Downtown Update
We hope everyone is taking care during these uncertain times. Firstly, we want our visitors to know that as a downtown community our businesses are following mandated protocol and expert recommendations from the Health Department and different levels of government. Here is a breakdown on how COVID is being managed during the State of Emergency in the Downtown District:
- Restaurants, cafes and bars are currently closed but take-out and delivery options are available at select locations.
- Retailers are closed for entry, but many have online options and a offering curbside pickup. Many retailers are in their stores doing inventory for limited hours.
- Fitness, wellness and self-care (salons, spa, therapy) businesses are closed.
- Many business employees are working from home.
If you’re coming downtown to pick something up, we encourage you to call the business ahead. Be conscious that we are to leave our homes for essentials and essential services. Consider coming downtown to get exercise and fresh air, walk or run the riverside path while being mindful of the social distance rule of 2 meters, as exercise is encouraged.
It’s the small businesses who make our Downtown District unique that are feeling the immediate effects during these challenging times and it can be difficult to know how to help or what to do. We have some suggestions below.
How to spread the love for these small businesses
- Patience, understanding and flexibility
- Choose Local First – before shopping on larger marketplaces like Amazon
- shop.downtownbelleville.ca is a great local online shopping alternative. Check it out or make some phone calls before clicking the smiley face.
- Buy a gift card.
- Take a moment to write a positive review on Facebook, Google or Trip Advisor about your favourite local places to do business.
- Create a unique post highlighting an experience you had at a local business. For instance, your shopping haul from the Marketplace.
- Like, share and comment on local business posts.
Thank you for your continued support of the Downtown District 💕
Looking for takeout options?
These downtown restaurants are continuing to offer pickup or delivery. Follow them on social media for updates or give them a call to place an order.
