"Small businesses are the heart of our community, and they’ve adapted to the challenges of the pandemic with style. It's easier than ever to shop local with online orders, pick-up or delivery options, and precautions in place for safe in-store shopping. Thank you for shopping local - it keeps your money in your community, creating a more vibrant place we can all call home."
- Andy Letham, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes
Bobcaygeon
Coboconk and Norland
Fenelon Falls
Lindsay
You can expect friendly faces and neighbourly greetings at all of your usual hangouts. Behind the masks are smiling staff ready to show that the hospitality of your hometown is safely brewing with flavour. Savour the feeling of reconnecting with the shops, services and people in your town. Visit the Eat and Drink listing to select your next stay today
With seasonal farmers' markets, farm gate stands, retail stores and restaurants serving local food, Kawartha Lakes serves up memorable local food experiences for all. The beauty of shopping at a farmers' markets and farm stands is not just in the freshness of the products but in the opportunity to interact with the growers, bakers, farmers and artisans who bring their products straight from their fields and kitchens to your shopping basket. Visit the Kawartha Choice FarmFresh website to find local food and farm experiences.
Find your groove in your own community. Get social in your bubble at the many recreation outlets across the city. From axe throwing to go carting, golf to the drive-in, there is so much do right here in… Kawartha Lakes.
I bet you didn’t know...
| 1. Local Drives the Economy |
| When you buy goods and services from locally owned or franchised businesses, more money stays and circulates in the community. Local supply chains are strengthened because small businesses usually source materials and services from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Having a strong local business community also helps grow the local tax base. |
| 2. Donations and Financial Support for Local Activities Occur |
| Local business owners are far more likely to support the local hockey or swim team, scout club or community garden than non-local owners. Local business owners are invested in their whole community not just the revenue from each transaction. |
| 3. Independent Businesses bring Unique Qualities |
| The variety, selection and charm that comes through a diverse offering of goods and services is most often the result of having unique, independently owned businesses. Studies have shown that residents like having different options to chose from and that people are more satisfied with where they live. The character and charm of economic health through diversity of product also helps maintain property values. |
| 4. Kinder for the Environment |
| Typically, small local business open stores in the downtown core. These locations are providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community’s walk score than out of town shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. |
| 5. Help to Support Local Jobs |
| All across the country, small locally owned businesses are actually the largest employers in Canada. The more employment opportunities there are in our community the less time in traffic which is better for our environment and our wallets. |
| 6. You’ll Get Better Customer Service |
| It is often the business owner themselves that helps you with your purchase. That same business owner often hires people that have a specific passion or expertise which gives a better customer experience. |
| 7. Local Business Owners have a Stake in the Success of their Community |
| Local businesses are owned by people who live, work, play and vote in their community. They own property, typically have families that go to schools, play sports and want a high quality of life. They want their communities to succeed. |
| 8. They don’t ask for much but give a lot |
| Local businesses typically have their businesses in existing commercial districts or renovated spaces. Unlike most chain stores, local business owners are using and enhancing existing commercial space rather than building new buildings outside of the traditional business areas. |
| 9. More Businesses Translates into More Choices |
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A community that has thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure a diverse, healthy, price competitive environment that is more resistant to the ups and downs of the economy. |
| 10. You have Value |
| The phrase “voting with your wallet” actually applies in our community. When you build a relationship with a local retailer or service provider they will work harder and be more open to sourcing out the things you are looking for. Big box stores can’t be as nimble or attentive to your needs. |
Downtown Lindsay Reconstruction Project
Did you know that the infrastructure in downtown Lindsay is over 100 years old? That means that the underground utilities, such as the storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermain systems are outdated and need replacing. At the same time, we are taking the opportunity to address the road, sidewalk, landscaping and walkability features of the area.
All businesses remain open during construction, so don't be shy, come on in. There's plenty of parking on Kent Street.
Read more about the full project and watch videos about the project on the municipal website.
Shop Local in Your Community
Are you a business owner?
Do you own a business in CKL or know someone who would like to be included in this community wide campaign? Complete our online form and follow our How To Guide to access downloadable templates and instructions on how to participate.
Think locally, act locally!
Contact Us