Business View Magazine | December 2019

363 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 7576 SEVENTH LINE, CHATHAM, ON N7M 5J3 +1 (519) 351-8882 288 PATILLO ROAD, TECUMSEH, ON N8N 2L9 +1 (519) 737-0303 www.iatglobalmfg.com for creative solutions to your manufacturing needs. Your partner in manufacturing innovation excellence Work hold fixtures Assembly systems End of line test and pack Material handling systems Vision • Laser mark • Work cells • Controls integration CHATHAM-KENT , ONTAR IO Thibert: “We update our municipal standards for all new development to accommodate stormwater management, such as designing for ponds and infrastructure to handle larger storm intensity and the high volumes of water, to better control the runoff that we’re experiencing now.” McFadden: “Chatham-Kent is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind energy, with over 500 wind turbines that generate over $3 million in annual revenue in property taxes. We have multiple solar projects in our community providing energy into the grid. And our PUC department has a combined heat/power initiative where they’re turning gas into energy. So we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to taking responsibility for reducing greenhouse emissions.” BVM: How would you describe the future outlook for Chatham-Kent? McFadden: “I’m a lifelong resident, former business owner, now working for the municipality, and I know Chatham-Kent took it on the chin when the economy went down. We lost Navistar, a very large employer, and it devastated the community. But today, there’s a very different vibe here. It’s the old analogy: we’re coming off the ropes and swinging at our own weight. Companies from Windsor and beyond have heard positive things and are reaching out to us. We’re on the right path and there’s nothing but positives in the future for us.” Ansell: “Chatham-Kent was recognized as Canada’s first welcoming community by Canada’s federal government; embracing diversity and building a community that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages people from all walks of life to build their future here is a significant part of our story. As a relatively new resident, I can personally vouch for this”