Supporting Small Business & Grassroots Food Affordability

High inflation has made basic groceries a heavy burden for fixed-income seniors and young families. Rather than relying on massive government-run bureaucracies, my plan leverages the efficiency of the free market and supports our local, non-franchised independent retailers. 

I propose a Main Street Affordability Partnership. Under this model, the City will utilize targeted municipal levers—such as commercial property tax incentives, utility rebates, and business licensing fee waivers—specifically for independent, neighbourhood grocery and convenience stores.

In exchange for this significant reduction in their municipal overhead, participating local shops will commit to offering designated, everyday food staples (like milk, eggs, and fresh produce) at discounted rates for local seniors and families with children.

• Pro-Small Business: It helps independent, non-franchised grocers compete against multi-billion-dollar corporate supermarket chains.
• Fiscally Responsible: It uses targeted municipal tax relief to stimulate the local economy while directly lowering the cost of living for our most vulnerable neighbours.
• Intergovernmental Advocacy: I will work with provincial counterparts to ensure our municipal efforts align with broader small-business tax incentives, maximizing the impact on your wallet without burdening the municipal tax base.