The owners of the new Canadian Tire store in Canmore are excited about moving into the community and their fast approaching store opening.
Pat Pilon and Jacqueline Ares were owners of the Drayton Valley Canadian Tire until recently, when the opportunity to own and run a store in the Bow Valley came up.
The pair have already moved into the community and last week they began interviewing prospective employees for the 50 to 60 jobs that will be added to Canmore when the store opens early in November.
“We are very happy to be here because we love Canmore and we love the mountains,” said Ares, who is originally from Edmonton.
Pilon, who is originally from Montreal, has been working at a Canadian Tire for the past 40 years and in the past 10 has owned franchises with his wife in Drayton Valley and Marystown, Nfld.
“I think we have the experience to make this store successful,” he said. “This is at the top of all the experiences I have had working with Canadian Tire.
“I think Canmore has everything to offer and that is what we will do at the store too.”
Pilon said in Drayton Valley it was hard to find staff, an issue that Canmore has also experienced.
However, at their hiring fair two weeks ago, more than 120 people turned up or arranged interviews for positions at the new store.
Ares said the response is very positive and everyone who applied was a Canmore resident.
As business owners themselves they understand the concern some may have over the big box store opening in Canmore. The pair said they are committed to supporting small businesses in the community and say the Canadian Tire will attract new traffic into town.
It will also prevent leakage, they say, when locals have to travel to Calgary to meet their needs.
“We are excited to get to know people in the community and participate in sporting events,” Ares said.
While the 30,000 square feet is a mid-sized Canadian Tire location, living in Canmore is exciting for the couple who will take advantage of the countless recreational opportunities the area affords.
“Canadian Tire and us included are very happy to be part of a new community – it means a lot to us,” Pilon said. “It is going to take a lot of cars off the road to Calgary.”
