Why Shop Local? Support Your Community!

The Christmas rush is over and we are hunkering down waiting on the onslaught of bills to arrive in the post of online. However, we still have expenses that need to be met, so why not give your local business a boost.

When you shop at a local business, you're not just making a purchase you’re investing in your community. Every dollar you spend helps support local jobs, community events, and the unique character of your town. For example:

• A little girl can take dance lessons.

• A family puts food on the table.

• A student pays for college.

Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local, independent business, up to $63 is recirculated in the local economy, compared to only $14 when spent at multinational corporations. This money returns to your community through charitable donations, taxes, job creation, and local supply chains.

Local Spending: A Ripple Effect Local businesses have an outsized impact on job creation and economic growth:

• Local retailers re-circulate 45% of their revenue compared to 17% for chains.

• Local restaurants re-circulate 65% versus 30% for chain counterparts.

• Local suppliers re-circulate 33%, significantly more than 19% by large companies.

The Power of Local Ownership Locally owned businesses:

• Employ local residents and contribute to community stability.

• Support local charities, sports teams, and cultural events.

• Prioritize purchasing from local suppliers, keeping money in the region.

By choosing local businesses, you contribute to a vibrant, sustainable community. Let’s keep our towns unique, connected, and thriving—one purchase at a time.

What is a complete community?

 I have heard city planners and politicians talking about the term complete community and I thought I should explain what it means to a young family and a family comprised of seniors, as the idea or concept might be being considered in your community.

So, as I understand it, a "complete community" refers to a neighbourhood or area designed to meet the diverse needs of its residents, providing a high quality of life and promoting sustainability. The concept of a "complete community" is a wonderful idea that aims to create a vibrant and inclusive community where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can live, work, and thrive together.

Here's what this concept means for a young family and a family comprised of seniors:

For a Young Family:

·        Having access to quality schools, parks, and playgrounds where their children can grow and play, meaning these are within walking or biking distance, making daily routines convenient and manageable.

·        Well-lit streets, safe pedestrian crossings, and low crime rates contribute to a secure environment for raising children. As well as being  able to walk or bike to local shops, restaurants, and services, making it easy to get what they need without having to rely on cars

·        Having a sense of community and belonging, with opportunities to connect with other families and neighbours through events and activities, Libraries, recreational centers, and community programs are close so the family can use these facilities for learning, recreation, and social interaction.

·        Having access to healthcare services, childcare, and other essential services that support the needs of young families, Proximity to employment centers or opportunities for remote work fosters work-life balance and reduces commute times.

·        Feeling safe and secure in their community, with a strong sense of community policing and neighborhood watch programs

·        A range of housing options, including affordable homes, allows families to find suitable living arrangements as their needs change. Reliable and accessible public transit options reduce reliance on cars, saving money and reducing environmental impact.

For a Seniors:

·        Easy access to senior-friendly amenities such as transportation services, home-delivered meals, and healthcare services  medical facilities, pharmacies, and specialized care services ensures that seniors can maintain their health and well-being.

·        Community centers, senior programs, and social clubs help combat isolation and promote active, engaged living.

·        Feeling safe and secure in their community, with a strong sense of community policing and neighbourhood watch programs that prioritize the needs of seniors. As well as : well-maintained, safe, and walkable neighbourhoods encourage outdoor activities and independence.

·        Housing Options: Availability of age-friendly housing, including single-story homes or apartments with elevator access, supports aging in place.

·        Being able to stay connected with friends and family through community events, social programs, and volunteer opportunities. Living in a complete community allows seniors to remain close to their support networks, enhancing emotional well-being.

·        Having a sense of community and belonging, with opportunities to connect with other seniors who share similar interests and experiences

In a complete community, both young families and senior families can thrive, with access to the resources, services, and opportunities they need to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. It's a community that values diversity, inclusivity, and intergenerational connections, where people of all ages can come together to build strong relationships and a sense of belonging.

 Politicians and city planners often use the term "complete community" to describe a community that has achieved a high level of livability, sustainability, and social cohesion. In essence, it is a complete community that is inclusive, convenient, and sustainable where residents of all ages can thrive.

 It's a community that has been designed and developed with the needs of all residents in mind, and where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.

What makes a good community?

I read this in the local paper a while back and it got me thinking, what makes a community?
---- was discharged from Royal Columbian Hospital earlier in the day and trying to make it home. He still had his hospital bracelet on. His strength ran out at this location after getting off the SkyTrain. Frail, coherent, pale and soft-spoken, he told me he had called a friend to come after he fell. We waited together and, after a short while, a young man arrived to take him home.

This is my Community. We stop and check on people when something looks amiss. We help when our neighbours reach out. Our community is full of caring people.

This community is close to the one I live in and the letter writer has I believed, an idealized view of his/her community. I like to walk, and when I walk if I see someone I say hi, just to be friendly. In my hometown when I walk and say hello or hi, 95% of the time I get a response back. I went for a walk in the community mentioned in the above letter. When I said "Hello, or Hi" I was met with suspicion, anger and fear. The response was such that I have not gone back.   The letter writer has had a different experience than I did in his/her community.

So perhaps I am being unfair for judging a community just on the friendliness of its people. What do we look all look for in a good community?

Researchers,  David McMillan and David Chavis (1986), in their analysis of previous studies about this topic, found that four factors show up as community attributes, they are:

• Membership - that feeling that we have a right to belong and feel welcome
• Influence - that sense that we have some say in the community issues that affect us and that our perspectives are appreciated and respected
• Integration and fulfillment of needs - The belief that our community has what we need to survive and be prosperous and healthy (goods, services, recreation, desirable social interaction activities etc.).
• Shared emotional connection -This is a sense of community and quality of interactions 

Another study "the Soul of the Community Project" conducted in 26 communities across the nation by the Knight Foundation and Gallup (2010) looked at those factors that facilitate "community attachment". This study found that those communities with the highest levels of community attachment also had the highest rates of growth in the local gross domestic product.

The 10 community characteristics that most influenced community attachment (in order of importance) were: social offerings, openness, aesthetics, education, and basic services,  leadership, economy, safety, social capital, and civic involvement.
So the letter writer found an attachment to his community not just based on caring but on other factors that he/she may not be aware. What do you think makes a "good community?"