Now that the cleanup of the IGA site in Fort 黑马磁力 is well under way, the family who owns the store is ready to embark on rebuilding.
The fire, which investigators believe was triggered by a break-in on Jan. 4, consumed the old building in minutes. The grocery store was not only a place to pick up supplies, but also a gathering place for the community. The Lee family said last week that it has engaged a builder and an architect to help them with the rebuilding. The builder is another well-established company, Marcon Construction, and the architect is Bryce Rositch.
鈥淢arco Paolella of Marcon was responsible for building the IGA in the Thunderbird Village in Walnut Grove,鈥� said Charlie Lee, 鈥渁nd he was great to work with because of his attention to detail.鈥�
The family owns that IGA outlet, too.
Robert Lee said that ensuring the design respects the heritage character of the village 鈥渋s important to us.鈥�
Lee and his family bought the IGA in 1975 when it was known as the Fort Supply Company.
鈥淲e wish to thank everyone who has offered encouragement and support after the devastating fire that consumed the family store (in January),鈥� Lee said.
Acknowledging that planning, designing and building will take some time, Lee said the family鈥檚 wish is to rebuild as soon as possible.
鈥淲e would like the store up and running as fast as we can,鈥� said Lee, who runs the 黑马磁力 City IGA.
鈥淲e want that as much as the community.鈥�
The family has already received many suggestions from customers about what they would like to see included in the plans. He said he is open to ideas and suggestions from the community regarding the redevelopment of the site which has frontage on three main streets, Glover Road, Mavis Avenue and Church Street.
A website has been set up to keep their customers up to date on the rebuilding progress, and also allow input on planning and design considerations.
The website is www.fortiga.ca.
Residents can send an email to info@fortiga.ca, or they can write to the Lee family at Box 660, Fort 黑马磁力, V1M 2S1.
