Ten Ways to Keep Sidney Thriving
Sidney, like many small towns all across North America, continues to evolve. To keep what so many of us love about the town, we each have a part to play in sustaining and contributing the Town’s economic vitality, its outstanding cultural life and its community spirit. So do your part in as many ways as you can.
1. Shop locally. Do as much shopping as possible in downtown Sidney. With just the right combination of boutique and every-day shopping, Sidney has it all.*
2. Use local services. From insurance to financial advice to hairdressing, to health and wellness, dry cleaning, pet grooming and beyond, Sidney’s got world-class services to meet your needs.*
3. Visit local attractions. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Sidney Historical Museum, Community Arts Centre, Mary Winspear Centre, B.C. Aviation Museum, public library, Shoal Centre and Panorama Recreation Centre all offer fun, engaging and fascinating opportunities for relaxation, inspiration, education and friendship. 4. Encourage friends and family to visit Sidney and explore all that Sidney has to offer.
5. Lease an office. Working from home and need more space? Consider leasing an office in downtown Sidney. Contact a local realtor for assistance. 6. Bring a new business to life. Have an idea for a new business? Make it happen in Sidney. Contact the Economic Development Commission (EDC), established by the Town of Sidney. The EDC is in contact with commercial property owners and developers and is eager to attract new ventures to the Town (sidney.ca).
7. Volunteer. Sidney thrives on the efforts of volunteers who roll up their sleeves to make community events, celebrations and attractions hum. It’s a fun way to meet new people and contribute to the vitality of the Town. Opportunities abound: the Sidney Sister Cities Association, Peninsula Celebrations Society, Sidney Information Centre, not-for profit organizations listed above, and many others that provide unique and engaging volunteer opportunities.
8. Promote Sidney and its many offerings at work, in organizations you belong to, at parties, pubs and wherever else the people in your life gather. Some people say that “Sidney is the best kept secret on Vancouver Island.” We’d like to change that to one of the “best kept destinations on Vancouver Island.”
9. Attend community functions. Sidney offers great parades, out-door concerts and other events like Family Day Weekend, Sidney Days, the ArtSea Festival, Treat Street and Christmas in Sidney. Don’t be shy. Come and join the fun and show your community spirit.
10.Stay informed. Read local publications; attend Council and Committee of the Whole meetings; ask questions and get the facts. Share your thoughts with friends, neighbours and colleagues. Be a part of a great community. For information about the Sidney BIA and downtown businesses, take a look at distinctlysidney.ca
*Check out The Sidney Guide and Foldout Map and the Service Sector Directory for a listing of downtown Sidney businesses. Pick one up at 2281 Beacon Ave., or download at: distinctlysidney.ca