Let’s support the businesses that support us.

This week, I want to talk about shopping locally.

After the Trump tariff threats, it has become more apparent that we need to support our local businesses.

As a local business owner, I have always practiced what I preach. I choose to spend my money in my own community whenever possible. 

I can go to Copy Magic here in town for business supplies, gift wear, and even clothing.

Local businesses have diversified, making it easier to find almost everything we need right here. Over Christmas, my washing machine died. Instead of driving to Pincher Creek to buy from The Brick, I went down the road to Summit Home Hardware and bought my new appliances. They even delivered them, something you don’t get with Amazon.

As my boys get older, we decided to outfit them with their own set of tools. We went to Allied Hardware and Summit Home Hardware and bought them everything they needed to become their own handyman.

If you need birthday gifts, prescriptions, or extra supplies for your home, you can find almost anything at our local pharmacies. They don’t just dispense antibiotics and ointments, they also carry beautiful giftware.

When it comes to food, we have the local IGA, but we also have The Pantry, which offers farm-to-plate options, and Mercato, which carries Italian specialties. You can even grab a coffee while you shop.

If you need parts or tools for your toys and machines, the local NAPA or RPM store has you covered. Whether it’s for your car, ATV, or equipment, they have the parts and supplies to keep everything running smoothly, no need to drive out of town or wait for shipping.

Merch on Main has an array of everything artisan.

You don’t need to order books, rent them from our local library, or better yet, hit Tuesday’s Book Shop if you want to own your own copy.

You need work clothes? Work and Play has what you need.

Buy your flowers from Magnolia Floral Studio. Victoria has some mad talent and incredible bouquets coming out of her shop.

Even when you die, no one does a service with the professionalism and care that you would get from Fantin’s Funeral Chapel.

And don’t even get me started on the amazing restaurants in this town, from pub food to old-fashioned burgers to ethnic food.

The point is, if you take the time to look, you can find almost anything you need right here.

I’m calling on all local businesses in the Crowsnest Pass to install “Made in Canada” labels on their display shelves where applicable. It can be difficult to tell what is imported versus what is Canadian made, and I want to shop Canadian whenever possible. After the past few weeks, I’m making a point to buy as much Canadian-produced merchandise as I can.

Remember, most of what we need is available locally. Let’s do our part to support our local economy and our producers.

Now is the time to be aware and proudly Canadian.

Amazon doesn’t donate to community service groups or sponsor local sporting events in the Crowsnest Pass, but local businesses do. 

This week, I want to talk about shopping locally.

After the Trump tariff threats, it has become more apparent that we need to support our local businesses.

As a local business owner, I have always practiced what I preach. I choose to spend my money in my own community whenever possible. 

I can go to Copy Magic here in town for business supplies, gift wear, and even clothing.

Local businesses have diversified, making it easier to find almost everything we need right here. Over Christmas, my washing machine died. Instead of driving to Pincher Creek to buy from The Brick, I went down the road to Summit Home Hardware and bought my new appliances. They even delivered them, something you don’t get with Amazon.

As my boys get older, we decided to outfit them with their own set of tools. We went to Allied Hardware and Summit Home Hardware and bought them everything they needed to become their own handyman.

If you need birthday gifts, prescriptions, or extra supplies for your home, you can find almost anything at our local pharmacies. They don’t just dispense antibiotics and ointments, they also carry beautiful giftware.

When it comes to food, we have the local IGA, but we also have The Pantry, which offers farm-to-plate options, and Mercato, which carries Italian specialties. You can even grab a coffee while you shop.

If you need parts or tools for your toys and machines, the local NAPA or RPM store has you covered. Whether it’s for your car, ATV, or equipment, they have the parts and supplies to keep everything running smoothly, no need to drive out of town or wait for shipping.

Merch on Main has an array of everything artisan.

You don’t need to order books, rent them from our local library, or better yet, hit Tuesday’s Book Shop if you want to own your own copy.

You need work clothes? Work and Play has what you need.

Buy your flowers from Magnolia Floral Studio. Victoria has some mad talent and incredible bouquets coming out of her shop.

Even when you die, no one does a service with the professionalism and care that you would get from Fantin’s Funeral Chapel.

And don’t even get me started on the amazing restaurants in this town, from pub food to old-fashioned burgers to ethnic food.

The point is, if you take the time to look, you can find almost anything you need right here.

I’m calling on all local businesses in the Crowsnest Pass to install “Made in Canada” labels on their display shelves where applicable. It can be difficult to tell what is imported versus what is Canadian made, and I want to shop Canadian whenever possible. After the past few weeks, I’m making a point to buy as much Canadian-produced merchandise as I can.

Remember, most of what we need is available locally. Let’s do our part to support our local economy and our producers.

Now is the time to be aware and proudly Canadian.

Amazon doesn’t donate to community service groups or sponsor local sporting events in the Crowsnest Pass, but local businesses do. 

Let’s support the businesses that support us.