Uncover hidden gems and unbeatable deals at Owen Sound’s beloved Boutique Outlet.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
and charities in owen sound!
Discover unique gifts close to home in the Owen Sound River District .
2024 CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Holiday Pop-Pp Magic: unites local artisans, shoppers,
DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED: BOUTIQUE OUTLET
Step inside the Boutique Outlet, where every visit is a treasure hunt! With two floors filled with unique giftware, home décor, and apparel for all ages, in this one-of-a-kind store.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS AT HERITAGE
PLACE
Discover how this local shopping centre supports small businesses, charities, and nonprofits with its annual Christmas Pop-Up Store initiative.
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2024 CCC INCLUSIVE GROWTH AWARDS
Local Chef Zach Keeshig, Naagan wins for Underrepresented Entrepreneur. Recognizing entrepreneurs who are breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive economy.
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NEW MEMBERS
Look whose joined us! Read up on the new members of the Chamber.
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Discover unique gifts and memorable experiences, support local artisans, and build community cheer in the charming River District this holiday season.
Downtown’s retail scene is alive and bustling with shoppers. Amid challenges, it’s thriving— showcasing resilience, variety, and a true community spirit, even as new developments emerge on the city’s edges.
THE BOUTIQUE OUTLET A STORE FOR ALL SEASONS AND REASONS
Shopping at the Peckham family’s Boutique Outlet is always an exciting adventure. You never know what treasure you will discover when you walk through its doors. This one of a kind emporium, located on the sunset strip of Highway 21 in Owen Sound, offers two FULL floors of unique giftware, home décor, furniture and apparel. It’s well worth visiting, even if you do not make a purchase. But with the popular store’s ever changing selection of products - some substantial, others funky, all good value - the odds are high that you will not leave empty handed. The welcoming space is bursting at its seams with bargains that you didn’t even know you wanted. That’s a big part of the charm.
Customers flock to the Boutique Outlet year round and many return regularly, bringing their friends with them. Specialty items sell out quickly and frequently there are lineups at the front door and at checkout. What is behind this evident success? Discussion with Whitney Peckham, the store’s hands-on owner, suggests that not just one thing keeps customers coming back. It’s a combination of many enticing components.
As its name communicates, the Boutique Outlet’s defining element is that it caters to both bargain seekers and to those shoppers wanting on trend fashions. Most of the store is packed with an eclectic array of daily bargains conveniently arranged by department including giftware, housewares and home décor. As well, there are two high quality boutiques. One specializes in fashionable women’s apparel while the Little Boutique has a broad product offering of stylish and affordable Children’s attire. A third boutique is taking shape so that men’s clothing needs are not forgotten
If wide product choice and diversity is the Boutique Outlet’s core ingredient, creative marketing is its special sauce. There’s hardly a day without one or more special events, activities, giveaways or promotions taking place. Fashion Fridays, Toonie Tuesdays, an Easter colouring contest, and the annual Summer Parking Lot Party are among the fun promotional highlights. The biggest of all is the Annual Open House in mid-November which kicks off the store’s busy Christmas season. Special discounts are offered on the countdown of each of the 12 days of Christmas.
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OUTLOOK - Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce
THE BOUTIQUE OUTLET - continued
Toonie Tuesdays are especially fun and enticing. Each Tuesday a new unique product is offered for just two dollars. Some items are quite practical (but always with a touch of whimsical flair) like a weekly desk planner, spring garden pruners, summer flip flops, Thanksgiving turkey spoons and Christmas oven mitts. Others are more off-the-wall like sushi-themed puzzles, plaid mugs and a regular variety of gnome themed decorations. (How many gnomes are lurking in Owen Sound?) All are great bargains, and they fly off the shelves.
