Think twice

With the Canadian dollar now trading at par, or even above, the U.S. greenback, the temptation for district residents to stream over the border in search of bargains is strong—and understandable.
After all, who doesn’t want to stretch their hard-earned money as far as possible?
The troubling downside, of course, is the very real danger of our local business community being swept away by the mad stampede across the bridge.
This certainly isn’t the first time our business sector has faced the threat of outshopping (remember “Captain Canada” during the early 1990s?) But while businesses have to do their share by offering competitive prices and excellent customer service, or finding their own market niche, consumers also need to think twice before taking their wallets elsewhere.
A strong retail sector means more taxes for the town coffers, which, in turn, means more money to repair our roads and aging sewer system, and to operate top-notch facilities like the Memorial Sports Centre, Sorting Gap Marina, and newly-refurbished museum.
Just as important is the jobs local stores provide to residents, whether it’s the main bread-winner of the family, a spouse, or our kids. No jobs means more families moving away and fewer coming in—exacerbating our already dwindling population.
Then there’s all the support the local business community provides to all the various causes around town, whether it’s donating items for the silent auction at the Ducks Unlimited banquet, buying tables at a Riverside Foundation for Health Care function, or sponsoring a minor hockey team, a “tour de Fort” performance, or a duo competing in the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
Venturing across the river may save a buck—but at what cost?