Coming to the decision to close the Canora Key Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Ltd. dealership in March was likely one of the hardest business decisions he ever had to make, said Evan Ortynsky.

            Having grown up in the business which has a history that extends back to 1947, he became a partner in 1981 when his uncle, Peter, began selling his shares. Peter and Nestor (Evan’s father) established the dealership in 1947. During the first 58 years, the business was known mainly as Canora Central Motors. At the end of 2005, as Nestor’s role in the business was greatly reduced and the transition began in which Evan was to become the sole owner, General Motors presented Nestor with an award recognizing his service to the Canora area for 58 years. As that recognition was bestowed upon Nestor, it was reported that the Central Motors name was being retired and the Canora business was to become known as Key Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Ltd. effective January 2, 2006.  Evan owned a business of the same name in Yorkton.

Before making the decision to close the Canora location, Ortynsky had considered upgrading the facilities and the equipment, but it was difficult to justify the investment, he said. The Canora location is unable to provide the same potential that it did 25 or 30 years ago.

To explain that point, Ortynsky said in his early days as a shareholder, there was strong competition with another two or three vehicle dealerships and as many as seven agricultural equipment dealers serving the Canora area. Now, Key Chev has no competition in Canora which means Canora is no longer seen as a destination point for potential vehicle buyers. In vehicle sales, competition really does translate into more potential sales. The lack of competition has been very obvious over the past 10 years.

Staff offered jobs in Yorkton

When making the announcement to staff that the Canora facilities would close in March, all nine employees were offered employment at his GM facilities in Yorkton, Ortynsky said. Though given until the end of December to decide, he expected that most staff members would accept the employment offers.

The number of employees at the Canora location was always dependent on the scope of the business interests, Ortynsky said. Having the current nine employees is on the low side for employment levels over the years. At the peak business periods in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, Central Motors had as many as 35 to 40 employees. However, it was during those peak periods when Central Motors was also a dealer for agricultural machinery, marine (boats) and snowmobiles.

Current location opened in 1966

            Canora Central Motors was first established at the southeast corner of Main Street and Second Avenue East, where the Canora post office is now located. Central Motors was operated from that location for 19 years before Peter and Nestor Ortynsky made the determination that the business had outgrown the premises.

            The current facilities at 798 Norway Road south, which was constructed around an 80-by-140 foot all-steel building erected in 1966, was officially opened in October of 1966. Mayor Walter Mysak cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the new facilities.

            After the Canora dealership closes, Ortynsky said he will look at several options for the property. He may sell it or he may use if for another venture. For now his prime concern is making a smooth transition.