The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region heard a motion to:
Approve participation in the Shop Local Campaign “Rural Rewards” with neighboring municipalities; and
Receive the Places to Eat, Sleep and Play Brochures for information purposes.
“The township was approached by five different municipalities mostly to our west,” Burton said, saying that the plan was a small ‘Rural Rewards’ card . “This is a small, business-sized card, with five little squares, and when they’re filled in, there’s a local raffle with a gift certificate.”
He said the cost was a $25 gift card, with production cost being around $350 for cards, taken out of operating budget.
He said that it could be prepared as part of the welcome packages, of which there were 120 packages ready to go.
They would include pamphlets that showcase local businesses.
Councillor Jackson asked if people were allowed into the Township office to pick up the cards.
Burton said the office was “as of now closed to the public”, but potentially could open after June 2, when the lockdown is scheduled to end, which might push the start date for the rewards cards to June 3.
Councillor Nicholson asked if this was similar to a Renfrew program from years ago, to which Ivan Burton said that it was similar to a program Bonnechere valley had a year ago.
“I think it’s a great idea and will really bring the community together.” he said.
He also asked if they could bring the Chamber of Commerce together.
Burton said that their next step was to reach out to local businesses.
Nicholson asked how they were going to keep people appraised of the raffle.
Burton said that each municipality would have a draw, and suggested a combined news release from each of the municipalities.
The motion was carried.
