Elmira hasn’t been immune to the recent Pokémon Go craze. And if you think you’ve been noticing more people downtown lately, it might have something to do with the launch of the free game in Canada last month. The location-based game allows those with data plans on their smart phones to virtually catch Pokémon by walking around their neighbourhood.
Certain locations like libraries, monuments and churches are labelled as Pokéstops. Players
can stop at these and spin a picture of the landmark to receive items like Pokéballs, incense, potions, eggs, lucky eggs, razz berries, revives, incubators and great and ultra balls. When you open the Pokémon Go app on your phone a map is displayed of your location. Pokéstops are indicated by blue markers.
There are also Pokémon Go gyms where you can battle against other Pokémon trainers. These are marked on the map with a tall tower, with the defending Pokémon champion on top. You have to be level five to battle at a gym and the first time you go to a gym you’ll be asked to pick one of three teams to join: Instinct, Mystic or Valor.
