Spring construction ‘unlikely’

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A media spokesman for the proposed Extra Foods store in High Prairie says a spring construction start is highly unlikely. “For this location we are presently working through the development process internally that will ultimately determine the size of store and a targeted opening date,” says David Primorac, Loblaw Companies director of public relations in Brampton, Ont. “This is a long and detailed process and it is unlikely we will have any specific plans in place before the summer.” South Peace News attempted numerous times to contact various company personnel, but company policy prohibits media from talking directly to anyone in the company except its media department. South Peace News reported in its July 25, 2007 edition there were no immediate plans to build. “There are no immediate plans to develop,” says Tara Dudar, then assistant manager, Public Affairs Bureau, Westfair Foods, from her Calgary office. “It’s more of a long-term (project). There has been nothing decided yet.” In January 2007, the company announced plans to start construction in the summer of 2007 and complete it within six months. At the time, Lori Stene, manager, Public Affairs Bureau, Westfair Foods, said the company has every intention of developing a store in High Prairie and that local residents should not be deterred by delays. High Prairie Councillor Jeff Burgar, who chairs the economic development pursuit committee, is still optimistic Loblaws will build. “There is no doubt in my mind Loblaw’s will go ahead with this store,” says Burgar. “High Prairie is a great town to do business in and I am sure they will be pleased with the store when it opens.” Loblaw representatives did not respond to questions if their plans would change with the announcement of the Tolko mill closing.

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