What’s next for St. Mary’s retail?
Despite supermarket’s closure, community’s economic future is bright, says chief
The announced closure of St. Mary’s Supermarket was a big downer for everyone in the First Nation community this week, but the Sitansisk chief there’s a healthy economic future ahead.
The board of directors of St. Mary’s Retail Sales (SMRS) announced this week the northside community’s supermarket was no longer economically viable and would be closing effective June 30.
That’ll put 50 people out of work, though SMRS is working with those affected to shift them into different positions if possible.
Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation Chief Allan Polchies Jr. said part of the lengthy process of arriving at the decision to close the market was ensuring members still had access to food in the community.
“We’re rebranding,” he said.