Save 20% every time you shop local in Oshawa!
Whether you are buying fresh food from a northern farm stand in Ward 1 or picking up a gift in downtown Oshawa, the new Oshawa Community Card is designed to keep more money in your pocket.
It works just like a normal pre-paid VISA or Mastercard, but with a major benefit: residents can buy the card at a 20% discount, and it can only be used at local, independent Oshawa businesses. For example, if you buy a $100 card, it only costs you $80.
This program makes healthy, local produce and local services more affordable than the big multi-national chains. It helps you save money up-front, helps our local farmers and shop owners grow, and keeps our money right here in our community.
Read more to see how we can make this happen.
The Oshawa Community Card is a simple idea with a massive impact. Our local independent businesses and farmers have faced tough times. At the same time, the cost of living is rising for all of us. This card addresses both problems at once.
How it Works for You You buy the pre-paid card at a 20% discount. You then use it just like a regular payment card at any approved local, independent business. Because the discount happens when you buy the card, the business still gets the full price for their goods. You save money, and the business stays strong.
How it Works for Businesses There is no complicated red tape. If an independent business or farm meets the rules, they just register their normal payment machine. They do not need to buy new equipment if they already process card payments.
Keeping Our Money in Oshawa When we spend money at huge, out-of-town corporate chains, most of that money leaves our city forever. Studies across Canada show that local independent businesses keep up to 63 cents of every dollar right here in the community, while large multi-national chains keep as little as 14 cents (More details here). By choosing local, we can create a stronger, thriving Oshawa.
How We Fund It We must fund this program without putting any burden on residential taxpayers.
Currently, commercial taxes in Durham Region are about 16.5% below the average of comparable municipalities. I am looking into fair ways to adjust commercial property categories so that massive, out-of-town corporate giants pay their fair share to help fund this discount.
However, I know that commercial leases can be complicated, and we have to be careful that corporate landlords do not simply pass a tax increase down to their independent tenants. Because of this, I am actively investigating the available legal and financial tools to insulate our local independent businesses.
Whether we use targeted rebates through Community Improvement Plans, zoning changes, or other creative funding options entirely, my commitment is to find a responsible solution. We can support our local shops and save you money, without asking residents or local independent business owners to foot the bill.
Together, we can support our northern farms, boost our downtown shops, and make life more affordable for everyone.