The parent company that operated the fire-ravaged Northern Store in Pelican Narrows continues to discuss a new full-service grocery store, but it’s not ready to confirm such a project.
Derek Reimer, director of business development with the North West Company, said the potential construction of a new store for the reserve is being reviewed internally. Any information about plans for the store would be released when finalized.
“We have a long history with Pelican Narrows and certainly it’s a community that we have strong ties to and have had a long-term relationship with,” Reimer said this week.
“We’ve enjoyed serving them in the past and we remain hopeful we will be able to launch a new store to serve them once again. Ultimately we need to ensure we have a plan in place that is sustainable. This project has been prioritized and we are actively working on it.”
In April 2016, Pelican Narrows’ Northern Store burned down, leaving the area of about 2,700 residents without a grocery store.
The business had been located inside a 13,000-sq-ft building and included the sales of groceries, commercial goods and financial services. It was determined the fire was started accidently.
The store also provided everyday staples to the residents of Sandy Bay, located about 75 km to the east. Since the fire, many residents have had to travel 120 km to Flin Flon or even further to Prince Albert for basic grocery items.
