Jul. 11, 2007 - Milton Maps

Jun. 8, 2006 - Town of Milton Newsletter Now Available

Apr. 4, 2008 - Milton Market Activity

Feb. 12, 2008 - The Lebow Report

The Lebow Report: Why begrudge the commission?

I am writing this in a national Canadian newspaper for real estate people but actually it is a rant to the public and especially to the cynical and unenlightened media that continually bashes real estate agents. I leave it to you, my real estate readers, if you find the content to be of merit, then post my article on your blogs or forward it to your customers.
 
Allow me to put my tirade into a really simple perspective. If a stock or other investment broker made you, say, $200,000, would you begrudge them a $10,000 commission for their efforts? I know this about my personal experience with stock brokers – it sometimes appears that their fees can be greater than my profits. One day I really will try to figure out all the charges and fees in my mutual fund.
 
Now, what would you pay if that $200,000 was fully tax free, and fully capital gain exempt? 
 
Heck, even to a tightwad, $10,000 in commission would be nothing in return for $190,000 net.
Let me restate it this way: an investment broker puts you into a deal, you make $200,000 totally tax free, no strings – what would you pay that wonderful, brilliant broker for this magnificent return? Damn right – that $10,000 would be a bargain and you would run to all of your friends to let them know that you have met the most wonderful investment counselor in the world. The guy’s a saint!
 
So  According to the media, you should be able to buy or sell for a few hundred dollars and bypass a brokerage all together. No negotiation, no financing skills needed, just go in, buy or sell and the process is so simple and lacking in sophistication and dangers that anyone can do it. Isn’t that what we read in the newspapers?
 
Okay, let’s get real. I live in an affluent neighbourhood in Toronto, which is just the way it is within the central city core. My neighbours, who were sold their homes by hard working real estate salespeople 10 years ago, paid about $300,000 for their modest bungalows. Now, these same bungalows are selling for around $650,000 just for their land value. Let’s get a handle on this: my neighbours bought an investment for $300,000, but they only put down from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, lived in it, enjoyed it, celebrated family life, made love, planted, thrived and made friends and then they resold for an absolute  profit of $350,000, which was totally tax free. So please explain to me, why would anyone begrudge an agency for taking a mere five per cent off the top? What am I missing?
 
I no longer sell houses. I do not have staff that sells houses so I have no vested interest in making a case that serves my own interests. I am a commercial Realtor but when I have bought and sold houses, I have used top residential Realtors and I have never fought with them about what they charged me because they have made me money.
 
Few people have bought and sold as many houses as I have – at least 600 (not a misprint) in my career as an investor, and at all times I used agents to buy and sell for me. Yes, I have been a broker for most of my career, but when it came to buying or selling, I used the services of residential experts and I paid them well. It was logical, I was making a profit, so why nickel and dime the people who made me money? And my investments were not tax free!
 
Of all of the investments that Canadians can make, name one that will give greater pleasure than home ownership and one that is tax free? Can you live surrounded by your stock certificates, your GICs, or your art? Do your gold bars keep a roof over your head and can you leverage those investments by putting down as little as five per cent or 10 per cent and financing the balance on a long-term basis as the investment keeps increasing?
 
What, prices don’t always go up? Gee, when my mutual funds have tanked what do the experts tell me to do? Hold on, wait, pray and hope that in years to come the market will correct itself.
 
Here is one for you: ever live in an apartment? After 10 years when you handed in the keys, did the landlord thank you and give you back 75 per cent of your rental money? Worst I have ever lost on a house was 25 per cent in the darkest of periods but that house gave me shelter and pleasure. The apartment gave me cockroaches, noisy neighbours and management that couldn’t have cared one bit about me.
 
In the long run, those who write about the high prices of real estate commissions are either ignorant or jealous. They have either never owned real estate, or make so little that they begrudge anyone who makes more than they do. They write about greedy real estate people while they sit at their computers, wearing their Che Guevara tee shirt and complaining to the world about corporate greed and capitalism.
 
