William Square Café closes

(LR) Mike Tucker, Murray Davis, and Reid Sanford enjoy their last coffees at the café.

Mike, Murray, and Reid were regular customers at the William Square Café.  On owner Kim Dunbar's final day, they discussed why business close and how they can be encourage to stay.

The men went to the café regularly because they liked to support Kim. She served good food. They also spread their patronage around and go to other local restaurants.  

They agreed that local businesses fail because local people fail to support them. One example was the service station on the corner of Tannery Road and Main Street. People would buy $5 worth of gas and then fill up the tank in Windsor or Wolfville or New Minas.

 Years ago, the town had a busy Main Street. But then HWY 101 opened. Suddenly Windsor, Wolfville, New Minas, and Halifax seemed closer. Those were times when many people spent money. 

And people wanted more services and more choices.

The closing of Fundy Gypsum and Minas Basin has reduced the traffic in town. And now people have less money to spend.

And advertising is more powerful. Who can resist Roll-Up-The-Rim?

Still, all three agreed that Hantsport is a good place to raise kids.

And they agreed that this small town needs industry.

Kim did not want to comment. But she added that the Business Development Centre will hold the mortgage for any business which wants to occupy the building.