Member News, August 17, 2022

Member News August 17, 2022

In this issue of Member News:

Municipal Elections, October 24
Links to Information on Workforce Trends and Challenges
Members Corner
Reminder - register for fall Scarecrow and Treat Walks

Keep scrolling for details.

Municipal council and school board elections take place Monday, October 24, 2022.

Learn more about who is running in Hamilton wards and become an informed voter.

City of Hamilton Election Information

Let us know the issues you believe are most important to local economic recovery and your business so the BIA can better understand the issues facing local entrepreneurs and employers. Email issues important to you, to susan@waterdownvillage.ca

Seeking Candidates for Waterdown BIA

Board of Management Elections

Elections for the directors responsible for supporting and guiding BIA activities are aligned with municipal elections. That means the BIA will elect / re-elect board members for the 2022 - 2026 term at this fall's BIA Annual General Meeting (Tuesday, November 15, 7 PM). These are volunteer positions. Please connect with susan@waterdownvillage.ca if you are interested in learning more and/or are interested in getting more involved with BIA activities in a board capacity.

Where have all the Workers Gone?

From the CBC - "Canada is in the throes of a serious labour shortage, but economists say it's not all the pandemic's fault — it's the inevitable culmination of a seismic demographic shift decades in the making". Read more in CBC Article here.

Addressing Hiring Challenges

Attracting and retaining workers when there are more job vacancies than workers to fill them will require a multi-pronged approach with government, social services and employers working together. You may already be looking at re-assessing wage and benefit packages, accommodations to integrate under-employed workers, flexible work arrangements, participating in student co-op programs, automation, etc. Read this opinion piece from the Globe and Mail outlining three ways to reduce the impact of a shrinking workforce.

Upside of Shortage of Workers?

From the Toronto Star - "The super tight job market has drawn in racialized workers, new immigrants, young people, older workers and women in astounding numbers, making history along the way". Read more in this Toronto Star article.

Fall Hiring

The annual exodus of local students returning to university towns means lots of hiring on the horizon for local businesses.

Don't forget to tag @WaterdownVillage in your recruitment posts so we can share them in BIA stories to help increase your reach.

Helpful Links

Mohawk College Information for Industry and Employers (explore student placements, co-ops, job postings, etc.)
Employment Hamilton - Post a Job
Flamborough Connects - To register for Youth Employment Services, please email ava@flamboroughconnects.ca or call (905) 689-7880.
Waterdown District High School - Main phone - (905) 689-6692 ask for contact for co-op or job postings
St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School - Main phone - (905) 528-0214 ask for contact for job posting
Find more links at Workforce Planning Hamilton

Members' Corner

The Waterdown Village BIA family is always growing and changing. Here's some of the latest news from our members.

Indian Hut has Moved

Have no fear - the beloved Main St. N. eatery and take-out restaurant did not close. Indian Hut simply moved to a new, bigger location 64 Hamilton St. N. (in the Bulk Barn plaza).

You can expect the same fabulous delectable Indian cuisine with the option to take-out or eat-in in the new, larger and wonderfully impressive dine-in section at the new location.

Congratulations on the new location!

Leyland's Fine British Foods Sold to New British Store

A mainstay of the Waterdown BIA district for the past 17 years, sisters Karen and Sheryl are folding up their Union Jack and will be turning over the keys to their fine British foods establishment at the end of August. The business will continue under a new name and ownership, but will remain a British store.

Karen and Sheryl invite you to drop by the store to take advantage of their closing Blowout Sale, as they clear out inventory with 25% off of items (excluding baked, frozen and consignment goods).

All the best in your new adventures, Karen and Sheryl. We will miss you!

Please Extend a Hearty BIA Welcome to the Following New BIA Businesses:

Kumon Waterdown joins the Waterdown Village BIA with the opening of their new location at 255 Dundas St. E. (in the former Freedom Mobile storefront). Kumon offers comprehensive reading and math programs to help children develop a love of learning.

The Up to No Good Studio

Entrepreneur, author and pole fitness enthusiast, Jane Wilson, recently opened an in-person pole training studio - The Up to No Good Club - at 254 Dundas St. E. Jane previously operated a successful pole dancing studio in Oakville and is excited to bring her passion and coaching expertise to clients in Waterdown.

Ridgeway Florists

Ridgeway Florists, previously located just outside the BIA footprint on Parkside Drive near Hamilton Street, moved this summer to their new location on Griffin Street in the downtown core. We are pleased to welcome Catherine and the creative Ridgeway team to the BIA and look forward to watching their success continue to blossom.

More business openings to announce soon - stay tuned as our BIA family continues to grow.