Canceling Peace Bridge Pre-clearance Project will hurt Niagara’s economy

ST. CATHARINES — The recent announcement by the Department of Homeland Security of the United States that it is pulling out of plans with Canada to launch a pre-clearance site at the Peace Bridge as a means to facilitate traffic and trade between the countries will have a negative impact on the economies of Niagara, and Ontario.

The plan called for pre-clearance sites on both sides of the Peace Bridge with border officials from both countries working at the sites to expedite the clearance of people and goods across the bridge. The joint program would have been the first of its kind at a land crossing between the two countries.

According to studies conducted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian and US economies are losing more than $13.6 billion dollars annually as a result of border delays. The Peace Bridge crossing is the second busiest in terms of vehicle traffic and third in trade. The program aimed to reduce congestion of trade and tourists — both of which are vital to the Niagara economy.

“We need the pre-clearance program at the Peace Bridge,” states Walter Sendzik, Executive Vice President of the St. Catharines – Thorold Chamber of Commerce. “The crossing is an important trade link, and just as important — it is a major tourism gateway to Niagara. With the increasing congestion of truck trade and the potential impact of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which will require travelers at land crossings to present a passport for entry to the United States, Niagara will feel the impact if steps are not taken to ease the flow of people and goods at the border. The program is critical to the economy of Niagara.”

“The issue as we understand it centres on fingerprinting,” explained Sendzik. “The American position is that anyone who approaches the border of either side will be finger printed without option. The Canadian position is that those approaching the border will be asked for finger printing, and if they choose not to, they will be denied entry to the United States. That’s really the crux of the issue as we have been told.”

St. Catharines–Thorold Chamber unveils new logo

ST. CATHARINES — After four months of design work, the St. Catharines – Thorold Chamber of Commerce unveiled its new logo at its June Business After Five held at Stoney Ridge Estate Winery. With more than 150 members in attendance, the logo launch kicked off a wonderful evening at “Niagara’s Garden Winery.”

“A logo is one of the most important elements of any organization,” explained Walter Sendzik, the chamber’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, to the business audience. “With the visibility of the St. Catharines – Thorold Chamber of Commerce in the cities, it was important to design a highly recognizable logo that captured the spirit of the two business communities.”

The new logo incorporates a landscape element that represents the sectors of business in the communities. With a ship, storefront retail, small business, commercial and professional offices, manufacturing industries and the tender fruit and agricultural facilities, it’s a strong iconic cross section of the membership of the chamber of commerce.

“The logo also includes the slogan “For A Stronger Niagara,” which is an important message to convey to our members, the communities and those beyond the borders of Niagara,” says Sendzik. “The chamber is committed to supporting our membership, and in doing so, we are creating a stronger Niagara through the economic prosperity of our members.”