Welcome to Georgian Bay Marketplace

Who we are
&
​What's the Inspiration

 ​Hello!
 
     I am excited to welcome you to Georgian Bay Marketplace. It's for anyone interested in buying beautiful and locally made products from the south Georgian Bay area. As well, it is a support network for artisan vendors; where marketing, advertising, and technical assistance will be provided, along with opportunities for collaboration.

What Inspired this Idea?
 
     A big reason people choose to Georgian Bay area is because of the environment. There is much to see and do in nature that it has become a big attraction in our area. It is the reason for our thriving tourist industry, and the decline in environmental health. Environment and economy often butt heads – what is good for the economy can be bad for the environment and vice versa. Therefore, I wanted to create something different for our area. Something good for our economy and environment, that would also benefit the community.
​
     Environment, economy, and society are commonly recognized as the “three pillars of sustainability”.  The Town of Blue Mountains published an article in 2019, if you would like to read more about it.

Sourced from Purvis et al, 2019
​
Above is a visual representation of the three pillars where environment, economy and society are inherently integrated for sustainable models. For example, we see this in the farmers market model. Farmers markets help the environment by shortening the supply chain (minimizing footprints) and marketing farmers who are trying to grow in a more environmentally friendly way. For society, it is a gathering where people can make connections and feel a part of their community. For the economy, the money spent at local markets supports local individuals and businesses, and therefore, remains within the local economy.
Due to the pandemic and social distancing, attending these markets has become more challenging. Eat Local Grey Bruce is an online website where you can order food from local farms and have it delivered to your door! It's a wonderful example of how we can overcome these new challenges.
But what about our artisans? For those who crochet, knit, do pottery, embroider, sew, paint, make candles, or any proud artisan – this site is for you!

Georgian Bay Marketplace is intended to reciprocally serve its community for vendors and shoppers. This is helping the local economy, society, and environment.
This is sustainability. Shop here and be part of it!

Sources
Purvis, B., Mao, Y., & Robinson, D. (2019). Three pillars of sustainability: in search of conceptual origins. Sustainability Science, 14(3), 681-695.