The Hanover Chamber of Commerce welcomed close to 100 members of the local business community on Tuesday for its annual Christmas luncheon and community recognition event, held at Grace United Church’s reception hall.
The afternoon offered a mix of celebration, reflection, and networking as attendees gathered to mark another year of progress in the town. Guests were treated to a traditional turkey dinner prepared by Cravings Family Restaurant, while taking time to connect with colleagues and look back on the milestones reached over the past year.
Part of the program included Mayor Sue Paterson’s review of the town’s key accomplishments, which covered major developments such as the construction of Hanover’s new net-zero fire hall, continued growth in population and business activity, and ongoing work to expand municipal infrastructure, including a proposed boundary adjustment with West Grey. She also highlighted advancements in community and economic development, along with the addition of the Canadian Tire Splash Pad, which has quickly become a popular family destination.
“This luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and recognize the collective effort that makes Hanover thrive," Paterson noted. "Success is never about one person, it’s about the teamwork and dedication of our entire community.”
One of the central features of the event was an update from Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG), highlighting its longstanding partnership with the Town of Hanover and Playtime Casino Hanover. The municipality received $1,287,122 in revenue through the Municipality Contribution Agreement for fiscal year 2025, reflecting funds generated at Playtime Casino. This financial support was directed toward a variety of capital initiatives, including enhancements to roads and infrastructure, engineering work to support future development, technological upgrades, and community grants that bolster healthcare and recreational programs.
The afternoon concluded with community recognition presentations, prize giveaways, and a festive networking social. The event reinforced the strong collaboration between local businesses, the municipality, the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, OLG, and Playtime Casino as the partnership continues to play a key role in strengthening the community.
