by Shawn Kearns
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of living and working in Montgomery, it’s that the strength of our community isn’t just in its buildings or parks — it’s in how we show up for one another.
In the past few years, there’s been growing conversation around sustainability. Most of us are now familiar with the environmental side of it: reducing waste, conserving resources, and making greener choices. But there’s another side to sustainability that often gets overlooked — and that’s economic sustainability.
Here’s a stat that surprised even me: when you spend money at a small, local business, about 66 cents of every dollar stays in your local economy. When you spend it at a large multinational chain? That number drops to just 11 cents. That’s not just an accounting detail — that’s the difference between thriving local shops and vacant storefronts.
Montgomery has incredible potential to be a hub of small business vitality. We have talented makers, shopkeepers, service providers, and entrepreneurs who care deeply about this community. Yet, there’s still a noticeable disconnect between what’s available here and how engaged we are as a neighbourhood.
Now, with local and provincial conversations increasingly focused on economic development and community infrastructure, we have a rare political and civic moment — an opportunity to reflect on what kind of community we want to be. Choosing to shop locally isn’t just a financial transaction. It’s a vote for a sustainable, connected, and resilient neighbourhood.
Sustainability doesn’t end at the recycling bin. It starts at the street corner, at the bakery, at the bookstore — wherever local people are doing meaningful work for their community.
So next time you’re out and about in Montgomery, take a fresh look around. You might be surprised at what — and who — you discover.
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