To the Editor,

I would like to thank Mr. Caputo for his recent letter to the editor, and send in my own response as requested by him, as a nominated councillor running in the upcoming election.

For the last few weeks I have been going door to door to meet as many people in my ward as possible. And what many readers may not know, is that Ward 4-West Hawkesbury is the largest of the Champlain wards.
The main concerns I am hearing are mostly issues with roads, ditching, cement plant pros and cons, spending within our township, and change. Many residents are tired of the status quo and are looking for change. But the future Tim Hortons has only come up a handful of times. There are bigger issues within our township than a Tim Hortons.

The question was posed by Mr. Caputo, nominated candidate for Ward 4, “ What will the effect be on the town businesses that already specialize in the sale of food items”?
If we look at our quaint village businesses, they are all specialty restaurants, Bistros, tea rooms and bakeries.

Vert Fourchette welcomes people with their amazing pulled pork poutine, and steak frites, and home-made deserts, all set in a beautifully restored Victorian building, overflowing with ambiance and character. Great for big groups or a quiet one on one.

The Pantry on Main Street boasts amazing baked breads and desserts but also organic greens for sale. It, too, is settled in an Victorian treasure which has been beautifully remodelled.

The Trilliam Tea Room is reminiscent of days past with its tea pots and tea cups, and boasts a heart-healthy menu, and many Afternoon Tea events all throughout the year.

The Broken Kettle Bakery and Barkery is an early morning go-to for many residents of Vankleek Hill and the surroundings… not only for the amazing baked goods, but also for the friendly atmosphere and the amazing pretzels, delicious wraps and ice cream. It’s also a spot to catch up on “What are those crazy flamingos up to now”? This family-owned business is unique to our community.

Blueberry Hill Bistro is unique in itself with its musical evenings and dinner in a pub-like setting. It may be small in size, but it’s big on welcoming visitors to enjoy many craft beers and amazing talent like our local Celtic Flare, and coming up: 50 Proof and Sweating Bullets.

And don’t forget Nicko’s Resto Bar. The go-to place for pizza, and breakfast, where many gather early in the mornings to catch up on the week’s events. The friendly atmosphere and staff keep people coming back!

So my answer to the question posed….will the Tim Hortons that is coming to Vankleek Hill affect these businesses we currently have running in our amazing little town?
It’s not the coffee and tea or breakfast sandwiches or donuts that bring people to our town and our local eateries. It’s our business owners and their hard-working ways that bring visitors to us. It’s the way our business owners treat their customers like family, embrace them, make them feel welcome that keep bringing them back. It’s our locals who will continue to shop local and eat local that will keep their businesses thriving.

We should not be afraid of change and afraid of Tim Hortons.
We should be embracing the change and invite it and be happy for the jobs it will create.

Make sure to vote between Wednesday, Oct 17 and Monday October 22, 2018. It’s your chance to vote for change. To make a difference.

Sarah Bigelow,
Ward 4/West Hawkesbury Candidate