Sorry, I am just baffled about the concept of anyone begrudging a hardworking Realtor who continues to make Canadians rich. There is but one reality – the largest wealth owned by the largest group of Canadians is in real estate. No other investment is as widely held, none gives the benefits of real estate ownership and few return the same results bottom line. Real estate commissions are minimal in relationship to the profits made by the owners. Given the profits made by homeowners across Canada since the 1950s and again, with my emphasis on it being tax-free money, real estate commissions are probably the greatest bargain today based on what is charged for any other investment.
 
A real estate broker is a bargain – period!
 
Barry Lebow is a commercial Realtor who specializes in appraisal, expert court testimony and real estate education. One of REM’s long-time columnists, he recently launched the new Accredited Senior Agent professional designation program in Canada for residential salespeople to learn how to serve the mature and senior markets. (416)-9806, barry@lebow.ca or www.thesenioragent.com.

Dec. 13, 2007 - Land Transfer Tax Rebate Extended

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is giving all first-time homebuyers a break on land transfer tax by proposing to expand the Land Transfer Tax Refund Program to include purchases of resale homes, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.

“Expanding this Land Transfer Tax refund is an important part of our government’s commitment to helping Ontarians buying their first home,” Duncan said.

Effective midnight tonight, first-time buyers of resale homes, as well as newly constructed homes, would be eligible for a refund from the provincial government of up to $2,000 of the Land Transfer Tax paid.

The expanded Land Transfer Tax Refund Program for First-time Homebuyers is part of a package of new tax initiatives announced in the 2007 Fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review that would provide $1.4 billion in provincial tax relief for business and people over three years.  The government is making strategic investments in people, communities and infrastructure to strengthen Ontario’s economic advantage and help manufacturers and other sectors challenged by current economic conditions.

Dec. 13, 2007 - Local Businesses Team Up to Adopt Families For Christmas

Local Businesses Team Up to Adopt Families For Christmas

Local business owner and Milton resident Dan O'Neill, known around town as 'Big Dan' has teamed up with Lumberville's Pasquale Mercurio Jr. to raise money to provide Christmas for families that cannot afford it. When asked why, Big Dan's reason is to continue a family tradition: "When my dad was alive he always provided a Christmas dinner for those families who needed it. He would also make my siblings and I pick one of our Christmas gifts and donate that gift to those same families. It has always been my dream to carry on this tradition in his honour. Even though we have not lived in Milton long, Kristi and I consider this home and we want the Town of Milton to know we want to support the community in as many ways as we can. The Adopt Families for Christmas is one of the more important ways we want to give back to the community, and we hope this is just the start of a long journey paying it forward."

The families being supported will be helped through the efforts of Halton Women's Place and Kerr Street Ministries. The program was launched recently by Milton Mayor Gord Krantz and representatives from both charities at the Lumberville store. In commenting on what this program will mean to Miltonians, Mayor Krantz commented that this initiative is a shining example of the community-mindedness of Miltonians, both long-time and new residents.

You can drop off supermarket gift cards, un-wrapped children's gifts and other donations to Lumberville at 318 Bronte St. S in Milton or to Platemaker at 420 Main St. E. #401 (the UPS Store).

From left to right, back row are: Pasquale Mercurio Jr., Christina Mackay from Halton Women's Place, Representatives from Kerr Street Ministries, Dan & Kristi O'Neill of Platemaker. Front Row is Mayor Krantz and staff of Platemaker.

Dec. 4, 2007 - Christmas In Milton

Dec. 4, 2007 - Winter Comes to Milton

Well, it's finally here! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I love Winter!! Here's a few pictures taken this past Sunday, on a walk around the Milpond.

I didn't expect the pond to be completely frozen over, and had hoped for some waterfowl to be there; I was disappointed. I did, however, see some wildlife who seem to have gotten lost . . .

There's a lovely couple living in the trees over the tail of the pond - they sure looked happier last Christmas Eve when we had no snow and mild temperatures.

This one was taken down by the pool at the very end of the pond, close to the railway tracks.

