List of community currencies in Canada Facts for Kids

A community currency is like a special type of money that people use in a specific area, often a town or city. It's different from the regular money (like Canadian dollars) that everyone uses across the country. These local currencies help keep money circulating within the community, supporting local businesses and services. They can also help build stronger connections between people in the area.

Canada has had many different community currencies over the years. Some are still used today, while others were used for a short time. They all aim to benefit their local communities in unique ways.

What Are Community Currencies?
Examples of Canadian Community Currencies
See also

What Are Community Currencies?

Community currencies, also called local currencies, are a way for people in a specific area to trade goods and services. Imagine a special coupon or token that you can only use at stores and businesses in your town. That's a bit like a community currency!

These currencies are often created to:

Keep money circulating locally. When you spend regular money at a big chain store, that money might leave your town. With a local currency, it stays and gets spent again at other local businesses.
Support small businesses. Local shops and services often accept these currencies, which helps them thrive.
Build community spirit. Using a local currency can make people feel more connected to their neighbours and local economy.
Encourage local production. Some currencies are designed to encourage people to buy things made or grown nearby.

Examples of Canadian Community Currencies

Here are some examples of community currencies that have been used across Canada:

Currencies in Québec

Billet Local d'Échange (BLÉ): This currency started in Québec City in 2018 and is still used today.
Chouenne: Used in the Charlevoix region of Québec, this currency began in 2021.
Demi: Launched in 2015, the Demi is used in the Gaspésie region of Québec.
Dollar solidaire: Another currency from Québec City, it started in 2020.
Dollar johannois: This currency has been used in Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Québec, since 2004.
Paco Dollar: Used in Saint-Pacôme, Québec, from 2004 to 2017.
L'Îlot: This currency is used on Montreal's island.

Currencies in Alberta

Bow Chinook Hour: Used in Calgary from 1996 to 2002. It was later replaced by the Calgary Dollars.
Calgary Dollars: This is a well-known local currency in Calgary. It started in 1996 and was relaunched in 2002, still in use today.
Cochrane Dollar: A local currency used in Cochrane, Alberta.
Prosperity certificate: This was a unique currency used in Alberta in 1936.

Currencies in Ontario

Brampton dollars: These were used in Brampton, Ontario, in 1973.
Kawartha Loon: This currency has been used in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario since 2012.
Toronto dollar: Used in Toronto from 1998 to 2013.

Currencies in British Columbia

Chemainus Dollars: These were used in Chemainus, British Columbia, from 2010 to 2021.
Salt Spring dollar: This currency has been used on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, since 2001.

Currencies in Other Provinces

Holey dollar: An interesting currency from the 19th century, used in Prince Edward Island.
OUR Community Dollar: This currency was used from around 2004 to 2013 and was relaunched in 2022.
Saskbucks: Used in Saskatchewan, though the exact start date is unknown.
Tamworth Hours: A currency used in Tamworth.
Unity dollar: This currency has been in use since 2006.

Other Types of Local Exchange

Community Way Dollar: This currency has been used since 2009.
LETS - Local Exchange Trading Systems: LETS are not a specific currency but a system where people trade goods and services using a local credit system instead of traditional money.
Pioneer Petroleum "Bonus Bucks": These were like loyalty points or coupons offered by Pioneer Petroleum.

List of community currencies in Canada facts for kids

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