The recent Shop Your Town campaign has certainly been a very good one - and extremely timely.
It seems there are many folks in town who still don’t exactly know what goods and services are offered within the shopping districts of Chemainus.
Some are so focused on Nanaimo and Victoria stores that they often don’t even pay attention to what’s available in their own backyard.
This is a great time for bringing that awareness back to the forefront with the busy tourist season just ahead.
With gas prices climbing to a sky-high level and the congestion on the roads and in the stores of Victoria and Nanaimo, why venture outside the area when you don’t need to? Save the aggravation and the high gas bill.
Everybody wins by supporting those in your own neighbourhood. You can also enjoy the extra time from not travelling around needlessly by spending it in your gardens or relaxing on the sundeck. Sounds far more inviting than wandering around farther afield to find something already carried by local merchants.
The novelties of the Costcos and Walmarts will always be there, but this campaign has created a renewed focus on the perks within our own town boundaries. There’s many unique items that can be found here and also all of the necessities available in the larger centres.
It’s not actually part of this campaign, but it’s also a great idea for residents to get in touch with all the entertainment and activities that will be happening in and around Chemainus the next few months.
Some get the impression it’s all just for the tourists, which couldn’t be further from the truth. So get out and enjoy your own community and all its amenities.