We'd love to see your favourite pictures of Winter in Milton - just email them to me at chris@new-all.com and we'll get them posted as soon as we can.

Dec. 2, 2007 - Halton Housing Strategy

Why is a housing strategy important for residents of Halton Region?

At the Region of Halton, we believe that people in Halton should be able to remain in their own community regardless of age, income or situation. However, a recent report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities found that in Halton, over the last 10 years, more people with low incomes are spending more than 30% of their income on shelter, making it difficult to find money for food, clothing, medicine and other basic necessities. The lack of affordable housing and supply of low-rent units is making it too expensive for low-income people to live in Halton, and is raising the risk of homelessness.

Halton is known to be an affluent community. Is there really a need for affordable housing? 

Halton remains a great place to live and work. However, there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done to improve the quality of life for some people whose household income is insufficient for food and shelter costs. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Quality of Life Report Series:

• Halton’s poverty rate was 7.1 % in 2001, up from 6.8% in 1991
• In 2001, 38.8% of renters paid more than 30% of household income on shelter (15.6% of those paid more than 50%)

According to a survey conducted in 2005 by Ipsos-Reid:

• 79% of Halton residents agree that housing costs are high in the Region
• 23% of Halton residents faced problems or know someone who faced problems finding the type of housing they required in Halton.
• Almost one of every three Halton residents are concerned there will not be enough affordable housing in Halton within the next 10 years

Back to questions

What is Halton doing to address the issue of affordable housing?

  We are currently researching and implementing several priority initiatives related to the Comprehensive Housing Strategy (CHS), and here are a few of the results for 2007:

• Launch of pilot ‘Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing.’ high school contest to raise public awareness and acceptance of the need for all types of housing in Halton
• Drafting a sustainable plan to create 800 new units of affordable housing by 2015
• Participation in the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program
• Created a working group to address issues of accessible housing
• Working with the federal government to allocate funds locally from the new Homelessness Partnering Initiative

Why is the Region of Halton responsible for affordable housing?

 In 2001, the function of funding and oversight for social housing was transferred from the Provincial Government to Halton Region. However, the Region has always played a role in affordable housing, operating a non-profit housing company since 1988 and adopting planning policy to encourage a mix of homes for all incomes and household types. Halton's Comprehensive Housing Strategy pdf 3.3 mb addresses the full range of housing needs for residents.

Is there help for those who need affordable housing now?

If you need a place to rent or supportive housing, contact:
Halton Region, 905-825-6000, Toll free: 1-866-442-5866, TTY: 905-827-9833

Assisted Housing - Halton Community Housing Corporation (HCHC)

Halton Region provides housing through the Halton Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) . HCHC provides housing to families, seniors, couples, singles and people with special needs in a variety of housing forms including townhouses, apartments, as well as single and semi-detached dwellings. Most of the housing is available on a rent-geared-to-income basis, however some properties offer market rent units. We currently own and operate 1,816 units of social housing in 26 communities across Oakville, Burlington, Acton, Georgetown and Milton.

Central Wait List - Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH)

There are 5,323 units of government-assisted, non-profit and co-op housing in the Region. The Region operates a central wait list, Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH) for access to most of these units. However, the wait can be two to five years or longer.

Rent Supplement Program

Halton Region administers a rent supplement program that provides subsidies in 365 units in privately owned buildings. Most tenants for these units are selected from the HATCH wait list. Subsidies are given to tenants who are currently paying more than 30% of their gross income on rent. The tenant is expected to pay 30% of their income on rent and utilities, while the subsidy will pay for the rest.

Housing Help Centre

Halton Region also operates a Housing Help Centre , which is a free service providing on-site staff assistance, online access to vacancy listings and several resources to assist both housing seekers and landlords in the private sector. While these units are not rent-geared-to income, this service provides information on other potential opportunities for affordable housing seekers.

Is there help for those who need emergency shelter?

If you are homeless and need emergency shelter contact:
Halton Region, 905-825-6000, Toll free: 1-866-442-5866, TTY: 905-827-9833

Halton Region refers homeless individuals to the Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter. Operated by the Oakville Salvation Army, the shelter can accommodate up to 25 single men, women and youth. Lighthouse services include resume preparation, job search techniques and counselling.

