Town reminding residents to shop local in St. Marys

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted St. Marys in many ways. Summer is usually bustling with tourists visiting our shops, restaurants and amenities but this year is beginning to look very different.  

Many of our local businesses and services had to shut their doors while others have shifted to new ways of doing business. Many have been working long hours behind the scenes to manage this different way of running their business.  

As the nice weather approaches and spaces reopen our residents will begin exploring the streets of St. Marys. One thing is very clear: our businesses need all of us to rally behind them.  

As Ontario enters Stage 1 of its reopening framework, some businesses have started to allow customers into their stores and some will continue with curb side pick-up or delivery options. Residents are encouraged to show their support by shopping local in whatever way is comfortable for them.  

If residents are not yet comfortable venturing into stores, or if your favourite shop or service is still closed, there are still ways to support local. FanSaves Helps, an online gift certificate shop, will remain active during the province’s reopening phases. FanSaves supports communities by encouraging social distancing and allowing businesses to stay afloat during this unprecedented pandemic.  

Gift certificates can be safely purchased from home, with the amount transferred into the business’s bank account within two weeks. Purchasers will receive an email they can print off and use once businesses reopen. The site also includes an option to purchase certificates to donate to local hospitals, including St. Marys Memorial Hospital.  

Simply visit www.fansaveshelps.ca/collections/st-marys-ontario to see the many shops and services that have signed on to the program. If your favourite business isn’t on the FanSaves website, you can visit their website or give them a call. 

Many of the amenities that make St. Marys the “Town Worth Living In” -- our sports teams and recreation facilities, arts and culture, the high level of care offered at our hospital -- would not exist without the sponsorship support of local businesses. Now, it’s our time to rally as a community and lift them up! 

“I love serving my community,” said Heather Parkinson, owner of O’Grady’s Clothing & Accessories. “With your support, the St. Marys merchants will be able to serve OUR community, for years to come.”

Over the coming weeks, the Town of St. Marys Business Directory will be updated daily to reflect any changes in local business operations. Residents are encouraged to visit townofstmarys.com/covidbusiness at any time, or call 519-284-3272 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday for assistance. 

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Contact

Kelly Deeks-Johnson | Tourism & Economic Development Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 272 | kdeeks@town.stmarys.on.ca