Community Stories: Meet Canary Goods
Norfolk Housing Association is fortunate to own several commercial spaces in the heart of Kensington. The rents collected from these spaces are one of the important ways that we can maintain our ongoing operations. But more than that, these businesses are another key component of our community, adding to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood, the diversity of our model, and the relationship between neighbours and small businesses.
And as such, we think they're worth celebrating! So this month, let's get to know Canary Goods a little bit better.
Tell us a bit about your business/business model and what sets it apart.
Canary is a shop where you are able to refill every day products for your home and body such as dish soap, laundry soap, shampoos conditioners, cleaners, and so on.
What’s one thing about Canary that you wish more people knew/realised?
When we were starting out, our main goal was to help individuals reduce their plastic waste by refilling bottles, but one of the best things about canary that our customers have come to know is that you can save a lot of money when you’re purchasing in bulk products in any amounts. You can purchase products that are clean and safe for your body and the environment at the same prices that you might purchase any old product at Safeway or shoppers for example.
How long have you been renting commercial space from NHA and how did you first hear about us?
Canary has existed since 2018 in Kensington but hidden up in a building on the second floor. We got really lucky when we found the space at Norfolk housing. I was walking to work one day in the summer and I noticed the pet store closing sign on the window. I talked to the owners who were retiring and they told me that Norfolk had been great landlords! I jumped on it right away and we were able to move in two months later.
What were the key factors in choosing to rent one of our commercial spaces instead of others?
Canary had been looking for space for years, but most of the spaces in Kensington are not reasonable for a small business to exist. The rents are too much and the personal guarantees are something that only a large scale corporation could actually afford. Norfolk offered us a very reasonable Amount to guarantee the space that afforded us the opportunity to move the shop.
What does community mean to you/your business?
The words “zero waste” that are in our name is a lofty goal, but keeps us thinking about the end of life of the products. We purchased products that are actually compostable and won’t be breaking down into micro plastics. As the owner of Canary, it has always been a priority to me to consider how we are receiving our packages obviously with the intention of reducing waste and also trying to bring in products that are as local as possible so that we can support other owners and makers in Calgary.
What’s one thing that community members can do today to support your small business?
We would love to see the community members of Norfolk using our Refillery which is why we have created a 10% discount code that applies to anyone living in the Norfolk housing community. The nice thing about buying bulk and being to close is that you can purchase as much or a little as you like. It’s kind of cool to be able to run downstairs and fill up your dish soap or shampoo should you run out! We are learning many of your names and faces but if we have not yet met then simply let us know which building you live in!