Victims of domestic violence are referred to Halton Women’s Place  in Burlington (30 beds) or Milton (20 beds).

Families are housed in eight transitional housing units across the Region or in motels.

As a taxpayer, how much is this going to cost me?

Housing solutions can be created through policy changes or financial incentives. Halton Region’s position is that the Federal and Provincial governments must lead the way in supporting affordable housing. Any cost implications to the Region would be considered by Regional Council as part of the regular budget process.

Where to the dollars come from to develop the plan?

Halton Region is responsible for all costs associated with the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy, however, when federal or provincial governments create new programs that provide solutions to housing issues locally (like the new Homelessness Partnering Initiative) we may choose to participate in these programs and receive funds to assist in our efforts

Nov. 28, 2007 - Greater Toronto Transportation Authority plans Transit improvements for Halton

Greater Toronto Transportation Authority plans Transit improvements for Halton
Release Date: Nov 23, 07

On Friday, November 23, the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority (GTTA) passed the MoveOntario 2020 Quick-Win Investment Package, which includes $19 million in 2008-2009 for new structured and additional GO Transit parking and $57.6 million for a Halton Region Bus Rapid Transit system. Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr has been advocating for both of these improvements as a board member of the GTTA.

The additional GO Transit parking spots within Halton include 150 spots at the Oakville GO Station and 150 spots at the Bronte GO Station. Along with the additional parking spots, new parking structures will be built at each location, resulting in an additional 250 parking spots at the Bronte GO Station and 700 to 900 spots at the Oakville GO Station.

The Halton Region Bus Rapid Transit System will provide continuous service to inter-regional GO Stations between Hamilton and Mississauga.

"The additional GO parking spaces and funds for a Bus Rapid Transit system are welcome news to Halton Region," said Chair Carr. "As our population in Halton increases, it becomes imperative that alternate methods of transportation are available. This is a win for Halton residents who will benefit from this commitment in the near future."

The Quick-Win Investment Package is the beginning of the implementation of the Provincial government’s $17.5 billion MoveOntario 2020 vision for rapid transit expansion.

The MoveOntario Plan requires building 52 mass-transit projects across the GTA, with a completion date of 2020. The province announced they would supply $11.5 billion at the plan’s introduction in June, with the remaining $6 billion to come from the federal government.

Sep. 30, 2007 - Fall Colours Around Milton

The following photo's were shot on Lower Baseline, between 25 & 6th Line. As an aside, my 13-year old son and I spent a day this Spring cleaning the garbage up beside the road in the first picture. In less than 1/4 mile, we gathered 22 big bags of garbage. Look for announcement of our Commute-Route Clean-Up day in Spring 2008.

Sep. 25, 2007 - West Nile Virus

West Nile virus still a concern
Release Date: Sep 21, 07

Four batches of mosquitoes collected last week in Halton Region have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV): two positive batches in Burlington and two positive batches in Oakville.  These are the first positive mosquitoes found in Oakville this year and the third and fourth positive batches in Burlington, bringing the total of positive batches for Halton Region to eight.

"These four new positive batches of mosquitoes serve as reminders that the risk of West Nile virus is not yet over for this season," said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region's Medical Officer of Health.  "People still need to take precautions until the weather turns cold enough to have had several hard frosts."

Mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus.  The following are steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

• Cover up.  Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors in the early evening to morning.  This is when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects.  Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET.

Maps showing the locations of positive birds, as well as standing water sites that have had larvicide applied are available on the Health Department's website at www.halton.ca/wnv.

To report a dead bird or standing water, or for more information about West Nile virus, please call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833 or email wnv@halton.ca.

Sep. 25, 2007 - Changes to Waste & Recycling

Sep. 25, 2007 - Halton High Schools Eligible to Apply For Grants in Support of Tobacco-free Living

Halton High Schools Eligible to Apply For Grants in Support of Tobacco-free Living
Release Date: Sep 24, 07

Halton high schools can begin applying for $1,000 grants for prevention and cessation activities that support tobacco-free living.

