With a second Freedom Rally planned for Saturday in Aylmer and the possibility of counter protesters, downtown merchants fear the long-term negative impact on the town’s retail economy. Kevin Cross, chairman of the Aylmer BIA, stresses downtown Aylmer remains a safe destination for shoppers.
Not only have downtown merchants had to cope with the months-long ravages of coronavirus restrictions, they are now dealing with the potential negative fallout in the wake of a pair of Freedom rallies held in their community. Cross says merchants want to assure shoppers they are following all COVID-19 protocols and they are designing promotions to let people know they are open for business.
Cross stresses Aylmer is a safe place to shop with a variety of services to offer visitors as we enter the busy holiday gift-giving season.
Mayor Mary French is urging all protesters and counter-protesters to maintain peace and order when in the community this weekend.
