“I can appreciate that it’s a different experience in smaller communities - in the best way,” said Joel Wiebe, Peterborough Chamber. “When you go into the smaller communities around Peterborough County you experience that quaintness that we love about these communities.”
While Wiebe acknowledges how important local businesses are within the city of Peterborough, he points out how unique small businesses that are located outside the city can be.
“They’re not trying to be a big city, you can be so in touch with the people you’re buying from. It has a whole other level of community feel to it,” he said.
“Now more than ever it is very important that people support the small businesses in their community so the businesses can continue to be there for the community in the future,” said Bernadette MacNeil, owner Millbrook Mercantile.
The Millbrook Mercantile is a mix of both retail and culinary products. They source locally whenever possible, and provide everything from health and beauty to gourmet food.
“Because we don’t have any big box stores out here, I think its super important that the community try to get an mush shopping done locally and then if they need, leave whatever big purchases for your Costco runs - just get as much done here and limit your purchases at the bigger stores.”