Downtown Meaford is home to a new “green business”.
Newly opened “Evolve”, located at 25-2 Sykes St. N., is a toy store with a twist.
As store owner Sam McInnis explains, “The basic concept of the store is to help children learn, and care for the environment in a productive way, as well as offer safe and environmentally friendly toys for children.”
The shelves are stocked with a variety of toys, games and other children's items, each with an eco-friendly focus. There are toys trucks made from recycled plastic and sawdust, which also happen to be made in Canada. A series of toys made from wood, offer a safe alternative to petroleum based plastic products. There are even aluminum free, fully recyclable steel water bottles for the little ones to keep hydrated through the summer.
“None of the toys in the store use batteries.” McInnis proudly informs.
In addition to the toys for sale, Evolve is also set up to host birthday parties and eco-workshops.
“The party and eco-themed workshop room is an asset to the community in that children can come and create fun crafts and do activities while the parents know that they are in a safe and eco-minded environment.” says McInnis.
Meaford Mayor Francis Richardson was clearly excited about this new addition to the downtown core. Richardson who has been actively participating in the new “Meaford Economic Development Strategy” (MEDS) commented that it was encouraging to see a young Meaford resident establish a new enterprise that falls under two of the four pillars of economic growth that the MEDS task forces are focusing on.
“It is exactly what we need in Meaford. It is a niche market store with eco-friendly products. You can't get that in the 'Big Box' stores. It's something unique to draw people to our downtown.” said Richardson who had visited the new shop shortly after it opened for business.
New Meaford CAO Frank Miele also paid a visit to Evolve and was pleased with what he saw.
“It's a cross between green and retail, more like "green leadership retailing". The products are very innovative in using recycled plastics, this store will do very well in our community."
Miele has been spearheading the MEDS project (along with Project Manager Michael Anderson) which is well underway with local residents participating in task forces for Agri-Business, Tourism, Retail, and Green Business sectors. The ultimate goal for the MEDS project is to find ways to foster economic development within the municipality.
The recent OMAFRA grant of $78,500 is being used to help move the project forward, and it was announced at the June 22 council meeting that a portion of these funds is being used to hire 4 university students with majors relating to economic development to assist the task forces as they progress.
While the opening of the store is a positive sign from an economic development perspective, for store owner McInnis it is also about her community and her passion.
“Meaford is special to me because I have grown up here, and it is a very beautiful town! The reason I wanted to establish my business here, is that Evolve has many different products that are not offered anywhere else in town, and I think that Meaford needs something else to help the local children focus on the importance of our fragile environment.”
