The Municipality of Grey Highlands is exploring the idea of installing curbside pickup stations in Markdale and Flesherton.
The stations could be used by local businesses to put customer's online or phone purchases in a locked space for the customer to pick up later.
“We truly believe that these pickup stations will assist with streamlined logistics and support the needs of both our retail businesses and other businesses across the municipality,” says Michelle Harris, director of community and economic development for Grey Highlands.
“We are trying to anticipate and lead to where we are going to be in the future, not just for today’s residents,” she adds.
Curbside pickup stations or smart parcel lockers can be stationed inside or outside, and stock and collection of items can take place anytime without the requirement of having staff on-site to supervise.
The lockers generate a one-time pickup code, which is communicated to the retailer and customer through email or text message.
The concept stems from the economic development department's Business Recovery Action Plan, which was recently presented to the Grey Highlands council.
“I think this is bigger than brick and mortar and I think there are a lot of emerging businesses around this area that would be able to utilize this as well,” said Councillor Danielle Valiquette.
The cost of one pickup station is $13,000, which would be drawn from the Community Development Reserve.
After reviewing the plan from the economic development department, council directed staff to work with the Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce to determine the need and possible usage of a curbside pickup station before funding is committed.
“I spoke with some merchants in Markdale who don't see a need for it, and feel it's a big expense to put out now,” says Michelle Patey, Grey Highlands Chamber administrator.
“But, there is a whole industry of at-home businesses who may be delighted to be able to have a pickup place for their goods,” she adds.
Patey says the municipality has opted to “put the cart and horse in good order” in that they are seeking public input before any capital outlay is made.
“The program might not be a good financial move until we have strong, consistent demand for it, and that may take years of paying monthly account fees. In that case, it may make sense to shelve the idea and revisit it in the future,” she says.
According to Harris, the information garnered from the feedback the Chamber generates will help shape the final structure of the program.
“We know many of our retail businesses have been providing curbside pickup options for their customers, and we believe that these “smart” curbside pickup stations would provide increased flexibility for both businesses and consumers around the exchange of goods,” Harris says.
Once the Chamber has properly surveyed the business community, the Grey Highlands council will be poised with the decision of whether or not to move forward with the installation of one or both curbside pickup stations.
The next meeting of the council for the municipality of Grey Highlands will take place on Sept. 3.
