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NEWS SHOPPING LOCAL MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER: Continued from page 1 cil,” he said, noting it will bring 169 units to the down- town core. "Once complete, it will add to the vibrancy of downtown Georgetown continuing to support toca businesses as they pivot yet again in the faceof new pandemic restrictions was echoed by Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce ex- ecutive director Melanie "Businesses are still re- ally uncertain about what the next six weeks will bring, let alone the next 52," she said, noting she hopes to see more financial supports delivered by the provincial and federal gov- ernments for businesses that are once again operat- ing at reduced capacity. With many businesses now also saddled with debt they've accumulated to stay afloat since March 2020, the message to shop local this year is more im- portant than ever, noted Frazer. And while some inde- their doors locally for the first time during the pan- demic — a trend she ex- ie "| do feel like there's this hope coming up over the horizon, we just need to get there.” - Melanie Frazer, Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce executive director Pects to continue this year. "I think it (the pandem- ic) has caused a it of peo- ple to re- evalua where they're wo these new businesses that are popping up, you can re- ally see that these are peo- ple's life passions," she said, pointing to 70 Below Treats, which was opened last year by chef Courtney Stanley in downtown Ac- ton, as an example. And with projects like the McGibbon moving ahead and bringing resi- dents to downtown George- town, Frazer is optimistic that there are better times ahead for local businesses. "I do feel like there's this hope coming up over the horizon, we just need to get there." Similarly, Bonnette said town has “a lot of irons inthe fire" when it comes to Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. business growth, with 27 potential leads for compa- nies that could come to Hal- ton Hills. MARKETPLACE DENTAL _ 280 Guelph St A Georgetown Market Place) 905-877-CARE (22 ) * www.georgetowndental.com ere eae Hills Since 1994 Town of Halton Hills photo The municipality is also continuing to focus on for- ign direct investment op- portunities, he said, such as looking at companies in Europe that could invest in Halton Hills, with staff compiling a list of over 50 pre-qualified foreign leads. "We're going to continue pressing to attract more in- dustry, because the more industry we have here, the more sustainable we'll be in the future," said Bon- nette, noting that commer- cial and industrial develop- ments pay a high portion of the town's taxes. On the political front, rovincial and municipal elections set for this year are sure to deliver change locally, with residents hav- ing to choose a new mayor for the first time in almost two decade: Bonnette said it's been “a privilege and an honour" to serve at the helm of council for the past 19 rears, As he prepares to leave office, he intends to keep the municipality on course with delivering services to residents, implementing diversity and equity initia- town budget come to frui- tion. "There's lots to look for- ward to in the new year, and it's hopefully going fo be the end of the pandemi as we know it today," said Bonnette. But with the coronavi- rus not disappearing any THINKING OF A JOB WORKING IN HEALTHCARE? * Instructor-led ) ADULT LEARNING NORTH HALTON a ‘Ontario + Essential skills to become job-ready NOW + Earn FREE industry recognized certificates + In-person REGISTER NOW FOR FREE CLASSES IN MILTON * Part-time ALNH.CA 905-873-2200 Canada AiHalton FRAZER time soon, he reminde residents to continue being cautious and practise due INH UONEH - dl CUL | 2 diligence. "Everybody's got to pull together and listen to the science table and what the doctors are saying.’ From a local youth per- spective, Lee Day said he expects the pandemic re- strictions and safety pre- cautions like masking to continue for some, if not all, of 2022. a Fy 2 a S s a 3 2 5 2 2 Certain measures that have been implemented throughout the pandemic, such as lockdowns, have been detrimental to some Halton Hills youth, said ay. "I remember some peo- ple felt trapped, especially ifthey livein an unsupport- ive household," the 18-year- old said, noting it would be great if the town could cre- ate a virtual youth cone for support during lockdowns in 2023. that mightreally help some peo- ple." STORY BEHIND THE STORY: As 2022 kicks off and the pandemic contin- ues into its third year, we anted to examine what local residents and officials see coming for Halton Hills over the next 12 months. . SCAN THIS CODE | Bi FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, eordyouy