FAQs • Hinton, AB • CivicEngage

Why does buying locally matter?: There is no benefit to your community when you buy online, or travel in search of lower prices. Online retailers pay no taxes to your local government, and hire no staff in your town. When you buy from a local business, you’re helping to keep that business in your home town. When you buy out of town, the money or time you spent is gone from your community.

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#HintonFirst Visitors

1. What role can tourists plan in #HintonFirst?: Visitors to Hinton are already involved! By making the choice to visit Hinton for a quick bite to eat or a weekend getaway, being here means you have made the choice to support Hinton. Experiencing all that Hinton has to offer, from recreation through shopping and dining is exactly what #HintonFirst is all about!

2. How does a visitor benefit from making purchases in Hinton?: When you make a purchase from a Hinton business, you’re not just supporting one business. You’re demonstrating that you believe and value that business, and businesses like it. And the proceeds of that purchase don’t just go into the pocket of an online megastore, they’re going to be re-circulated through the community, through contributions to non-profits by the business and through the local sourcing of goods that will be sold in the business. By spending time, energy and money in Hinton you are supporting our community in making your next stay even better.

3. Why does buying locally matter?: There is no benefit to your community when you buy online, or travel in search of lower prices. Online retailers pay no taxes to your local government, and hire no staff in your town. When you buy from a local business, you’re helping to keep that business in your home town. When you buy out of town, the money or time you spent is gone from your community.

4. Does supporting #HintonFirst work against supporting similar movements in my hometown?: Tourism is an exchange. Just like you’re supporting Hinton, Hintonites are likely travelling to or through your hometown, and making purchases there.

5. How do I work to further these ideas in my community?: To live the concept, but then to tell people about them! #HintonFirst is born of a group of concerned citizens and business owners that wanted to help to make sure that our hometown continues to grow and foster new business without excluding any of our existing local businesses.

6. What resources are available so I can be aware of local businesses to support?: Check out our visitor guide, available at multiple locations in Hinton including the Visitor Centre and Government Centre, or click here. As well, try the business directory on the Town of Hinton website.