The Boutique Outlet’s marketing genius spills over to and is reinforced by their formidable social media presence on Facebook and particularly on Instagram. Most weeks on the Instagram site of “The Great Canadian Boutique Outlet” you can enjoy Whitney and one or more members of her nine person team happily modelling apparel for sale on Fashions Fridays. Their infectious enthusiasm and dedication to customer service are other winning dimensions of the burgeoning store’s success. Exemplary too is the Boutique Outlet’s community engagement in supporting worthy causes including the Women’s Center Grey Bruce, a number of local charities and youth sports teams.
Whitney’s mother, Krista MacKinnon is a key full-time staff member. She joined her daughter at the Boutique Outlet after a
38 year hospital career. Her husband Jeff chips in regularly too with his much-appreciated financial prowess.
Theo and Whitney Peckham acquired the then-named Great Canadian Retail Outlet in January 2020 from Herman and Heather Janssen who were looking for continuity and a succession plan. It was Whitney’s initiative to add a boutique focus, inspired by her fashion/design/ marketing training at the prestigious Blanche MacDonald Centre in Vancouver. Prior to the store acquisition Whitney honed her skills at Owen Sound’s Shoppers Clothing owned by Bernie Fishman, who was an inspiring mentor. “Often when I’m coping with a retail challenge, I ask myself ‘what would Bernie do’ and it works every time”, she smiles.
Theo Peckham is an outstanding athlete who starred in the OHL with the Attack and in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and its affiliate teams. He divides his time between the Boutique Outlet, the Theo Peckham Hockey School and the PWRFADE Golf Simulator, which he owns.
Theo and Whitney live in nearby Tara with their three young children. We are fortunate to have this hard-working, caring family in our community.
EXPERT COLUMN SUBMITTED
BY: KIM FOLLIS
FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE: IT’S IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE
We can all benefit from boosting our financial knowledge.
But what is financial “knowledge”? There’s no single definition, but the term certainly covers these areas:
• Saving – Most of us would probably agree that saving money is important, but actually doing it can be challenging given all the expenses of modern living. Still, techniques are available that everyone can follow, such as having money automatically moved each month from a checking account to a financial account that’s not used for daily expenses.
• Budgeting – Budgeting is an important foundation - and it’s easier than ever, given the variety of budgeting tools available online. By tracking your spending every month and organizing it into categories, you may be able to find areas where you can cut back, such as on streaming services you rarely use.
• Borrowing – Virtually all of us carry some type of debt at various times in our lives. But it’s important to manage your debt load so it doesn’t become too burdensome. One way of achieving this goal is to use “good” debt wisely — such as a low-rate mortgage on your home — and avoid “bad” debt — such as high-rate credit cards used for unnecessary purchases.
• Investing – As you go through life, you’ll likely have a variety of financial goals, such as buying a home, sending your children to school or attaining a comfortable retirement lifestyle. To achieve these goals, you’ll need to invest for them. That’s why it’s important to learn about different types of investments and how to develop an investment strategy that’s appropriate for your objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon.
We aren’t born with these skills — we have to learn them. Unfortunately, as valuable as they are, they aren’t widely taught to young people, creating an acute need to upgrade one’s financial knowledge later in life.
According to our recent survey, most Canadians feel they did not receive an adequate level of financial education during their time in school with 64% saying they did not learn about money management in school, 23% saying it was touched on but they didn’t learn much, and 41% saying they learned nothing about it at all. This situation may be changing, though, as many provinces are now requiring or recommending personal finance education before high school graduation.
If you are interested in broadening, or brushing up on your financial knowledge, we invite you or a loved one to take advantage of our complimentary Financial Fitness for Canadians program. Our program features short, interactive online courses that you can access anytime, anywhere. Topics include debt management, buying a home, the basics of Canadian income taxes, and how to have conversations with family about money. These are available to Canadians of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more visit edwardjones.ca/financial-fitness.
You might also find it valuable to work with an Edward Jones financial advisor — someone who will take a holistic approach to your finances and make appropriate recommendations based on your unique and personal financial circumstances. Reach out to me to see how we do money differently and how I can help you reach your financial goals.
