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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 26 ,2 02 0 | 40 Find local professionals here every Thursday! For advertising information please call 905-234-1018 or email kkosonic@theifp.ca Professionals Ask the 905-877-CARE (2273) DR. ANOOP SAYAL DR. ANOOP SAYAL Family and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Georgetown Marketplace Mall Q: How do I get my kids to brush their teeth? A: You know it's important for your child's health.As a parent, you want to do the right thing.When it comes to regular tooth brushing, though, it's become a struggle just to get your child to brush their teeth. Some parents, unfortunately, give in and allow their children to neglect good oral hygiene. Don't make the mistake! Your children should be taught very early how to brush.This can be encouraged as a regular habit by using some of the flavored children's toothpastes now available.Try to reserve brushing for the same time each day so it comes to be an expected activity. If your child still resists, make a game of it. You may even wish to pretend to be a "dentist" for your child, in the process doing the needed brushing for them. Older children may respond to a reward system that you establish. Perhaps most important, set a good example.Your daily brushing, flossing, and avoidance of sweets will do more to develop good dental habits that anything else. WINDOWS & DOORS VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 11 MOUNTAINVIEW ROAD N., GEORGETOWN, ON L7G 4T3 905-873-0236 www.buy-wise.ca + + Winter Homeowners guide As COVID-era consum- ers embrace the conve- nience and sequestered safety of online shopping, retailers are increasingly tasked to ensure prompt and reliable parcel deliv- ery. Statistics Canada re- ported a record $3.9 billion in e-commerce sales in May, a 2.3 per cent hike over April and a 99.3 per cent increase over Febru- ary. The pre-holiday num- bers are on an upward tra- jectory said the agency, noting Canadians now do 10 per cent of their spend- ing online. The pandemic, causing many brick-and-mortar stores to close, has created massive demand and op- portunity for delivery ser- vices, an industry valued annually at $12 billion na- tionally and $4.5 billion in Ontario. This is a windfall not without challenges for de- livery businesses, said Lin- kEdge Consultancy man- aging partner Brian Meagher. "Holiday delivery issues have been around for a long time," said Meagher who consulted Metroland Media in the planning of its new parcel delivery service launched earlier this month. "There has been a history of early cut-off times and that disappoints many consumers. This year, it could be a significantly big- ger issue for everyone." The fact that almost 50 per cent of consumers will shop online this year to avoid large crowds, and re- tailers want more delivery options, was the genesis to create and launch Metro- land Parcel Services, said Mike Banville, who leads the new service. Metroland, a division of Torstar Corporation, pub- lishes more than 70 com- munity and daily newspa- pers delivered to 70 per cent of Southern Ontario households by a network of 15,000 delivery contractors. Metroland's facility hubs, distribution networks and expertise ideally positions the organization to suc- cessfully extend its servic- es into parcel delivery, said Banville. "Our research and cli- ents tell us e-commerce channel growth has ex- ploded and is largely ex- pected to sustain post-CO- VID. Parcel carriers are struggling to meet service level commitments. Some carriers have inconvenient hard stop deadlines for hol- iday deliveries," he said. "Our new solution is de- signed to deliver a high val- ue premium final mile par- cel delivery experience in Ontario right up to Christ- mas Eve and beyond." Metroland's strategy and parcel delivery com- mitment struck an impor- tant chord with Toys R Us Canada president and CEO Vic Bertrand. "Toys R Us is focused on serving Canadians with what they want, when they want, and how they want it," said Bertrand. "The how is where Metroland comes in." Delivery makes up the majority of Toys R Us e- commerce transactions, followed by pickup and curbside, explained Ber- trand, adding that the ca- pacity constraints on deliv- ery last holiday, and through the pandemic, will persist through this holi- day season. "That's why we're thrilled to be on board with Metroland. Their service is both timely and targeted for our exponential growth in the Golden Horseshoe. Our e-commerce sales have risen triple-digit overall since the pandemic. "Metroland has a unique, high volume distri- bution footprint in Ontario that is well-positioned to respond to our last mile de- livery needs." For information, visit metrolandparcelservices- .ca or email mban- ville@metroland.com. PANDEMIC PLUS HOLIDAY PREP PUTS THE PINCH ON ONLINE SHOPPING Patricia Chambers, 4, with her parents Stephanie Martin, left, Jason Chambers, at home in Whitchurch-Stouffville with the first package delivered by Metroland Parcel Services, Nov. 14. The new venture provides parcel delivery for retailers and distributors. Nick Kozak/Torstar CHRIS TRABER BUSINESS METROLAND MEDIA LAUNCHES NEW DELIVERY SERVICE TO FILL GAP