By Busayo Osobade

Pelican Narrows looks to build temporary store after fire

May 3, 2016 | 5:00 PM

Community band leaders are looking for a temporary, yet immediate solution after Pelican Narrows’ main grocery store burnt to the ground last Thursday, April 28.

The fire was considered an accident and might have started as a grass fire that went out of control.

The Northern store was not only one of the largest stores in the community, but also the closest. Apart from groceries, it also offered financial services. According to community members, the impact of its loss is immeasurable.

Band councillor Harold Linklater said there are decades of history to the store.

“It’s too bad this happened, it’s unfortunate and it’s going to be a big impact on the community because that’s like our only grocery store when you compare to supermarkets in the city. That’s our supermarket here on the reserve,” Linklater said.

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The only option community members have now is to go to the other three confectionary stores and retail outlets to get their immediate needs. But, according to Linklater, this cannot be compared with the Northern grocery store.

At the moment, Linklater said there are discussions for a temporary store, the location of which will be closer to the community. The timeline for the project is unknown.

“We don’t know how long that is going to take but they want to get (back) in our community as soon as possible. And this could take three to eight weeks from now,” he said.

While the community does have a local fire department and a new fire truck, Linklater said the service which is new to the reserve was unable to save the building.

“I believe that they just trained volunteers on the fire truck and firefighting. How successful this was? I am not sure. But we are just getting started with a new fire truck,” he said.

Pelican Narrows is located in the northeastern part of Saskatchewan and 388 kilometres North-East of Prince Albert.

Busayo.osobade@jpbg.ca