"The High School Grant Program provides a terrific opportunity for Halton schools to engage youth in leadership activities that will positively influence the school environment, and ultimately the health of Halton youth," said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region's Medical Officer of Health. "Based on the success of last year’s program, the Ministry of Health Promotion is offering the program again."

The Program, which has been running for three consecutive years, has a total of $31,000 available for 2007/08. Projects may include public education and awareness events and smoking cessation related activities. All high schools in Halton are eligible to apply for a $1,000 grant and applicants can include student groups, teachers and parent organizations. Applications are due October 22.

A participant from one school said it, “gave students the opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle and practice preventative techniques. The students who participated in this action received information, new fitness goals and a fun outlet to handle stress."

Schools will automatically qualify for the grant if they have students and a staff/parent advisor attend a Tobacco Advocacy Training Workshop being held October 19-20, 2007. This two-day workshop will educate students about the tobacco industry and their marketing tactics, and will help students to gain valuable advocacy, communication and media skills (in addition to helping schools plan and complete the grant application).

Sep. 25, 2007 - Milton Fall Fair 2007

This year's Fall Fair seemed different from prior years. Perhaps there were less rides; there certainly were less people on Friday night when I was there. Regardless, it proved an interesting venue for my photography. Enjoy.

Aug. 15, 2007 - New Locations

New location for some services in Halton Region's Planning and Public Works Department

Effective Monday, August 27, Halton Region will be relocating some services of the Planning and Public Works Department. The new location will be at 1075 North Service Road West, Unit 27, in the Ennisclare Corporate Centre located between Third Line and Dorval Drive in Oakville. Staff moving to 1075 North Service Road West include those from the Office of the Commissioner, Environmental Services Division (some services), and Planning and Transportation Services Division.

All staff telephone extensions, fax numbers and email addresses will remain the same. All mail can still be directed to the Region's main address: 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Visit www.halton.ca/ppw to see a detailed list of services to be accessed at the new location. To make an appointment or for more information about where to access Regional programs and services, contact Access Halton at 905-825-6000 or toll free at 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866).

Aug. 15, 2007 - Beach Tests

Beach Results

Halton Region's Health Department tests recreational water throughout Halton. Beaches are selected based on use for swimming and other water sports. These tests are done weekly, or if conditions change.

Aug. 1, 2007 - The Robber-Barons Are At It Again - Insurance Company's

Is your home more than 30 years old?

If it is, you may find that your insurance company has some pretty tough standards to either issue a new policy or renew your existing policy. Take a look at this brochure from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Comments are invited.

Jul. 28, 2007 - Safe to Swim

Beach results

Halton Region's Health Department tests recreational water throughout Halton.  Beaches are selected based on use for swimming and other water sports.  These tests are done weekly, or if conditions change.

Beach water samples taken on July 24 revealed that the following beaches have acceptable levels of bacteria and are safe for swimming:

• Burlington - The Beachway North
• Burlington  - The Beachway South
• Milton - Kelso Conservation Area
• Oakville - Coronation Park East
• Oakville - Coronation Park West

The following beaches have high levels of bacteria and are unsafe for swimming:

• Oakville - Bronte Park Beach
• Halton Hills - Prospect Park Old Beach

Residents can call Halton Region to find out which beaches have been closed due to poor water quality.  Beach quality information is available 24 hours a day by calling 905-825-6000 or toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866).  During regular business hours ask for beach information, and after regular business hours press “2” for health information.

Information is updated weekly or as conditions change.  This information is also posted on Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

Jul. 26, 2007 - Excellent Program!

Funds Available to Help Homeless

On July 11, Halton Regional Council approved $3.1 million for an Expression of Interest and proposal call to prevent and address homelessness in Halton. The funds are from the Region, the Province and the Federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

"This funding will help to maintain critical services for Halton's homeless," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "The money will ensure Halton residents who are homeless or at risk of being homeless can receive ongoing emergency services, transitional housing and the supports they need for their health and well-being."

