Chester’s best have been recognized.
The municipality announced the winners of their ‘Best of Chester’ business awards Thursday at municipal council.
Among the award winners were Chester Building Supplies, Lordly Park and The Gold Nugget AFN.
Warden Allen Webber says businesses help shape the municipality’s identity.
“They provide the services that most of us use on a daily basis and we depend on them greatly and it’s what helps to bring other people to our communities knowing that these types of services are available.”
Nine hundred and sixty-eight submissions were received with 12,172 votes cast by the public, which Webber says is a 10 per cent increase from last year.
He says one thing stuck out to him.
“There are winners, of course, from all across the municipality but, there does seem to be a bit more focus on the Village businesses this year than there has in the past.”
The list of winners is as follows:
Best Artisanal Retailer: The Village Emporium (runner up: Chez Glass Lass)
Best Building Services: Chester Electrical, Plumbing, and Heating (runner up: Toadz Odd Jobs)
Best Building Supply Store: Chester Building Supplies (runner up: Lester D Collicutt Lumber and Building Supplies)
Best Community Space: Lordly Park (runner up: Forest Heights Community School)
Best Farm/Forestry Business: Ross Farm Museum (runner up: Integrity’s Haven Equine Rescue Centre)
Best Garden Services: Oceanview Home and Garden (runner up: Downey’s Pitcher Plant Nursery)
Best Gas Station: The Gold Nugget AFN (runner up: Chester Basin Petro-Canada)
Best Grocery/Convenience Store: Spidles’ Your Independent Grocer (runner up: Foodland – Chester)
Best Health/Beauty Services: Luna Salon Spa & Boutique (runner up: Valerie’s Hair Studio)
Best Spa/Fitness Facility: Luna Salon Spa & Boutique (runner up: Aqua Spa)
Best Health Care Provider: Our Health Centre (runner up: Dr. Natasha Zinck)
Best Manufacturing Business: South Shore Concrete Products (runner up: South Shore Metalworks)
Best Marine Services Business: Gold River Marina (runner up: South Shore Marine)
Best Mechanic/Auto Shop: Jeff’s Old Volks Home (runner up: Chester Service Centre Ltd.)
Best Non-Profit Group: Integrity’s Haven Equine Rescue Centre (runner up: Lighthouse Food Bank)
Best Pet Services: Your Friend & Mine Pet Supplies (runner up: Chester Basin Animal Hospital)
Best Restaurant: Fo’c’sle Tavern (runner up: Gold Bean Café)
Best Specialist Retailer: Julien’s Bakery (runner up: Kiwi Café)
Best Place to Have a Coffee: The Gold Bean Café (runner up: Kiwi Café)
Best Place to Stay: Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre (runner up: Mecklenburgh Inn)
Best Professional Services: Scotiabank Chester (runner up: New Ross Credit Union)
Best Realtor: Tradewinds Realty (runner up: Peter Reeves, RE/MAX South Shore Realty)
Best Vendor at a Farmers Market: Julien’s Bakery (runner up: Higbee’s Berry Farm & Nursery)
