The When In Wolfville Gift Card, a convenient and versatile payment option, has launched in the town to encourage spending at downtown businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, spas, and professional services. This exciting new initiative will be the first of its kind in Wolfville. The Gift Card works like a debit card but can only be used at participating local businesses in the Town of Wolfville.
The Wolfville Business Development Corp (WBDC), in partnership with the Town of Wolfville and Acadia University, is leading the new Gift Card initiative. Gift Cards can be purchased online or in person at the Visitor Information Center, Acadia Box Office, or WBDC.
Wolfville’s diverse economy caters to residents, seasonal tourism and a university student population which accounts for almost 50% of the town’s population. It is the hope that the new Gift Card will be used within tourism initiatives and as a local Gift Card for students to experience the town.
Kelly van Niekerk, President of the Wolfville Business Development Corp (WBDC) has said: “With its picturesque landscape, vibrant downtown core, maritime-inspired architecture and locally crafted food and beverages, Wolfville is a unique town. In recent years, our town has experienced huge demand both in tourism and many new people moving to Wolfville. Our When In Wolfville Gift Card will drive economic growth and encourage students, tourists and locals alike to visit our downtown core and experience our local businesses.
“WBDC is an independent, non-profit corporation representing and supporting the business community in Wolfville. We’ll use the Gift Card in promotional giveaways to showcase all that Wolfville offers. Working closely with Acadia University, we know that many students don’t have credit cards, so the Gift Cards will be a great alternative for parents to send money.”
There are currently over 60 participating businesses in Wolfville set up to accept the Gift Card with more on the way. One of the first businesses to sign up for the program is Church Brewing Co, a micro-brewery, restaurant and beer market. Erin Haysom from Church Brewing Co said: “Church Brewing is a Valley-based company built to serve as a destination in Nova Scotia for years to come. Our customers come from all over the world to enjoy the scenery, our craft beers and our seasonal locally sourced menu.
“We’re proud to participate in the When In Wolfville Gift Card program. We believe it will connect us with new customers and be a positive collaboration for our business and all businesses for years to come.
The Gift Card program has the potential to attract more Nova Scotians and tourists alike to Wolfville. Our town is known for its tides, wineries, and agriculture. By supporting the program we have an opportunity for increased economic impact from people who purchase a Gift Card for a friend or family member. The model pairs well with our tourism town.”
Another business which accepts the new Gift Card is Tattingstone Inn. Erika Banting from Tattingstone Inn said:
“We are a small boutique hotel with 21 rooms and suites located onMain Street, a short walk from our beautiful downtown. We’re part of the new Gift Card because the ease of acceptance makes it a seamless way to feature Wolfville and introduce people to our community.
“During Covid we wanted to support local businesses so we offered a two night stay package to our guests where we purchased $50 Gift Cards from several local businesses, giving our guests the ability to choose which one they wanted. It was a great opportunity to showcase local businesses as well as offer the guest flexibility on where to spend it. I think the new Gift Card will be successful, on a much larger scale.”
Acadia University is closely aligned with the new Gift Card. Nick Sharpe from Acadia University commented: “Events Acadia, a department of Acadia University, aims to maximize our on-campus infrastructure and community partnerships to position Acadia, Wolfville, and the Valley region as a desired destination for events. We are thrilled with this new Gift Card initiative championed by the WBDC.
“A primary goal of our event development efforts is to support and partner with our local business community for the purpose of economic development. We believe the best path forward is one that takes a holistic, collaborative approach to drive visitation to Wolfville and to effectively promote our local product and service offerings. Acadia’s facilities are high-traffic areas, driving thousands of people through our doors monthly, providing a great opportunity to help connect our community members and visitors to our local merchants, through this new Gift Card program!"
The technology for the When In Wolfville Gift Card is provided by fintech Miconex in association with international payments technology solutions provider EML Payments. Miconex operates its Downtown Gift Card concept across Canada.
The When In Wolfville Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company, part of Peoples Group. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency. Funds do not expire, are non-reloadable and have no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1108.
