions about how these upcoming changes may affect your rental properties or tenancies, the lawyers at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP are available to assist. I

Ask the Experts

(Capped at 50% of eligible project costs)

With Regional Adder (Brant/Brantford):

n $0.40 per kWh = $50,000

n $3,600 per kW = $180,000

(Capped at 50% of eligible project costs)

Who Can Apply?

Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Double Retrofit Incentives Available Locally

Knowledge is power - especially when it comes to reducing operating costs. Many businesses may not be aware that simply being located in Brant or Brantford could mean significantly higher incentives for energy upgrades. If your company is planning improvements to HVAC, manufacturing equipment or other electricity-consuming systems, you may qualify for double the standard Retrofit incentives through Save on Energy.

What is the Retrofit Program?

The Save on Energy Retrofit Program is an Ontario-wide initiative, delivered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), in partnership with GrandBridge Energy, that helps businesses reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and cut peak electricity demand by incenting energy-efficiency improvements. Incentives are available for a wide range of equipment and technologies and cover up to 50-percent of eligible project costs. Businesses can apply through two main streams:

Prescriptive: For standard, pre-defined energy-saving equipment and technologies. This could include variable frequency drives, HVAC improvements, refrigeration upgrades and motors and controls.

Custom: For more complex, tailored solutions where incentives are based on documented energy or demand savings. It can relate to process improvements, compressed air system optimization, heat recovery systems, automation and advance controls and industrial equipment modernization.

What’s the Big Opportunity for Brant/Brantford?

Because parts of Brant/Brantford are in an electricity-constrained region, local businesses are eligible for “Retrofit Regional Adders”. These adders boost the usual savings incentives - in many cases doubling what your company could receive for the same project.

In practical terms, measures that normally receive a Retrofit incentive (like efficient HVAC, variable speed drives, pumps, and other non-lighting upgrades) may be eligible for double the standard rate in your area.

Under the Custom stream, increased rates now mean businesses can access double the standard new incentive levels.

If a manufacturing facility upgrades process equipment and saves 125, 000 kWh annual ( 50 kW in peak demand), the incentive would look like this:

Standard Custom Incentive:

n $0.20 per kWh = $25,000

n $1,800 per kW = $90,000

The Retrofit Program is open to a wide variety of businesses, from warehouses and restaurants to industrial manufacturing facilities, institutional buildings, and large commercial operations.

These enhanced rates are not offered province-wide but apply specifically where regional adders exist.

To qualify for the Regional Adders, your project location must fall within eligible Brant/Brantford postal code areas (e.g., N3L, N3P, N3R, N3S, N3T, N3V). Confirming eligibility early in planning helps you maximize your savings.

Ready to Get Started?

n Identify the upgrades you want to make: HVAC, mechanical systems, controls, or custom solutions unique to your facility.

n Check your eligibility for the regional adders using your postal code.

n Register and submit an application through the Retrofit Portal.

n Work with the Retrofit support team if you need help optimizing your project and incentives.

n With enhanced incentives now available, commercial and industrial customers in Brant/Brantford have a compelling opportunity to boost cash flow, reduce energy waste, and strengthen their building performance, all while lowering risk and cost and locking into long term savings. Don’t leave money on the table: make your upgrades count where it matters most.

Need help along the way? Reach out to GrandBridge Energy’s Save on Energy Team by email: saveonenergy@ grandbridgeenergy.com or visit: grandbridgeenergy.com/retrofitregional-adders/

Membership Renewals

n 214 Carson Co. Inc

n Ad Plus Promotions Inc.

n Alzheimer Society of Brant,Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton

n ANC Group

n Arnold Anderson Sport Fund

n Assante Capital Management Ltd./ Brant Financial Group

n BDO Canada LLP

n Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre

n Betco Products Inc.

n BIA Brantford

n Bialas Printing Limited

n BML Multi Trades Group Ltd.

n BMO Bank of Montreal - Henry Street

n Boddy Ryerson LLP

n Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation

n Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board

n Brantford Flight Centre

n Brantford Hydraulics Inc.

n Brantford Musicians Association

n Brantford Symphony Orchestra

n The Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre

n Harold E. Brown Auto Service Centre

n Business Development Bank Of Canada

n D. A. Campbell Amusements Ltd.

