What is a Community Currency?
A Community Currency is a locally-focused complementary currency system designed to enhance economic resilience and strengthen regional economies. Unlike traditional currency, community currency like OUR Community Dollar (OC$) circulates exclusively within a defined geographic area, encouraging residents to support local businesses and keeping wealth within the community.
OC$
How OUR Community Dollar (OC$) Works
Community businesses and consumers participate in this innovative program through membership. Members acquire complementary OC$ currency as a benefit of their membership and can then spend these local dollars as partial or full payment for goods and services at participating local businesses throughout Waterloo Region, Wellington County, and surrounding areas.
When you use OC$, you're not just making a purchase—you're investing in your community's prosperity, supporting local employment, and building meaningful connections with your neighbors and local business owners.
Stays Local
Every OC$ spent circulates within OUR community, creating a multiplier effect that benefits everyone.
Supports Business
Participating businesses gain increased customer loyalty and additional purchasing power.
Builds Community
Strengthens relationships between neighbors, businesses, and community organizations.
Economic Impact
This infusion of local currency strengthens our regional economy and creates job opportunities.
Meet the Founders
Three people. Three different backgrounds. One shared goal — a stronger local economy.
Gary S. Jones BA
Founder of OUR Community Dollar
Originally from Quebec, Gary has had varied career experiences. After graduating from York University with a degree in Psychology and numerous Education courses, Gary started a career with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services — working for many years with residential programs for the hard-to-serve adolescent population and eventually securing a position as an Adult Protective Service Worker in an Ontario Ministry of Health Program.
Gary eventually migrated into a career in business consultation and served on various volunteer and not-for-profit organizations. In 1998, Gary and his wife moved from Brockville, Ontario, to begin a position with a service that advocated and represented Worker Compensation petitioners.
It was in 2004 when Gary attended an economic symposium hosted by the Schumacher Center for Economic Development that he first learned about the many community currency programs around the world. "The experience was life changing," he reports.
Today, Gary brings his years of community development and business knowledge to launch the OUR Community Dollar Program — a vibrant local currency system for times of economic uncertainty.
Born in Toronto, Rob grew up in rural Ontario before moving to Kitchener at 18. His entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at age 10 when his parents bought a small grocery store in Millbank — by 12, he was running it solo for two weeks while they took a well-earned break.
After honing his skills through a major pizza franchise, Rob opened several of his own locations. A chance moment at a Grand Bend pub changed his path forever — he discovered karaoke and a new career as a full-time entertainer. Together with his wife Teri, they founded Gemstone Entertainment, a thriving KW/Cambridge entertainment business.
When COVID-19 shuttered the entertainment world in 2020, Rob launched TOAD (Take Out And Delivery) — a commission-free local delivery service supporting restaurants squeezed by big-app fees of up to 30%.
In 2022, a conversation with Gary Jones brought Rob into the OUR Community Dollar fold. "Gary was looking for someone to take over the program," Rob recalls. "I said it was too much for one person — but I'd be happy to be part of a team." That instinct led directly to the founding trio.
Rob Puschelberg
Director of Community Relations
Steve Orr GAPC
Director of Print & Digital Marketing
A lifelong Kitchener-Waterloo community member, Steve earned his Graphic Arts Reproduction–Production Co-Ordinator (GAPC) certification from Mohawk College. For over 30 years, as owner/operator of Uptown Printing, he has built a reputation as the go-to expert for a diverse range of digital and print services — known for knowledge, effectiveness, and competitive pricing.
Steve's commitment to innovation led him to Print Releaf — an environmentally friendly program that measures paper usage and plants trees responsibly. He became the first commercial printer in Ontario to join the program, reflecting a passion for environmental stewardship that extends into his daily life through native-species gardening supporting birds and insects.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys time with family, hitting the ski slopes, beach walks, and brisk hikes. He jokingly notes that expanding his cooking repertoire beyond current specialties is on the roadmap.
Steve sees the OUR Community Dollar Program™ as an exciting system to connect buyers and sellers across the region — and is proud to be a Founder.
Three Backgrounds. One Vision.
Community development, entrepreneurship, and creative marketing — united to build a stronger local economy for Waterloo Region, Wellington County, and beyond.
Watch OUR Video
See how OUR Community Dollar is transforming local economies — created with the power of artificial intelligence.
OUR Community Dollar
Learn how it works in 2 minutes