With another impending 28 day lockdown coming for Southern Ontario on Boxing Day, local businesses are again preparing to bear the weight of lost income and uncertainty.
Port Elgin BIA Chair Addison Ziegler says while it's disheartening to face another lockdown, locally in Grey-Bruce, people in the communities did a great job to offer whatever support they could.
"The good news for our community is we've been through one of these lockdowns before, and the community really stepped up and did their best to support all of our downtown businesses, whether it was restaurants and retail, and I know we can rely on them again to do the same."
Ziegler says Mayor Luke Charbonneau is continuing to do all he can to ensure local Saugeen Shores businesses get help. He also adds local businesses are valuable parts of any community, and urges everyone to do their best to try and buy and eat local to keep those businesses alive.
"Take the extra step to see 'Can I purchase this local? Is there an avenue, be it online, or reaching out via phone or curb-side pickup?' I think continuing to make that effort to support or restaurants is also huge."
As another challenging economic strain looms over the business community with the latest lockdown, which begins 12:01 a.m. on Boxing Day, December 26th, Ziegler says supporting and maintaining local businesses is key for small communities.
"Continue to shop local, shop safely and continue to support your local businesses. They sponsor your kid's sports teams, they're people that live in your community, and now, more than ever, they need your support."
