A summer of support
How you can support local businesses in Nova Scotia this summer
It was a difficult spring for everyone and many small business owners across Nova Scotia were forced to lay off employees, make drastic changes and shut down temporarily.
Monica Maclean with Discover Halifax says they’ve been focusing on ways to encourage locals to support as many businesses as possible right here at home, and they’ve been impressed by how many are taking on the challenge.
“Our businesses have been really innovative about being able to welcome people back in a safe way and Nova Scotians may come to find when a few changes — like masks — when they visit, but it’s great to see people taking it so seriously,” says Maclean. “And the heart and soul of Halifax has not changed.”
From making important decisions about where to eat to exploring places you may not normally go, here are a few easy ways to safely support local businesses this summer across Nova Scotia, so we can be sure those businesses are still around after the pandemic is over.
EAT IN A RESTAURANT
Back in March, April and May, we dreamed about restaurant meals — ahh, the luxury of eating food we didn’t prepare ourselves! — and now they’re open and ready to serve us.
Locally owned restaurants were often hit hard during the prolonged closure, as they don’t have a corporate helping hand like the chains do. Remember, you’re not only supporting the owners of a locally owned restaurant — you’re supporting its servers, cooks, chefs, managers, cleaners, suppliers and everyone else who benefits from you enjoying a meal there.
Maclean suggests calling ahead to see if they have special rules about wearing a mask or making a reservation. Remember that some establishments will need to seat fewer people, so be patient. Many restaurants have opened additional patio spaces, too.
ORDER TAKEOUT OR DELIVERY
Many people were nervous for a long time about the risk of eating anything they hadn’t prepared themselves, after scrubbing down their groceries. While restaurants have reopened and put protective measures in place to protect diners, not everyone is ready to hurry back in. If that’s you, no judgment! Maybe consider supporting a favourite local restaurant with a take-out or delivery order instead — they’ll very much appreciate your business!
SHOP LOCALLY
Some local shops have already closed as a result of the pandemic, and you don’t want your favourite ones to be next. Show your support by making a purchase locally instead of spending your dollars in a big-box store or on Amazon. If you don’t feel comfortable going inside a store, place an order in their online shop or give them a call to arrange a curbside pickup.
BE A TOURIST CLOSE TO HOME
Think of your local tourist hot-spots and see if there’s a way you can throw them a little support during these strange times.
“When you think of the fact that Halifax has approximately 4,000 businesses serving tourists — and, in turn, providing 34,000 local jobs — it speaks volumes to why it’s so important to support our friends and neighbours,” says Maclean. “When you support Halifax and you buy Halifax, you help rebuild Halifax.”
Have you always wanted to go on a guided tour of a specific area, but never made the time for it? What about visiting a locally owned tourist attraction, gift shop or entertainment hub? Even if it’s somewhere you’ve been before, you’ll find something new to appreciate — and you’ll be doing a good deed.
Maclean says the beloved Harbour Hopper (“Ribbit, ribbit!”) has a limited-time offer for locals planning Halifax staycations — 25 per cent off for anyone from the region, on top of the usual 15 per cent discount for locals.
BOOK AN OVERNIGHT VISIT
Spend the day exploring and cap it off by staying overnight in a hotel, cottage or B&B — even if you live close enough to drive home and sleep in your own bed. Think of all the tourists that would normally be supporting the accommodations sector and do what you can to help out.
HAVE AN ADVENTURE
The must-do activities are often crowded with tourists, so this is your chance to try something new without waiting in a long line or needing to book well in advance.
“My husband and I recently did a helicopter trip with Vision Air. It was unbelievable with views of Citadel Hill and a trip around the coastline,” says Maclean. “We were too busy taking in the view to notice our masks and it took nothing away from the experience — which was unforgettable.”