For those looking to support Canadian businesses amidst tarde tensions with the United States, the Explore Orillia and Lake Country App that lists every business in Orillia and Lake Country, which includes Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara and Rama First Nation.
"It's the only app that only promotes local," said Allan Lafontaine, executive director of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. "It cuts down on Google searches and it's got a beautiful map in there so you can make local choices," he said.
Lafontaine said the best way to fight U.S. tariffs and keep our local economy strong is to buy from local shops and support local businesses. He adds that it's important to buy local wherever possible because local businesses pay taxes that support health care and education. Local businesses are also the ones that sponsor local sports team, concerts, festivals and events, he said.
"It insulates the local economy," he said.
The Explore Orillia and Lake Country app, developed by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce provides five categories of interest: Things to Do, Eat, Shop, Stay and Play and Live and Work.
Things to do has six main buttons that detail how to post an event, sign up to be a vendor, check out Chamber events, get info about Business After 5 meetings, access the Chamber calendar of events, and a community calendar of events.
A sub-button lists all the Orillia and area festivals and events, including the upcoming Great Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 in downtown Orillia between 10 a.m. and noon.
Another sub-buttons lists live music venues including Casino Rama, the Orillia Opera House, Quayle’s Brewery, Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. St. Paul’s centre and Era 67 restaurant with links to the website, phone contact and maps.
Things to do also has a link to Orillia and Lake Country Tourism contact info and info on outdoor adventures, relaxing getaways and more.
Eat has 24 buttons listing ways to learn about all restaurants or specialty groups including bakeries, breakfast eateries, bars and grills, patio dining operations as well as take out and catering options.
Shop, headlined with Shop Canada, has 41 buttons for everything from trailer and RV sales to pools/hot tubs, thrift, spa and beauty, pharmacies, marine, jewellers, grocery, books and more.
Stay and Play has 32 buttons with information on marinas, art galleries, camping and beaches, golf, historic sites, nature/conservation centres, outdoor recreation, playgrounds, sports, theatre and music, spas and breweries.
Live and Work has 46 buttons of information on topics including news, agriculture, business resources, cleaning services, education, marriage, healthcare, available jobs, veterinary and pet and local municipal, First Nation and Métis Nation information.
For more information visit the Chamber website. The Explore Orillia app is available free through Google Play and the Mac App Store.