Kim Follis
COMMUNITY MATTERS AT HERITAGE PLACE
As our economic challenges persist, socially responsible Canadian companies are looking beyond their financial bottom lines for impactful ways to give back to their communities. It’s a daunting task but one local company, Heritage Place Shopping Centre, stands out for its exemplary achievements in helping others. Their third annual Christmas Community Pop Up Store initiative joins a long list of other imaginative year-round events and activities they support to assist local residents, charities, non-profits and businesses.
But just what is a community pop up store? Simply put, it’s a temporary retail store that “pops-up” for a limited time period to achieve a particular community-based goal. In the case of Heritage Place, their goal is to give small businesses chosen from the local community the opportunity to pop up in the Shopping Centre with full access, at no cost, to a furnished storefront to showcase and sell their products. This year 26 small businesses were chosen from over 70 applicants to set up shop on a designated Christmas weekend in one of two prime locations at the hub of the Shopping Centre close to Santa and Heritage Place’s majestic Cook’s pine tree. Not far away is the “Toy Box Headquarters” that Heritage Place provides to local firefighters and the Salvation Army who partner annually to ensure that every local child has a gift at Christmas.
Among this year’s successful applicants, Bluewater Lavender Farm is back again. Holiday shoppers enjoy the fragrance of five varieties of English and French lavender melded into the Farm’s candles, soaps, body butter and even honey.
Northern Fabrication will also be returning but with an expanded presence. The company’s handcrafted metal products
have proved so popular that they will be available to see and buy for several weeks in December. Among their unique creations are wall, home and garden décor; holiday decorations, fire rings; tree buddies; and signage.
Special this year is the pop up opportunity to delve into the creativity of six Owen Sound Community Artists, explore their art and take home unique treasures like paintings, glass jewelry and handmade wood creations. These include some pieces proudly crafted by artisans trained by the REACH Centre a self-funded charity committed to enriching the lives of youth and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Heritage Place’s Pop Up initiative is the brainchild of Meghan Switzer, Marketing Coordinator at the Shopping Centre since 2021. Coping with Covid-related restrictions to “normal” shopping behaviour from the first day of her employment conditioned Meghan to think outside the box. She is delighted that widespread positive feedback confirms that hosting Community Pop Up Shops at Christmastime been a resounding success at many levels. The chosen small retailers get to raise their profile and sell their wares. Holiday shoppers have a wider range of choices with a special local flair, which adds to a feeing of community and Christmas cheer. Heritage Place’s tenant stores welcome the extra clients attracted by the newcomers. And, of course, Heritage Place itself benefits from the hustle and bustle of a flourishing indoor retail marketplace. Community focused holiday experiences can go a long way to building and sustaining customer loyalty far beyond the peak season.
The Heritage Place Shopping Centre is a 306,543 square foot enclosed mall situated on approximately 37.5 acres on 16th Street East in Owen Sound. It is the only enclosed shopping centre in Grey and Bruce Counties. Originally developed by Cadillac Fairview in 1987, the Shopping Centre and land was purchased by the family-owned Sterling Group in 2020 - just in time for the pandemic! Food Basics, Giant Tiger, Leon’s, Goodlife Fitness and Sport Chek are the anchor tenants. Coles, Northern Reflections, and Tip Top Tailors have the longest tenure. Heritage Place is administered by a 13 person team, including Switzer, headed up by Property Manager Stephanie Whalley.
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EXPERT COLUMN A YEAR OF PROGRESS: OWEN SOUND’S INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN 2024
From the desk of Mayor Ian Boddy
As Mayor of Owen Sound, I’m pleased to highlight some of the City’s remarkable accomplishments and investments from this past year. From forging innovative industry alliances to revitalizing infrastructure and public services, Owen Sound is embracing a holistic approach to sustainable growth and development.
Collaborative Partnerships Driving Progress
The City has established significant partnerships that are driving it into a new era of opportunity. One such alliance is with the Southern Ontario Isotope Coalition, positioning Owen Sound at the forefront of cutting-edge medical isotope production - an industry with immense potential for healthcare and economic advancement.
