Hastings County’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee is pushing for some form of “shop local” campaign.
Committee chair and mayor of Tweed Jo-Anne Albert praised the business owners who stayed open in the worst days of the Covid-19 pandemic and thought people should be reminded to keep supporting their community’s businesses.
Albert suggested a “Shop Hastings County” campaign be developed and suggested a radio campaign would be suitable.
Albert also stressed the need for the county to promote local farmers and their roadside produce stands.
And more than one committee member suggested more detail be available both online and in print for scenic or trail route marketing, whereby individual shops, restaurants, and attractions are included in any and all mapping produced by the county.
Meanwhile, businesses and municipalities alike have been frustrated by the lack of advance notice and lack of guidance included in the provincial government’s economic reopening plan.
Owner of the Red Eagle Campground in Coe Hill, Karen Chalinor, told a ZOOM meeting of Hastings County’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee that she has never been so overwhelmed and stressed and she’s been in the business for 20 years.
County Warden Rick Phillips agreed saying the regulations have been confusing.
As an example, Phillips said recreation facilities are allowed to be open but teams aren’t allowed to get together to practice.
“What’s the use in opening up our ballfields (Tyendinaga Township) if players can’t use them properly?”
