Dear editor:

I wish to add to the comments of Bernd Christmas in his Jan. 14 letter, “Restaurants should give NOTLers priority,” with respect to his local restaurant views and experience .

Many local merchants from my own family experience fail to recognize you as a regular, address you by name or thank you for your business even after years of being a regular daily or weekly customer.

Another issue, often expressed in coffee shop conversations, is residents having to pay tourist prices in Old Town's Heritage District. 

For example, a dessert pastry item on Queen Street costing almost $3 can be purchased in both St. Catharines and Stamford in Niagara Falls for $1. Another item, cocktail napkins, on Queen Street cost $7.99 but just $4.95 in Virgil. Neither of these comparisons reflect sale or clearance pricing. A surprise to some and a little known fact – at least one business exchanges U.S. dollars at par.

I have in the past, to encourage local shopping, suggested all businesses offer a discount if a resident can show a local driver's licence or other identification. Local discounts have selectively been offered in the past with an approximately $40 promotional card, but this practice should be eliminated.

Additionally, one-hour paid parking stickers should be free to senior citizens. The one-hour parking is also insufficient to support local businesses and should be extended to two hours. This would let locals park, shop or enjoy a quick lunch without incurring additional parking costs. 

In concert with these proposed changes I submit that several dedicated parking spots be assigned for locals behind the Old Courthouse. (I no longer purchase a parking sticker as I found the parking spaces taken by visiting tourists.)

None of the above proposals have been adopted to encourage more local shopping. To quote Mr. Christmas, locals only become important when all the tourists are gone.

Despite my comments with respect to our town's shortcomings, I am fortunate and will continue to support our local businesses. The other option is unthinkable.

However, I also would like to give a big shoutout to John Wiens, owner of the NOTL Golf Club. His friendly and always courteous staff and golf members for many years have provided enjoyable and affordable services to our community.

Samuel Young

NOTL