Every community is built on the businesses that show up, do good work and stick around. Stayner and Clearview Township have dozens of these. Not flashy operations, not chains, just people who know their trade and serve their neighbours well. Here are six that deserve recognition.
Equipfix Auto Repair
Equipfix Auto Repair
Established in 1999, Equipfix is a family-owned auto repair shop that has been a fixture in the Stayner area for over 25 years. They handle everything from routine oil changes and brake jobs to more complex engine diagnostics and transmission work. What sets Equipfix apart is the straightforward communication: they explain what needs fixing, what can wait, and what it will cost before they start turning wrenches. In small-town auto repair, trust is everything, and Equipfix has earned it through consistent, honest work over two and a half decades. They service all makes and models and have built a reputation for getting vehicles back on the road without unnecessary upselling. For more local shops, see our auto repair guide.
Curiosity House Books
Curiosity House Books
122 Mill Street, Creemore. An independent bookshop in a village of 1,300 people. That alone is worth celebrating. Curiosity House opened on Creemore's Mill Street and has become one of the street's anchor businesses. The selection is curated rather than exhaustive: fiction, non-fiction, children's books, local interest titles, and a rotating display of staff picks that actually reflects what the staff are reading. They host author events, run book clubs and participate in community literacy initiatives. Owner-operated with genuine passion for books, Curiosity House is the kind of shop that makes a small town feel culturally alive. In an era when independent bookstores are rare, this one thrives because it is run by people who love what they sell.
A Small Hair Studio
A Small Hair Studio
Jamie has been cutting and styling hair for over 20 years, and A Small Hair Studio is exactly what the name suggests: a small, personal salon where you are not a number. The studio operates on a one-client-at-a-time model, which means no waiting, no background noise from six other stations, and Jamie's full attention for your entire appointment. Services cover cuts, colour, styling and treatments for all hair types. The experience is closer to visiting a skilled friend than sitting in a production-line salon. Booking is by appointment, and regular clients tend to schedule weeks in advance. If you are new to the area and looking for someone who takes the time to understand your hair, this is a strong first choice.
Stayner Family Pharmacy
Stayner Family Pharmacy
Located in downtown Stayner in the old library building, Stayner Family Pharmacy is independently owned and operated. In a country where most pharmacies are chain outlets inside big box stores, an independent pharmacy is increasingly rare and valuable. The pharmacists here know their regular customers personally. They remember your prescriptions, ask about your family and take the time to explain medications and interactions. The building itself is notable: the former library retains its original architectural details, giving the pharmacy a character that no Shoppers Drug Mart will ever match. Beyond prescriptions, they carry health products, personal care items and basic household necessities. For older residents and families who value a personal relationship with their pharmacist, this place is irreplaceable.
Harris Plumbing
Harris Plumbing
Finding a reliable plumber in a rural area can be a genuine challenge. Harris Plumbing has built a strong reputation across Clearview Township and the surrounding area, earning a HomeStars Best of 2023 award. They handle residential and commercial plumbing: everything from leaky faucets and clogged drains to full bathroom renovations and new construction rough-ins. What customers consistently note is reliability. They show up when they say they will, provide clear quotes, and do clean work. In a trade where horror stories are common, Harris Plumbing's track record stands out. They also handle emergency calls, which matters when you have a burst pipe at 10 PM in January. For more local trades, see our home services directory.
Pine Ridge Electric
Pine Ridge Electric
Established in 2018, Pine Ridge Electric brings over 30 years of combined electrical experience to Clearview Township and the surrounding area. The company may be relatively new, but the electricians behind it have decades of hands-on work behind them. They service residential, commercial and agricultural properties, covering everything from panel upgrades and new construction wiring to EV charger installations and generator hookups. Agricultural electrical work is a specialty that matters in farm country: barn wiring, grain dryer connections and equipment installations require specific knowledge that not every electrician has. Pine Ridge also handles the smaller jobs that homeowners need: new outlets, lighting upgrades, ceiling fan installations. Licensed, insured and ESA-certified. For more trades and services, visit our services directory.
Why Local Businesses Matter
These six businesses represent a cross-section of what keeps a community functioning: the mechanic who keeps your car running, the pharmacist who knows your name, the plumber who answers at night, the electrician who understands farm wiring, the hairstylist who remembers how you like your layers, and the bookshop that gives the village its cultural heartbeat.
Supporting local businesses in Stayner and Clearview is not a slogan. It is a practical reality. When these businesses succeed, the money stays in the community. When they close, the gap is felt immediately. Every one of these owners chose to build something here, and the community is better for it.
Know a business that deserves a spotlight? We are always looking for local operations that do excellent work. Explore more of the local business landscape through our Shop Stayner section or browse the Eat and Drink guide.