Rona set to build in city

Rumours that a new building supplies store will open in Yorkton have been confirmed.

"Jim Chaplin is proud to announce that, along with some local investors, he will open a Rona store in Yorkton within the year," said Kelly Whiteoak, Chaplin's assistant.

Chaplin currently owns the Rona in Fort Qu'Appelle.

The Yorkton store, which will be built on land at the southwest corner of Grain Miller's Drive and the Saskota Flyway, will be a full service Rona location, Whiteoak said. The building is in the final planning stages, she said, and they expect to have it built, using local tradesmen, and open in 2014.

The company intends to target both do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors. It will include a drive-through lumberyard.

Whiteoak said the decision to expand to Yorkton was a natural.

"Yorkton is a very progressive community and Jim wants to contribute to Yorkton's growth," she said.

Mayor Bob Maloney said it is very good news for Yorkton as the city continues to attract new business and jobs. He said there are other things on the horizon as well that he can't talk about yet.

"We're happy to hear there is growing excitement in Yorkton for this project; we're very excited about this new venture as well," Whiteoak said.