Are area businesses ready to accept Canadian currency?
Many business owners say they are. Lee Selover, president of the Charlotte Harbor Merchants Association, said the issue of accepting Canadian money has been discussed at the group’s meetings. Some businesses have even purchased special cash registers that handle the exchange rate, he said. He and others say complaints that the Rochester area isn’t ready are much ado about nothing. Currency exchange areas are expected to be on the ferry and inside the new ferry terminal in Charlotte so Canadian visitors will have ample opportunity to exchange their cash before heading off into the community, they noted. Many foreign visitors also use credit cards or simply get cash out of ATMs. Bryon Fountain, manager of the Chase Manhattan bank on Lake Avenue, said his bank accepts Canadian currency now. “It’s nothing new to us,” he said, adding that it doesn’t happen that often. “I expect to see a little increase but I’m not anticipating that we’re going to stock Canadian currency at the bank.” Paula
