Local businesses aren't expecting any disruptions on Monday when the phased elimination of the penny begins.
The federal government will stop delivering pennies to financial institutions on Monday and although the coin remains legal tender indefinitely, the goal is to eventually eliminate their use.
"We now have to change how we handle our cash, so we have procedures in place to deal with that," Value Village regional sales manager Kelly Summer said. "We're going to go with the flow, like everyone else."
The government claims it can save $11 million a year by getting rid of the penny and also cited environmental benefits associated with no longer having to mint a one-cent coin as reasons for dropping it from circulation.
"There's nothing we can do about it, they're taking it, they're removing it," said Angela, an employee at Your Dollar Store with More who didn't provide her last name. "It's the way it's going to be."
Chris Brooks, a supervisor the Husky gas station on 15th Ave., said she doesn't expect the elimination of the penny will require any new formal staff training.
"We're all pretty verbal here," she said.
The government is encouraging businesses to round cash transactions after tax is calculated in a "fair and transparent" manner, but has not legislated any rules for how to do so. It's recommending businesses use a symmetrical approach - for instance round a purchase of $1.02 down to $1 and a purchase of $1.03 up to $1.05.
The government expects most business will round fairly.
"Experience in other countries that have phased out low-denomination coins, such as Australia and New Zealand, has shown that fair rounding practices have been respected," the Royal Canadian Mint said in a statement posted on its website.
All the businesses contacted by the Citizen, including gas stations, dollar stores, restaurants and discount outlets said they plan to abide by the recommendation that they round up and down.
The rounding will only apply to cash transactions. Purchases made with debit cards, credit cards, gift cards and cheques will continue to to be calculated down to the individual cent.
The penny will continue to be legal tender beyond Monday and businesses will have the option of continuing to accept it and offer it as change as needed. For instance Value Village will still hand out pennies as change beyond Monday, as supplies last.
"We'll still be accepting them, but we won't be able to order any more," Summer said. "We'll still hand them out when we have them."
None of the businesses contacted by the Citizen said they will stop accepting pennies any time soon. Banks will continue to accept pennies, but may require that large quantities be rolled prior to deposit.
