Latest news with #Zehrs
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Niagara farmers pitted against grocery stores when it comes to pricing locally-grown fruit and vegetables
It has been an uneasy relationship between large grocery stores and Niagara farmers. While those such as Dan DeVries — who with his family, including brother Mark, operate Fenwick-based DeVries Fruit Farm — appreciate grocery stores selling local fruits and vegetables, they also must endure the competitive pricing they offer to customers. 'We need to have support from these big retailers because on an individual basis, we can't market this whole crop,' said DeVries. 'Retailers are good supporters of Ontario fruit when it is in season. But it is unfortunately quite often that local fruit becomes a gimmick to get people into the store.' During the popular strawberry season, DeVries Fruit Farm was offering strawberries in its retail store for $6.50 a pint or $12 for two. But Zehrs in St. Catharines was selling 340 grams of Canada greenhouse-grown strawberries for $5, while Food Basics was selling 454 grams of strawberries from California for $3.99. 'It's a market strategy (for large grocery stores),' said DeVries. 'They offer those prices as a loss-leader, and they make it up with customers buying other things.' Since the COVID-19 pandemic, DeVries said, he hasn't raised prices on many of the farm's fruits and vegetables. 'We have absorbed the costs.' Yet, he is forced to watch as his other expenses rise, such as for cardboard, gas, water, fertilizer and other items that go into getting fresh fruit to market. 'We are here to keep the prices fair and consistent,' said DeVries, whose operation was started in 1984 by his father as a hobby farm. Grocery stores have volume capacity to dictate a price, which can 'squeeze' farmers, he said. He said the family farm has always had a small retail outlet, but during the pandemic it expanded its store to offer other food-related items such as eggs and other locally-produced products, and added a bakery. A marketing bonus for local farmers has been the Canada and Ontario buy-local campaigns in the wake of the United States imposing tariffs on various Canadian products. And while DeVries welcomes the initiative, he said it's ironic it takes a pandemic and a trade dispute with the U.S., the nation's largest trading partner, to convince Canadians to buy local goods. 'It's essential to have locally-produced goods. The quality is better, and you support local businesses,' said DeVries. Across Ontario, buying local supports 871,000 jobs and contributes $51 billion to the provincial economy, more than the auto sector, said provincial officials. There are about 48,000 Ontario farms and 5,200 food processors and manufacturers. Findings of a survey by Dalhousie University's agri-food analytics lab, released in April, showed 60.8 per cent of Canadians are open to paying five to 10 per cent more for Canadian-grown produce, dairy or meat over U.S. alternatives. Sylvain Charlebois, the lab's senior director, said in an interview with Niagara This Week that large grocery stores know how to appeal to people's budgets. 'It helps bring people into their store and some grocers know that,' he said. 'To them (fruit on sale) is a loss-leader. Independent grocers, farmers market stands, they can't do that. Really, it's crazy. It's an absolute game.' Still, said Charlebois, as the Dalhousie study shows, Canadians want to buy locally-sourced products and are willing to pay for it. He has seen farmers sell strawberries and cherries at some Ontario farmers markets at competitive prices with grocery stores selling U.S. product. But really, he said, selling strawberries at $2.99 a pint or $3.99 for a 340-gram package does not cover the cost of producing the item. 'We are being spoiled,' he said. DeVries agreed locally-sourced fruits and vegetables found in grocery stores are not the real cost of what a farm invests in the item. Stephanie Bonk, communications manager for Metro and its discount Food Basics stores, said the company is committed to selling locally-sourced fruits and vegetables . She said during the last week of June, Metro had Ontario greenhouse-grown frooties strawberries (tiny) in a 340-gram container at $3.99, Ontario greenhouse-grown strawberries in a 340-gram container at $4.99 and field strawberries from Vineland at $3.99. 'We sell locally-sourced fruits and vegetables as much as possible,' Bonk said in an interview. 'It is something we have been doing for a while. It is not a new strategy.' Tashani Jaja, communications adviser for Sobeys, said in an email the grocery store is 'committed to prioritizing local strawberries and supporting our local growers.' 'However, during certain periods, demand can exceed the local supply,' forcing Sobeys to sell U.S. strawberries, Jaja said. Last week, Sobeys in St. Catharines was offering 454 grams of strawberries at $4.99, but it didn't state online whether the berries were from Ontario or the U.S. Loblaw, which owns Zehrs, did not respond to a request for comment about its marketing of locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. A Walmart official said a response would be provided in a few days, but none was received. DeVries said his 40-hectare family farm grows a variety of tree fruit, including apples, peaches, plums, pears, strawberries and cherries, that helps him avoid market downturns. 'For some of the big growers who are completely dependent on the chain store system, it can be tough,' he said. As a lineup of people now grows at the farm's retail checkout stations, DeVries said he promotes the buy-local campaign, as does the Ontario government. 'The more we can support each other, the better,' said DeVries. 'As farmers, we need the community's support. I want to be here as a family business and support my community when the tough times come along.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
What you need to know about the 2025 Ford Fireworks
