Dana Antonovich, general manager of the Gateway Co-op announced the beginning of construction for a new gas station and convenience store by holding a groundbreaking ceremony on August 19.
The convenience store, which will be placed across from the Gateway Co-op to provide gas and other small items to shoppers in the Canora area, has been in planning stages for several months, but with the ceremony, construction will soon begin. Those present at the ceremony included Heather Prestie, the office manager and Lyle Olson, the board president, as well as board members George Stinka, Mike Zeebin, and Francis Bartko of Canora, and Herb Carlson of Buchanan.
“We will sell all our existing products at the new store, with the addition of a few more new products,” said Antonovich after the ceremony. He stated that a selection of hot and cold drinks will be available, including iced coffee, cappuccinos, and milkshakes. Fireworks, hot food, and an ATM will all be exciting new additions to the store.
The gas pumps will be spread across eight lanes, and those buying gas have an option to pay at the pump with a credit or debit card. Full service will still be available, and the pumps will have a canopy overhead to protect from the elements. Antonovich said they will also offer premium fuel and propane at a larger holding station.
The 2,500 square foot facility also includes washrooms and a sewage dump for trailers.
“The state-of-the-art convenience store will help us meet the standards the Co-op retailing system has already set,” Antonovich explained.
“We hope that when tourists enter the city, the combination of a grocery store and gas station will make it an attractive spot to visit.”
The contract for construction was awarded to KOR ALTA Construction Ltd., and the facility is set to be open at the beginning of 2017.
