Calgary kicks off #SupportLocalYYC for the holiday season

Your small purchases can make a big difference this holiday season.

Local businesses make up the fabric of our communities; the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods and the spine of our local economy. These familiar places and the faces behind them make up the spirit of Calgary, helping us feel connected to our city.

That's why The City of Calgary is kicking off a holiday campaign to encourage Calgarians to support local for the second year in a row. In the lead up to the holiday shopping season and all year round, Calgarians can help local businesses thrive and grow by spending their money here in the city. Last year, the campaign helped to unite our community to support local – this year, it’s even more important for us to band together.

“Calgary businesses need our support now more than ever. The pandemic has hit businesses hard in a time when many were already challenged from a tough economy,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Whether you order online from local companies, shop safely in person, or simply share your favourite Calgary brands and businesses with friends and family, I encourage every Calgarian to #SupportLocalYYC and shop safely this holiday season.”

The City encourages Calgarians to shop locally online where possible, do curbside pickup, and if you’re going into the stores, make sure to wear your mask, keep your distance and maintain good hand hygiene. Businesses are working hard to protect their patrons, and Calgarians need to do the same in return.

These are tough times for everyone, but there are also ways you can support local without spending any money. You can leave positive reviews of the places you love on social media and online or subscribe to your favourite small businesses' mailing list.

Own a business yourself? Our business community has come together in so many ways this year, like mentoring new entrepreneurs, hosting webinars and virtual meetups, and procuring goods from other local businesses.

“As The City, we are focused on being business-friendly over the long term, ensuring we are identifying all opportunities for improvement to City services that will enable our business community to be successful,” says Business and Local Economy Leader Sonya Sharp.

“Together with our partners, we are supporting the business community by creating connections, sharing resources and tools, and highlighting positive stories to inspire the community and spark further innovations that can benefit those in need.”

The City’s Business Sector task force is supporting businesses through COVID-19 by serving as a conduit to the business community to share their immediate needs and find solutions. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, various permit fees for development and building waived for customers have totaled over $1.65 million, with current deferred fees of $816,000 as of Oct 1, 2020.

The City has also partnered with Google Canada and Digital Mainstreets with the ShopHERE program, helping small businesses develop an online presence. The City is continually looking for ways to provide services in the most accessible, timely and integrated way possible.

It truly takes a village - we're stronger when we come together. Learn more about how you can support local at calgary.ca/supportlocal.