Skip to content

New initiative points to open businesses in Black Diamond

Diamond logos in storefront windows are informing shoppers which shops are open for business.
Kelly Tuck Horizontal
Black Diamond events co-ordinator Kelly Tuck points to a logo in the window of Diamond in the Rough in the Town's latest initiative to support businesses. (Photo Submitted)

Black Diamond town staff is working to eliminate confusion around which businesses are open and which aren’t in its latest initiative.

Some merchants chose to open their doors when the first phase of the Province’s relaunch strategy kicked off last month while others are holding off due to personal reasons or because they require more time to prepare their establishments for the new provincial regulations, leaving residents and visitors confused as to who’s open and who’s not during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those strolling the streets can determine which businesses are open by looking for the Town’s diamond logo in storefront windows. The logos, which began going up last week, will remain in place during and after store hours.

“We’re doing whatever we can to assist our businesses,” said Black Diamond events co-ordinator Kelly Tuck. “If the store has a diamond, they’re open for business.”

Tuck said the idea arose after town employees noticed several people on social media asking if specific businesses were open.

Thirty-eight businesses are open in Black Diamond, said Tuck on June 1, including some that are home-based.

As more businesses open, more diamonds will appear on storefront windows.

“We have a few businesses coming online this week and next week – even some of our home-based businesses,” Tuck said. “I’m hoping today and tomorrow to get another 12 out.”

To keep costs to a minimum, Tuck said the logos were made in-house using a printer and laminator.

Details about the initiative has been shared through the Town’s website and social media, said Tuck. Information will also be posted on the Town’s message board this week, she said.

“It’s a great program and it brings our business community together. It’s been a really good initiative to try to assist our businesses in getting up and online.”

The Black Diamond Gallery is among those displaying the logo in the front window, which employee Dustin Davidson said offers one more way of letting the public know they’re open for business.

“It’s a good idea that shows the businesses are open in Black Diamond,” he said. “They also see our sign out front and we put a sandwich board on the sidewalk.”

Tammy Rollie, OkotoksToday.ca

For updated information, follow our COVID-19 special section for the latest local and national news on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as resources, FAQs and more.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks