Owen Sound River District (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
Owen Sound’s River District is joining a national initiative to encourage people to shop local.
River District Coordinator Viveca Gravel says the Shop Main Street Canada, Support Local campaign by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association, highlights local businesses.
“This has been something that has always been important, but now with what has been happening in the government and things like that, there is an extra emphasis on making sure that products are purchased locally, they are made in Canada and all of those kinds of things,” says Gravel.
She adds as part of the campaign, they will be promoting the businesses in the River District, their products, and the importance of shopping locally.
“We don’t want people to discount how much a simple adjustment in shopping habits can change our city. By making investments, by purchasing things locally, 66 cents of every dollar is saved within the local economy,” says Gravel. “One of the things with shopping local as well, is that you can better ensure the products you are purchasing are made in Canada. Many of our crafters, bakers, producers, artisans, all of those people are right here, not only in Canada, but in Grey Bruce, so you can’t get more local than that.”
Gravel believes there is a real desire from residents to shop local and support businesses in the city.
To further support the campaign, Gravel encourages people to update their social media profiles to include the Shop Main Street Canada, Support Local logo, which can be found on the city website here, as well as dine at independently owned restaurants and cafes, and choose Canadian-made products and services.
Gravel adds in addition to the annual events promoting the River District in the summer, including the Hottest Street Sale, they are currently in the process of figuring out how they can draw more attention to the area in support of local businesses.
More details can be found on the River District website here.