The funds made available for the Expression of Interest represents a major step in achieving the short-term priorities regarding homelessness in Halton's Comprehensive Housing Strategy. The Strategy incorporates a series of policies and actions to ensure a variety of affordable housing types for Halton residents, regardless of income and stage of life.

The priorities being addressed will help people retain their housing, assist homeless individuals and families with temporary housing and supports to help them regain permanent housing, and support projects for homeless youth and families. Halton Region's goal is to provide a basic level of services for the homeless in each of Halton's four Local Municipalities.

The Request for Expression of Interest will be issued during July 2007 and will close in September 2007. Guidelines and Forms will be posted on Halton Region's website, www.halton.ca. Community organizations with expertise in serving the homeless are encouraged to apply. Submissions will be evaluated by the Region and those who are successful will be invited to submit a full proposal in October 2007. Funding recommendations will be considered by Regional Council in December 2007.

Jul. 20, 2007 - Beach Safety Results

Beach results

Halton Region’s Health Department tests recreational water throughout Halton. Beaches are selected based on use for swimming and other water sports. These tests are done weekly, or if conditions change.

Beach water samples taken on July 17 revealed that the following beaches have acceptable levels of bacteria and are safe for swimming:

• Burlington - The Beachway North
• Burlington  - The Beachway South
• Milton - Kelso Conservation Area
• Oakville - Coronation Park East
• Oakville - Coronation Park West

The following beaches have high levels of bacteria and are unsafe for swimming:

• Oakville - Bronte Park Beach
• Halton Hills - Prospect Park Old Beach

Residents can call Halton Region to find out which beaches have been closed due to poor water quality.  Beach quality information is available 24 hours a day by calling 905-825-6000 or toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866).  During regular business hours ask for beach information, and after regular business hours press “2” for health information.

Information is updated weekly or as conditions change.  This information is also posted on Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

Jul. 20, 2007 - Summer Initiatives

Summer Company entrepreneurs making their mark in Halton

Halton's newest entrepreneurs are now open for business as part of Halton Region's 2007 Summer Company Program. Summer Company is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, delivered in Halton by the Region's Business Development Centre.

"Summer Company is about so much more than simply getting a part-time job for a few months," said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. "Students in the program will learn valuable business skills, interact with volunteers in our business community, receive training in starting and running a business, and network with their peers in an inspiring and supportive environment. The lessons from this experience will last a lifetime."

Through this program, which kicked off in May, secondary and post-secondary school students between 15 and 29 were eligible to receive up to $3,000 to help them start and run their own summer businesses. The students in this year’s program receive guidance from local business professionals who volunteer as mentors for the new young business owners, and also receive training on marketing, bookkeeping, and how to run a successful business.

Each participant runs their own company, and their services this year include lawn care, pool servicing and power washing. The following students are open for business:

• Bill MacDonald, Augusta Masters Lawn Service Tel: 905-334-9841
• Fred Malinski, Lively Lawn Tel: 905-616-7430
• Daniel Mandic, Up ‘N’ Running Pool Service Tel: 905-464-1867
• Adam Willhoeft, Blast IT Clean Power Washing Tel: 905-334-4933
• Mike Zhang, Lawn Sharks Tel: 905-808-3090

This year’s Summer Company mentors are local Halton business professionals. Halton Region would like to acknowledge the following mentors:

• Grant Buchan-Terrell, Barrister & Solicitor
• Ed Foster, The Incorporators
• Pat Hutton, RBC Royal Bank
• Jan van der Hoop, Hiring Smart Canada Inc.

“The volunteer mentors from our business community are an essential part of the Summer Company experience, and we appreciate their generosity in offering their time and expertise,” said Carr.

Summer Company is one of the youth entrepreneurship programs offered by Halton Region’s Business Development Centre. Halton Region also holds an annual Business Plan Competition for secondary school students across Halton. The Business Plan Competition is offered through partnership and sponsorship by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and RBC Royal Bank.