I’m wondering about support for businesses in our region, as I’ve noticed that for several years now, there has been no association for entrepreneurs and merchants in North Hatley and the surrounding area. The last one was almost a decade ago. And there doesn’t seem to be any planned support from the municipality.
And yet, the region is home to many entrepreneurs of all kinds. There are businesses in the agri-food, restaurant and accommodation sectors, as well as a dental clinic, boutiques, boat repair, a garage owner, cheese dairies and technology companies. In my opinion, these businesses make our living environment practical, dynamic and pleasant. It’s a pleasure to be able to go and have a microbrewery beer less than 500 metres from my home!
These businesses are the commercial face of our region. They offer services to residents, other businesses and tourists alike. In fact, to undertake a North Hatley business project, you need to be courageous and passionate, because it won’t be easy. In fact, most of the region’s traffic is limited to the summer season. Ideally, the region’s citizens should also consume the services of our businesses year-round, to enable these merchants to endure over time and maintain their services.
Despite some people’s perceptions, businesses are essential to the village’s survival. Conversely, could the village of North Hatley function without commerce? Many will say they go to Sherbrooke or Magog for their shopping.
As far as I’m concerned, the Lebaron general store remains essential to avoid having to travel 15km when we run out of milk or butter.
To get a general viewpoint, I put THE question to Chatgpt,
Can a city exist without shops?
Good question! Here’s a clear and nuanced answer:
Theoretically: Yes.
A town could exist without shops – that is, it could have inhabitants, housing, roads, a town hall, etc., but without places of exchange or sale such as grocery stores, bakeries, cafés, etc.
But…
In practice: Very difficult, even unlivable.
Here’s why:
- Shops meet everyday needs.
Without shops, people have to go elsewhere to :
buy food,
- take care of themselves (pharmacy),
- repair items or access services (hairdresser, shoemaker, garage, etc.).
This makes daily life inconvenient, especially for the elderly, those without a car, or those with limited mobility.
- Impact on the local economy.
No shops = no local economic activity = fewer local jobs = people move elsewhere = gradual decline.
- Sociological definition of a city.
A town is more than a group of dwellings. It’s a place of exchange – human, cultural, economic. Without commerce, this dynamic disappears.
Real-life case: “dormitory towns
Some modern cities or residential neighborhoods have very few shops. People sleep there, but work, buy and consume elsewhere. They exist, but are often criticized for their lack of local life.
Conclusion
- A city can exist without shops.
- But it would be dependent on other, less lively towns, and probably not sustainable in the long term.
Last but not least, we need to take care of our local businesses in order to revitalize our living environment. As a citizen, we need to take the time to get to know them, and to go there to use their services, to ensure their year-round survival. Our businesses bring our people together and serve as an economic engine.
On that note, it would be a good idea to set up an association of businesses in our region.