Many Windsor-Essex residents and visitors take in the Ford Fireworks over the Detroit River as a kickoff to summer. The 67th edition of the fireworks start at 9:55 p.m. on Monday. Viewing options A number of venues have special viewing parties along Windsor's Waterfront. Bistro at the River hosts its Windsor Riverfront Fireworks Party, River Room Restaurant is having a Ford Fireworks Buffet, St. Clair College Centre for the Arts hosts a charity fireworks party and Windsor Premier Cruises is having a Fireworks Cruise. However, organizers say some of the best seats are also along the riverside parks and people are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Safety tips for parents All families attending the show along the riverfront are being asked to take photo of their kids at the beginning of the event, in the same clothes they're wearing that night. Police say this will ensure you can provide officers with a recent and accurate photo if they are separated during the evening. Choose a designated meeting spot ahead of time in case you become separated. If your child becomes lost, report it immediately to the nearest police officer. Free Transit and shuttle services Thanks to Zehrs, residents can ride the bus for free to see the fireworks. Free City buses will run starting at 6 p.m. until the end of the service day. In addition, park 'n' ride shuttle buses will operate from Devonshire Mall beginning at approximately 6 p.m. and continuing until 9:30 p.m. Return shuttles will depart immediately following the fireworks, running until approximately 12:15 a.m. or until all passengers in line have boarded a bus back to their vehicle at Devonshire Mall. This annual event includes our Stuff the Transit Windsor Bus initiative—visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to help support local food banks. Also, avoid the annual parking issues and road closures by enjoying the free ride from Devonshire Mall to the Windsor riverfront and back. Shuttles leave Devonshire Mall (3100 Howard Avenue) starting at 6 p.m. from Sydney Avenue, and the last shuttle will return to the mall from a pickup location across from the Windsor Arena on McDougall Street near Wyandotte Street West directly after the fireworks until midnight. Road closures map Road closure fireworks Road closure map for fireworks night on June 23, 2025 in Windsor, Ont. (Source: WPS) Many streets in the downtown area will have restricted access beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the event. Vehicles parked in the restricted areas labelled 'no-parking zones' will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Police say review the detailed map posted for full details on road closures and no-parking zones. Helpful links:
Hamilton Spectator
12-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Alliston Humane Society Woof Walk brings canines together for a fun day
The Alliston & District Humane Society held its annual fundraising Woof Walk on Saturday, June 7, and celebrated a good turnout of people and their pets who had the opportunity to walk the trails around the property. This year featured a lot more vendors and a pet sport area where dogs could test their jumping and coordination skills. There was also a free barbecue with food donated by local grocery stores. 'Every year it's gotten bigger and bigger,' said Tania Perrier, the Human Society's outreach coordinator, of the Woof Walk. 'Our supporters are so amazing; they always show up for it. Last year we made $27,000, and we're definitely going to break that record this year. It's really amazing – the community that we have that helps us. Zehrs donated food, and we have a photographer here who is doing pet photography.' The event got underway with registration at 11 a.m. followed by the walk. You didn't have to bring a dog with you to enjoy the event. Everyone was welcome. 'This is our annual Woof Walk and it's a big fundraiser for us,' explained shelter president Jane Clarke. 'The funds raised go toward the medical care of the animals. It pays the vet bills. We had a walk with all these gods. People register online or they come out here with funds and visit the vendors and have some food. We have 52 acres here. We have a one-kilometre walk and a two-kilometre walk. We've had people come without a dog and they pet all the dogs when they're here.' The Humane Society has been a very busy place. Currently, it is at capacity with abandoned and surrendered dogs, cats, and other small animals. The Woof Walk had already raised $25,000 through online pledges before the walk and it is expected they will reach close to $30,000 on the day of the walkthrough donations. The funds will all be used to help care for the animals at the shelter. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
11-06-2025
- CTV News
Senior's wallet taken in grocery store
Police are looking for two men who visited Zehrs in Alliston on Sun., June 1, 2025. PHOTO: OPP A distraction theft robbed a senior of his wallet in Alliston. While shopping at the Zehrs on Sunday at noon, an older man lost his wallet due to a distraction theft. The wallet contained personal identification and as well as money. Provincial police describe the two men as: Suspect 1: Wearing a black baseball cap, surgical mask, grey sweater, white T-shirt, black pants, and black shoes with a white base. Suspect 2: Wearing a black baseball cap, a black puffer jacket, black pants, and black, red and white sneakers. Nottawasaga Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say 'this incident is part of a broader, ongoing pattern of organized distraction thefts targeting vulnerable individuals across the region.' 'We urge all citizens to remain vigilant in public spaces, especially in crowded areas where distraction thefts are more likely to occur. Please keep your personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times,' police advised in the press release.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- CTV News
Free shuttle service offered for Ford Fireworks
A spectacular display of the Ford Fireworks presented by Target over the Detroit River in Windsor, Ont., Monday, June 24, 2013. (Rich Garton / CTV Windsor) Zehrs and Transit Windsor are marking the 15th anniversary of a popular community partnership by again offering free shuttle service to and from the annual Ford Fireworks. The fireworks over the Detroit River take place on Monday, June 25. With financial support from Zehrs, Transit Windsor will provide complimentary direct shuttle service from Devonshire Mall (3100 Howard Avenue) to a convenient drop-off location near City Hall (350 City Hall Square West), ensuring easy access to the downtown event. In addition, regular Transit Windsor bus service will be free across the community beginning at 6:00 p.m., making it easier than ever for residents to join in the celebration. In the weeks leading up to the fireworks, Zehrs and Transit Windsor also hosted a series of Stuff-a-Bus events. Thanks to the generosity of the community, these events collected a total of 2,860 pounds of food and $1,675. These donations will directly support individuals and families who rely on the services provided by the UHC - Hub of Opportunities. This long-standing partnership reflects a shared commitment to community engagement, accessibility, and support for those in need. Fireworks Night Shuttle: Avoid the hassle of parking and navigating downtown road closures by taking advantage of Transit Windsor's free shuttle service to the Ford Fireworks. Shuttles will depart from Sydney Avenue at Devonshire Mall starting at 6:00 p.m., providing a convenient and stress-free way to get to the event. Following the fireworks, return shuttles will operate until midnight, picking up passengers across from the former Windsor Arena on McDougall Street and returning them to Devonshire Mall. This year's fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, with Tuesday, June 24 designated as the rain date. Further details on downtown road closures and parking will be available closer to the event night.