The City’s longstanding relationship with the YMCA was also recently renewed through a 20-year operational agreement. The YMCA enhances the quality of life for citizens by promoting health, wellness, and community engagement. Additionally, a new 10-year lease agreement secures the future of the beloved Owen Sound Attack hockey team, which contributes greatly to local tourism and the economy.
Showcasing Owen Sound’s Charm
Recognized as a Tree City of the World, Owen Sound is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, thanks to its natural beauty and a growing roster of events. The annual Cars and Coffee gathering and community-building events like the Hottest Street Sale, Holiday Magic, and the unique Just Say Yes Valentine’s Day weddings all help to attract visitors and showcase the City’s vibrant spirit.
In 2024, the City also hosted an abundance of community-building events, such as a co-hosting a regional job fair, combined Arts, Culture and Volunteer Awards, the 2024 local Sports Hall of Fame inductions, the Citizen’s Police Academy and a Junior Firefighting training program for young students, which filled quickly.
Modernizing Services and Infrastructure
Keeping pace with technological advancements, Owen Sound has made significant strides in improving its online city services, offering residents streamlined access to permits, licenses and reporting tools. Owen Sound Transit has also adopted a realtime tracking Transit App, offering riders accurate pick-up predictions, simple trip planning, service notifications, step-by-step navigation, and trip reminders.
Infrastructure upgrades remain a key priority, with investments in road improvements, public spaces like the Bayshore Community Centre and Art Gallery accessibility improvements, and safety initiatives like security cameras in the River District. These enhancements not only improve daily life for residents but also make the city more attractive to potential investors and new businesses.
Shared Costs for Shared Services
Recognizing the need for collaborative regional solutions, Owen Sound has established mutually beneficial cost-sharing agreements with neighbouring municipalities. This includes providing fire prevention services with Georgian Bluffs, shared access to the leaf and yard waste site for Owen Sound, Meaford and Georgian Bluffs residents, and sharing court security and prisoner transportation costs with the County of Grey.
Looking to the Future: The 2050 Vision Project
An exciting end to 2024 is looking ahead to Owen Sound’s commitment to long-term planning through its Future Owen Sound—2050 Vision project. This initiative engages residents, businesses and experts to chart a strategic course for the City’s future, addressing key areas such as economic development, environmental sustainability and quality of life.
I’m proud to share that Owen Sound is developing through community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful leadership. By balancing innovation with its historical roots, the city is experiencing meaningful growth and contributing to the regional landscape.
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT: WHY SHOPPING LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON MATTERS
When you picture the holiday season, do you see images of cozy, snow-covered towns and festive lights lining every street? If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies, you know the warmth these scenes evoke—a sense of belonging and hope. But this holiday spirit isn’t limited to TV; it’s right here in our own community. Shopping local during the holidays isn’t just about ticking items off a list. It’s about building connections, supporting our friends and neighbours, and filling the season with genuine cheer.
Small businesses put time and care into sourcing their goods, often prioritizing Canadian and even Grey Bruce-made products. By keeping purchases within the community, we’re not only finding meaningful gifts but also strengthening our local economy. Each item on the shelves is specially selected for the unique tastes of local shoppers, making each purchase feel personal and heartfelt. When you find that one-of-a-kind gift in a local shop, you’re not only giving someone special a thoughtfully chosen gift but also supporting your own community.
If you haven’t been to the River District lately, here’s a quick glimpse into the incredible variety of shops and experiences you can discover, offering that Hallmark holiday charm in person:
• Bath & Beauty Specialty Goods for the self-care specialist: Handmade, local bath and beauty products await, with options for scent-free or custom scents and refillable bottle programs.
• Eco-Friendly & Vintage Clothing for the conscious consumer: From sustainable options to high-quality vintage pieces, find clothing that aligns with both your values and style.
