THUNDER BAY – Taking a stroll through the downtown Port Arthur core offers a glimpse that developing the waterfront is making a positive impact already in the area.
There are several new businesses opening up, including an art gallery on Cumberland Street, and a bakery on Court Street.
Along Court Street, the Ruby Moon restaurant in its new location has perked up the area. Restaurateur Lori Paras has added live music, specials and is busy planning a block party.
A little further along Court Street, at the Paramount Theatre, Manager Lily Korhonen is busy getting things ready for Romeo and Juliet this weekend, as well as preparing for a busy fall with lots of classic movies.
If you have not been down to enjoy the Paramount Theatre, the Take Five Café or Wiggles and Giggles, what has been keeping you?
Along Cumberland Street, there are several new shops getting going including an art gallery. The vote of confidence in Thunder Bay by our local business owners is encouraging.
After all, the heart of a city is never found in the big box stores, it is found in our locally owned and operated shops and businesses.
When you are making your choices about where you shop, choosing a locally owned and operated business keeps more of the dollars in our community. The longer a dollar stays and circulates in our city, the more economic benefit we all get.
Thunder Bay has had a rich history of locally owned and operated businesses. Sadly depending on what neighbourhood you tour, a lot of those privately owned companies are now gone.
Losing that diversity and range of products, and seeing it traded for some of the chain stores that are identical in each and every city they are in is not, at least to me, a good trade.
That of course is just my opinion, as always, your mileage may vary.
James Murray
Please feel free to share your favourite local businesses, and why in the comments section.