The City of Toronto has launched a city-wide campaign called “Love Local” to encourage residents to support Canadian-grown businesses, strengthen the local economy, and protect industries amid growing trade challenges.
The initiative, unveiled Saturday in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, invites Torontonians to shop, dine, and invest locally.
“The Love Local Campaign is helping Toronto residents and business owners to Shop Local and Buy Canadian. We must stand together to protect Canadian jobs and support local businesses, creating jobs right here in our neighbourhoods. We will face this senseless U.S. trade threat and emerge stronger than ever before,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a news release posted on Saturday.
The campaign encourages residents to shop at independent stores and markets, dine at local restaurants, purchase directly from Toronto-based makers, visit farmers’ markets and local events, and share by promoting local businesses online.
“Love Local” is part of the city’s newly created Economic Action Plan, a direct response to tariff threats from the U.S. government, to boost support for industries and maintain Toronto’s economic strength in the face of trade uncertainty.
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“Toronto’s economy is strong, but we must protect it. The Mayor’s Economic Action Team is ensuring businesses have the support they need to navigate these tariffs. Through Love Local and other initiatives, we’re helping businesses stay competitive and keep good jobs in our city,” Councillor Shelley Carroll said in a statement.
“Love Local” LED signs are being installed at major public sites in the coming days, including: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto Public Library Agincourt Branch, Mel Lastman Square, East Lynn Park, Mel Lastman Square, St. Clements-Yonge Parkette, and Port Union Community Recreation Centre.
Local businesses are also displaying campaign decals and are being encouraged to engage customers through storefront signage and social media participation.
In the news release, the city emphasized that dollars spent locally have a direct impact on fueling job creation, increasing local tax revenue, and contributing to the infrastructure that supports livable neighbourhoods.
“Small businesses are a pillar of our city’s economy and the beating heart of our local communities,” Councillor Paula Fletcher said in a statement. “The Love Local campaign is about making sure they continue to thrive. By supporting this campaign, we ensure Toronto’s neighbourhoods can remain vibrant and dynamic spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
“Love Local” also highlights Toronto’s manufacturing sector, one of the largest in Canada, from food and beverage products to automotive and advanced technology; local manufacturers play a key role in the stability of the city’s economy.
The city has provided a list of e-commerce platforms promoting local retailers, including ByBlacks, INLAND, Not-Amazon Toronto and more.