• Family Games & Puzzles for the playful competitor: For those who bond over games, explore shops offering board games and puzzles. Some stores even let you try out a game before you buy it, making sure it’s a perfect fit.
• Licensed Sports Merchandise for the biggest fan: From apparel to equipment, shop for super fans and athletes alike, including gear supporting local youth sports.
• Home Décor for the aspiring interior stylist: Whether you’re shopping for candles or hosting essentials, discover
BY VIVECA GRAVEL
beautifully curated pieces that might just inspire a whole home makeover!
• Personalized Toy Shopping for the young at heart: Get a helping hand from a long-established toy store, adding a personal touch to every selection.
• Art & Hobbies for the creative maker: Explore stores offering everything from art supplies to running gear so you can give something truly unique.
Supporting local means, you can check off your shopping list in one place, ensuring quality and convenience without sacrificing personal connection. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, you don’t even have to move your car because the River District has you covered:
• Handcrafted Beverages for the coffee connoisseur: Indulge in specialty drinks made fresh to order with local beans, including a few brands unique to our cafes.
• Cupcakes & Pastries for the lover of baked goods: From neighborhood bakeries to coffee shops, satisfy your sweet tooth with treats made fresh on-site.
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Team BDO Adam Vanderduim, Traci Smith, Angela Johnston, Greg Blokland
Bounce hole sponsor Jamie Heimbecker, Ruth Owler
Team Royal Bank David Marshall , Adam Clark
TG Group: Taylor Graham, Calvin Peters, Andrew Haefling, Greg McArthur
BNI Sound Network hole sponsors, Paul Ohem, Jenna Longahie
Thank you to our Title Sponsor Scotiabank Shannon McGregor, Rhonda White, Emily Weller, Luke White
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Business development bank of Canada Mitchell Davidson
Team Meridian, Nigel Samaroo, Steve Brown, Jeff Brown, Mark Ostland
Sponsored by Boston Pizza, Belinda Bowler, Chamber CEO Diane Austin
Team Enbridge: Garret Townsend, Dan Jones, Craig Dickett, Derrick Cunningham
Hole Sponsor Schooley Mitchell Miguel Cardenas
Marshmallow Drive Untied Way Bruce Grey, Francesca Dobbyn, Kristy Andre
SEASONS GREETINGS to our Members
As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for being such a vital part of our community.
Your hard work, resilience, and commitment have helped make Owen Sound a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.
The holiday season is a time for reflection and celebration. As we look back on a year of growth and progress, we also celebrate the businesses like yours that make our community strong.
We’re grateful for your support and proud to have you as part of the Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce family.
May this season bring you joy, success, and memorable moments with loved ones. Here's to a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year filled with new opportunities and shared successes.
Happy Holidays to you and your team!
2024 CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF THE INCLUSIVE GROWTH
2024 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Announces Recipients of the Inclusive Growth Awards: Local Chef Zach Keeshig, Naagan Wins Underrepresented Entrepreneur
Halifax, October 19, 2024 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Inclusive Growth Awards, celebrating organizations and entrepreneurs across Canada who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). The awards recognize chambers of commerce, boards of trade, their members, and underrepresented entrepreneurs who are breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive economy.
This year’s honourees represent a wide spectrum of industries and regions, highlighting the breadth of DEIA efforts taking place across the country. From supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to championing 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, each recipient has shown a deep commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Local Chef Zach Keeshig wins 2024 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Inclusive Growth Award for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs.
A proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation at Cape Croker Reserve, Zach Keeshig is revolutionizing the culinary world with his innovative approach to Indigenous cuisine. Chef Keeshig is the creative force behind Naagan, an exclusive 17-seat dining room at the Owen Sound Farmers Market. As a passionate educator and advocate for Indigenous culture, Chef Keeshig offers local tours and classes for Indigenous youth, fostering a deep connection to their heritage and teaching sustainable living practices. His commit-
ment to cultural preservation and education extends to consulting on menu curation, ingredient sourcing, and promoting Indigenous-owned businesses for hotels, event planners, and destinations.