n Casasanta Complete Baking Solutions

n CMBB Bakeware Canada Inc & Pan-Glo Canada Pan Coatings Inc.

n Comfort Inn

n Community Living Brant

n County of Brant

n Cowan Insurance Group Ltd.

n Days Inn by Wyndham Brantford

n DQ Brant

n Dudley Lambert LLP

n E & M Copper Products Inc.

n Enterprise Brant

n ESSE Canada

n Farringdon Burial Ground

n Curtiss Wright Flow Control Corporation, Farris Engineering

n Fen Industrial Inc.

n Gates Canada Inc.

n Gilbert-McEachern Electric Ltd.

n Grand Erie District School Board

n Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario Brant-Norfolk Chapter

n Jeff’s at Work Office Furniture – The Design Center

n Kemira Water Solutions Canada Inc.

n Ken’s Towing Services

n Kuriyama Canada Inc.

n Lanca Contracting Limited

n Lancaster Construction Limited

n Levac’s Trophies Unlimited Inc.

n Liftway Limited

n Towneplace Suites by Marriott Brantford & Conference Centre

n Matrix General Contracting & Construction Inc.

n Maxwell Management Group Ltd.

n McCleister Funeral Home & Chapel

n McKeough Supply Div. of Emco

n Meridian

n Millennium Security Services

n Minotaur Stormwater Services Limited

n Modern Building Supplies Brantford

n My Tailor

n The Olde School Restaurant Est. 1982

n Oriental Restaurant & Tavern

n Prima Klean

n Queen Street Collision Centre

n RBL Services

n Robertson Restoration

n Savory Electric Ltd.

n Scott C. Chapin CPA Professional Corporation

n Sherwood Restaurant & Catering

n Smashing Pixels

n Spence Print Solutions

n St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation

n Stepright Capital Planning Inc.

n TD Canada Trust - Market Street

n Tirecraft Brantford Inc.

n Tonik Cannabis

n Top Shelf Storage System Installations

n Tranquility Place Retirement Home

n UFT Can. Inc.

n Vaseem the AI Guy

n W.A. Maguire Sales Ltd.

n Waste Connections of Canada

n Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

n Westland Insurance Group (formerly Bunnell Hitchton)

n William Street Eyecare

n Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services

n YNCU - Charlotte St.

n Tulsar Canada and Zoeller Canada

n Hewson Brothers Building Supply Inc.

n J. D. Hill Jewellers Brantford Ltd.

n Hotline Apparel Systems

n LeaderCraft

n Ingham Monuments

n Jaycees Brantford Non Profit Homes Corp

New Members

n Brant Men of Song NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Leo Renzella (519) 209-1189 lrenzella@gmail.com Brantford, ON

n Calabash Financials INTERNET PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Ozo Nwankwo (416) 684-7992 ozo@calabash.app Paris, ON

n Chapman Tax Law LAWYERS

Caine Chapman (519) 732-4354 cchapman@chapmantaxlaw.ca Brantford, ON

n Marshall Law Group LAWYERS

Janey Marshall (905) 906-9393 info@marshalllawgroup.ca Brantford, ON

n MCM Plumbing & Multi-Trades Group

Plumbing Contractors

SHAWN BOYLE (529) 732-6006 mcmplumbingandmultitrades @gmail.com Wilsonville, ON

n Pickleplex Social Club Brantford

SPORTS CLUBS & ORGA NIZATIONS

Richard Lee (519) 902-0794 richard@pickleplexclub.ca Brantford, ON

n The Watson Group INSURANCE BROKERS

Shawn Watson (519) 707-0677 swatson@surnet.net Brantford, ON

Cover Story

< Continued from Page 11

“That’s what’s going to solve the conundrums we are in,” LaPeare said, “The future is someone who can think creatively in and out of the box. If you look at any sort of innovation, it’s somebody who was willing to step outside the traditional sandbox.”

Challenging students to think differently and expanding their horizons remain key goals behind incorporating the Innovation Hub into modern education.

Two more Innovation Hubs will open in September 2026 at Cayuga Secondary School and Simcoe Composite School of the Grand Erie District School Board, allowing more students to further develop versatile skills and explore industries they are passionate about through STEAM-focused programming. Elena Besedina is a second-year Journalism student at Conestoga College.

I