We are all being encouraged to step up our efforts to support our local businesses and shop locally.

Many small businesses owners in the community are breathing easier today that they can finally reopen their doors and offer their goods or services.

Many mom-and-pop businesses in Mimico, New Toronto, Long Branch, Alderwood, The Kingsway, Eatonville, Islington – City Centre West, Queensway Humber Bay and across Ontario are slowly reopening after shutting down for weeks, or in some cases more than a month, due to the spread of COVID-19.

Thousands of workers for the first time are returning to work in a bid by the Ontario government to reopen the economy and put the pandemic behind us.

“I never thought this day would come,” says an Alderwood store worker. “We haven’t worked in weeks and are behind in all our bills.”

All retail stores with a street entrance can begin offering curbside pickup and delivery, in addition to garden centres, hardware stores and safety supply stores, officials say.

Some residential construction projects have also been given the green light to continue while observing health guidelines.

And more enjoyable for many are the 500 Ontario parks and conservation areas which are open for day-use only, with no camping at this time. The remaining 115 parks will be open at the end of the week.

And it must be summer since the LCBO is extending its hours of business this week.

Officials are warning small businesses to utilize online payments like credit, debit or e-transfer; banning their customers from using their own containers, reusable bags or boxes; minimize the amount of time to receive the customer and complete the curbside transaction; control the loading of product into a customer’s vehicle where possible and pick up from trunk by customer and establish a clear designated pickup area and boundary.