Celebrating the Inclusive Growth Award recipients is more than just an acknowledgment; it’s a testament to the powerful change-makers who are continuously challenging the status quo. Their innovative approaches to diversity and inclusion are not only transforming their communities but also setting a bold standard for businesses nationwide.
Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
EXPERT COLUMN CAREGIVER BURNOUT: HOW AT-HOME CARE CAN HELP ALLEVIATE THE STRAIN
Caregiving is a gratifying but equally demanding role, often leading to caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout is defined as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, and can occur when the demands of caring for a loved one—be it an elderly parent, a spouse, or a disabled family member—become overwhelming. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, irritability, withdrawal from social activities, and even depression. Unfortunately, many caregivers don’t recognize the signs of burnout until they are already deeply entrenched, risking their health and well-being in the process. For these individuals, at-home care services can provide a lifeline, offering support that helps with Caregiver burnout while enhancing the quality of care for the patient.
Understanding Caregiver Burnout
The role of a caregiver often extends beyond typical working hours, Caregivers may handle daily tasks such as feeding, bathing, and managing medications, but still have personal responsibilities like work, family, and household chores. Over time, the stress can become overwhelming, especially if the caregiver feels unprepared or unsupported.
Burnout is not just about fatigue; it affects the caregiver’s mental and emotional state. A once-patient and loving individual may become easily frustrated, detached, or even resentful.
How At-Home Care Can Help
At Woodley Care Services we are a solution that can alleviate the burden on family caregivers while ensuring loved ones continue to receive quality care. These services range from basic
support, such as meal preparation and housekeeping, to more specialized care like medication management, transportation to and from appointments, companionship, and medical monitoring for chronic conditions. By sharing the load, at-home care offers several key benefits.
Hiring professional caregivers to take over some or all of the day-to-day responsibilities can allow family members to step back and focus on their well-being. Even a few hours of help per week can make a significant difference, allowing caregivers time to recharge, and prevent burnout before it happens.
At Woodley Care Service we can tailor our services to meet the specific needs of the individual being cared for to ensure that the patient receives focused and attentive care. This can help relieve the family caregiver from tasks they may find physically or emotionally taxing.
At Woodley Care Services we allow families to select options that best suit their needs. Whether the care is part-time, fulltime, or occasional respite care. We provide continuity of care without overwhelming the family, allowing caregivers to take breaks, maintain their personal lives, and return to their caregiving role with renewed energy.
Caregiver burnout is a serious and often overlooked consequence of long-term caregiving. It affects both the caregiver’s health and the quality of care provided. At Woodley Care Services we offer a solution by sharing the caregiving load, providing tailored and professional support, and allowing family caregivers to maintain their well-being.
Knowing that a loved one is in good hands provides immense peace of mind, reducing anxiety and emotional strain.
NEW MEMBER PROFILES BY SAVANNAH DAWSON
OWEN SOUND FLIGHT SERVICES
Owen Sound Flight Services offers flight training, sightseeing, and air charter services in Southwestern Ontario. Certified by Transport Canada, OSFS provides education for recreational and career pilot licenses. Enjoy scenic flights with friends or charter a plane for efficient, costeffective travel to destinations like Ottawa.
Paula Buerger is a Financial Advisor helping families get the life insurance they need to protect from financial hardship. Dedicated to providing personal service in life, critical illness, group health & dental insurance. Investment and retirement planning. RRSP’s and TFSA. She is contracted with major insurance carriers: Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life and more. Contact: Paula Buerger paula@buergerfinancial.com https://buergerfinancial.com
ALL IN 1 ENTERTAINMENT
All in 1 Entertainment is Owen Sound’s premier bowling alley, offering family-friendly fun with stateof-the-art lanes, a vibrant atmosphere, and a range of activities for all ages. Perfect for parties, leagues, or casual outings. All in 1 Entertainment brings the community together for strikes, laughs, and unforgettable entertainment experiences.
