The North Bay Area Chamber of Commerce said the costly situation has the business community “dealing with an increase in incidents of trespass, disruption of business operations, theft and destruction of property, which has created great frustration.”
The North Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting local business and organization leaders to participate in “an important survey designed to gather information about the impact of homelessness, crime, addiction and mental health issues on businesses and organizations in the community.”
“Your feedback will be invaluable in understanding the challenges you face and developing effective strategies to address these pressing issues,” the survey said.
Chamber of Commerce President Donna Bakker said the organization she leads recognizes that “homelessness, crime, addiction and mental health are ongoing challenges in our community. These issues require comprehensive solutions and continued attention from all sectors. We recognize the complexity of these issues and are committed to working with stakeholders to find effective strategies and supports.”
“Ontario's small businesses have been put on the front lines of these issues, even though they are ill-prepared to deal with them. This has resulted in tremendous frustration for the business community who have to deal with increased incidents of trespass, disruption of business operations, theft and destruction of property. These consequences inevitably translate into costs for businesses (new windows, security systems, increased insurance premiums, etc.).”
The study said its findings will be shared with local and federal authorities to help inform policy decisions and resource allocation. “This information will provide a comprehensive picture of the current situation in the North Bay region and help our members identify areas where these issues are most prevalent.”
Bakker told Bay Today: “Chamber members have certainly voiced their concerns about these pressing societal issues. We regularly engage with our members to understand their perspectives, which is essential in shaping our advocacy efforts. Their feedback shows they are frustrated by the lack of significant improvement despite the constant need to pivot on these issues. Overall, our members are fed up and want change.”
“Businesses increasingly need support to effectively navigate these complex challenges that impact not only the broader community, but also the environment in which they operate and the health of the companies themselves. From safety concerns to workforce stability to customer relationships, businesses face multifaceted challenges that require comprehensive and collaborative solutions. Helping businesses navigate these issues not only makes them more resilient, but also fosters more inclusive and vibrant community environments overall.”
Bakker said the chamber recognizes these concerns are not unique to the region, but are structural issues across Ontario and Canada, and “both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce also seek to advocate for these issues, raise awareness and encourage action at the government level that will benefit everyone.”
She added: “It is crucial that stakeholders recognise and address the specific needs of businesses as essential partners in finding sustainable solutions to these pressing societal challenges.”
