Sobeys Invests in Foodland Store on Lunenburg Waterfront
The people of Lunenburg will soon be able to grocery shop at a renovated and improved Foodland store at the Scotia Trawlers site on the town's waterfront.
Lunenburg Waterfront Association, Waterfront Development Corporation Limited and Sobeys Atlantic have signed a lease agreement to operate the renovated store. The space on the Lunenburg waterfront was formerly owned by Clearwater Seafoods.
"It was important to find the right fit, when seeking tenants in a UNESCO World Heritage Site," said Economic Development Minister Kerry Morash. "Sobeys' support for the Foodland store in Lunenburg contributes to local economic growth and development, but there is also a firm commitment to protect the heritage of the Lunenburg waterfront by preserving the physical structure of the building."
There is an agreement with the store's franchisee, Andy Hirtle, to maintain or exceed current employment levels, said Peter Doucette, vice-president for Foodland and Price Chopper, Sobeys Atlantic.
"We believe that having Andy Hirtle, a local businessman who is committed to Lunenburg, supported by a significant capital investment to improve the existing property, is a winning combination," Mr. Doucette said.
In August 2005, the province purchased a block of 17 waterfront properties in the town of Lunenburg in order to preserve 22 buildings, and ensure the continuation of a working waterfront in Lunenburg.
"We are pleased to confirm the deal with Sobeys as the second major transaction to be finalized on the Lunenburg Waterfront Association properties," said president Jim Eisenhauer. The jobs in the present operation are protected and groceries will continue to be available along the waterfront of Lunenburg which is all great news."
The province is leasing the government-owned property managed by the Lunenburg Waterfront Association at fair market value. The Sobeys agreement is the second lease agreement, following the agreement with North Sails Atlantic signed on March 28.
The Waterfront Development Corporation Limited is a provincial Crown corporation that has been planning, co-ordinating, promoting and developing properties, events and activities on designated waterfronts around Halifax Harbour for the last 30 years. On an interim basis, Waterfront Development Corporation Limited, in co-operation with the Lunenburg Waterfront Association, is managing the waterfront properties in Lunenburg.
Sobeys Inc., headquartered in Stellarton, is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor. The company owns or franchises more than 1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, IGA extra, IGA, and Price Chopper. In Nova Scotia, Sobeys also franchises 13 Foodland stores and more than 80 Needs stores. Sobeys Inc. is committed to providing the most worthwhile experience for its customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found on the website at www.sobeys.com.