Contact: John Schrurr theosbowlingalley@gmail.com www.thebowlingalleyowensound.com
SOUNDSIDE MEDICAL ESTHETICS
Soundside Medical Aesthetics in Owen Sound offers advanced services, including injectables, medicalgrade skincare, chemical peels, and microneedling. Led by Nurse Megan, with over a decade of industry experience, including the areas of medical aesthetics, dermatology, facial plastics, and business management, the clinic emphasizes evidence-based, personalized care to enhance each patient’s natural beauty.
At Sugar Dust Baking everything we bake small batches from scratch. We are family-owned & female operated and have been in business for just over 5 years. We make items ranging from delicious cookies and squares to richer cheesecakes & custom cupcakes. Bagels are a hit right now being made Wednesdays & Fridays. We can’t wait to meet you!
Onyx Smart Security is your trusted partner in safeguarding what matters most. Offering a wide range of solutions, including security cameras, signage, power supplies, intercoms, alarm systems, and so much more. Onyx delivers cutting-edge technology and expert service to ensure comprehensive protection for your home or business.
Willie’s Sports & More is your onestop shop for all fishing and hockey needs. Whether you’re targeting bass, pike, or walleye, they offer a full range of fishing gear. Additionally, they provide top-quality hockey equipment, accessories, and apparel to elevate your game on and off the ice.
Contact: Bill Slot bill_slot@willissportsandmore.ca https://shopwillies.ca
AT LAST FOREST SCHOOLS
At Last Forest Schools offers education through play, exploration, and supported risk-taking, fostering children’s confidence, resilience, and connection to nature. Their programs create strong communities where children thrive, develop critical life skills, and build lasting relationships. They believe in learning by doing, empowering children to grow and succeed.
Contact: Debbie Val atlastforestschools@gmail.com https://www.atlastforestschools.com
AFTER HOURS FINANCIAL
After Hours Financial provides expert bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services to help businesses stay organized. With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, they manage your financials so you can focus on growth. Trust their dedicated team to handle the details, ensuring your finances are always in good hands. Contact: Bill Slot bill@afterhoursfinancial.ca https://afterhoursfinancial.ca
KIDSERVICES GREY-BRUCE
KidServices Grey-Bruce is dedicated to empowering children and families with essential skills and knowledge. They offer a range of programs, including safety courses, babysitting training, workshops, and educational sessions, designed to foster confidence, responsibility, and personal growth, ensuring a safer, more informed community for all.
Founded in 1999, Jeff Walking Plumbing & Heating has built a reputation as a leader in the residential housing market. Known for exceptional quality and unparalleled customer care. They specialize in plumbing and heating solutions, ensuring reliable service, efficiency, and long-lasting results for homeowners throughout the community.
Arbello Creative is a husband-wife duo based out of Colpoy’s Bay Ontario that specializes in the design and custom laser engraved creations. From outdoor signage to marketing materials (tumblers, keychains etc.) to home decor (wall art, custom maps, coasters etc.) we are a one-stop shop when it comes to creating unique, personalized pieces.
Contact: Anthony & Rebecca Perusello arbellocreative@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ arbellocreative
JUST SAYING BY DAVE CARR
Come on, baby, let’s go Downtown
“I can get it for you wholesale!”
Do you know who used to say that in some rare moments of my lifetime? Retailers, that’s who; some of the best retailers, “best” because you’d been shopping with them for the longest time.
I was downtown on a Saturday not so long ago. With a bit of a mobility issue, I don’t just get onto the main street as often as I should. But what struck me was simply how busy it was, really bustling with people. I think I was a bit nonplussed because to hear people talk, downtown Owen Sound just has too many issues for anyone to want to be there.
Well, poppycock.
Oh my yes, there are issues to be resolved as there are with downtowns across the land, but what I saw, what drew my eye was not problems, but shoppers, people availing themselves of the goods and services this community has to offer.
