After 22 years offering unique foods and spices on Main Street, Taste Your World is closing at the end of June.

Proprietor Gordon Chan came to the County in 1987 with his wife, Kathy McKenzie, who came home to be with her family.

After working at the local IGA as well as the mushroom plant near Wellington, opening a shop seemed a less stressful option. Kathy, skilled in carpentry, “literally built this place,” said Mr. Chan, indicating the copious shelving.

The couple brought their love of travel to their shop, sharing their experiences through flavour. Although he is ready to retire, Mr. Chan worries that closing will deprive his loyal customers. “Tourists,” he says, “are icing on the cake: if you don’t have local support, forget about it.”

Mr. Chan’s story is quintessentially Canadian. Born in communist China, his family sought to emigrate. His father got established here before bringing the family. Gordon remembers being a small child experiencing the cold winter of The Pas, Manitoba, his first Christmas tree, and learning to skate. He was excited to see Queen Elizabeth II on a royal visit. Having grown up on the Saskatchewan River, he feels an affinity with the Voyageurs, and finds his home on Lake Ontario connects him to his Manitoba roots. At the same time, he holds close to his Chinese customs, valuing family, hard work, and great food.

In retirement, Mr. Chan and Ms. McKenzie will remain County residents, and continue to travel.

“I’d like to see more of Canada, it’s such a big country,” said Mr. Chan. “I haven’t been to Newfoundland or Vancouver Island. I’ve dipped a toe in the Ganges, and I’d like to dip it in the Arctic Ocean. I want to visit the Mackenzie River, probably my wife’s ancestors!”

It is no small accomplishment to maintain a retail shop over more than two decades. Mr. Chan has seen many stores and restaurants come and go over the years. He felt lucky that the grocery business was considered an essential service during the pandemic, so that they were able to remain open. As they wind down, selling off their final inventory, Mr. Chan has enjoyed the good wishes of his regular customers.