I was taught a trick a long time ago by Eamon Kelly, the first manager of the Heritage Place Shopping Centre (not a “mall”, they always used to emphasize); on main street, or in a mall, or anywhere, don’t just see the people – look for the bags. The bags mean they bought something. And on that Saturday, folks on The Scenic City’s main street had bags. They were shopping. I didn’t see the “issues”, not that morning.
One of the things about Owen Sound, mainly downtowners, is a kind of wringing of hands through the years about the incursion of any new retail development outside the core. This goes back to 1970-71 and the creation of the Grey
County Mall out on the Sunset Strip (where the Galaxy Cinemas are today), for you “newcomers”. “The ruin of Owen Sound” was the downtown theme.
You heard it again in the 1980s when the shopping centre fight was on, the city wrestling with ideas of a downtown covered pedestrian mall on 2nd Avenue East from 10th Street north towards the A & P (Metro) or a new “mall” development out on the fringe or town. “The ruin of main street, either one” was again the lament (Heritage Place clearly won out!) And it surfaces with the ongoing expansion of the box stores on the east hill. (By the way, if we have a Sunset Strip, why isn’t that the Sunrise Strip? I’m just musing….)
What has happened is that each new burst of retail shopping opportunity has generally brought new customers to the entire community. Owen Sound has always benefitted from a core market region, growing and expanding in the decades since Woolco first opened; people sensing more shopping opportunities came from further afield, and as long as they’d come this far, “we might as well go see what’s downtown”.
Take a dull, cloudy, maybe rainy day in the summer; you cannot move on the city’s main thoroughfares for one simple reason. The folks at the beach, at the cottage, understand it’s time to go to Owen Sound and shop. “Can’t go in the water? Let’s go into the city; I need to refill my prescriptions.”
I can’t think of too much I can’t get in Owen Sound’s collective retail facets, from art to light bulbs to books to hockey cards to furniture. I can buy shoes and get my computer fixed and get my lottery tickets and buy water and I can eat. I can buy a bible; I can buy a cigar.
The city has not stood still, despite how we point to our population signs. The market area is booming. People keep coming. I know this is a broad generalization, but it works – at least from where I sit.
But hey – enough of that; I have to go get cat food.
COMMUNITY MATTERS - continued
Heritage Place is a long time member of the Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce. As the Community Pop Up Store initiative demonstrates, the Shopping Centre is actively supportive of the Chamber’s ongoing promotion of Owen Sound’s private sector.
Established in 1998, the Quebec-based Sterling Group today owns and manages over 1.7 million square feet of real estate distributed over 70 properties. The Group’s portfolio, largely concentrated in Eastern Canada, is made up of a mix of shopping malls, including Heritage Place, unenclosed power centres and strip malls, office buildings and industrial buildings. The Group has also invested in strategic parcels of land and is currently holding in excess of 840 acres of land for greenfield development. The Sterling Group’s deep-rooted family values are evident in Heritage Place’s compelling corporate citizenship.
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT - continued
• High-End Cuisine for the particular palate: Show off your town to visiting family by making a reservation at one of our fine dining spots, where local ingredients make every course shine.
• Global Flavors, a world of cuisine in one place: Whatever you’re craving, there’s something for everyone—from homestyle cooking to sushi, Mexican, Caribbean, and more, at every price point.
Maybe buying stuff isn’t what you are looking for. The River District is packed with experiences and ways to gift a little fun and self-care:
• Spa & Salon for the lover of self care: Treat yourself or a loved one to a spa day, with plenty of spots offering pampering services from nails to skincare.
• Classes & Experiences: Give the gift of experience with classes in pottery, painting, woodworking, and more. Or take a class together for memories that last beyond the holidays.
The River District has so many gems, each offering something truly special, created with care by owners invested in our community. This holiday season let’s fill our shopping bags and our
hearts by supporting local businesses—because nothing makes spirits brighter than celebrating the season right here at home.
Rediscover the River District: owensoundriverdistrict.ca or @RiverDistrictOS
