Prince Albert's Walmart. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Money Troubles

P.A. Walmart undergoing renovations, mayor frustrated with store’s choices following tax appeal

Oct 18, 2022 | 6:05 PM

The mayor of Prince Albert isn’t happy with the city’s Walmart.

After the retailer was one of five stores in the community to successfully appeal how much they were getting taxed, the company has announced they’re undergoing renovations.

This includes adjusting the floor layout “to provide a better customer shopping experience.”

Walmart Canada is spending $35 million to renovate five of its locations across the province. They didn’t specify how much was being used in P.A. only that the amount was “significant.”

“If they’re renovating their store that means they’re very profitable and change keeps the profit going,” said Greg Dionne.

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The renovations being done by Walmart isn’t a direct result of the tax break, rather the company’s billion-dollar infrastructure plan they recently announced. Construction actually started in May and is expected to be finished sometime in November.

The money being saved by the five stores, which also includes JYSK, Canadian Tire, Sport Check and Marks Work Warehouse, is potentially close to $1 million. Dionne explained taxpayers will have to cover the loss which, in his opinion, is frustrating since these companies, specifically Walmart, could most likely cover it themselves.

“You have people on fixed income, seniors and they shop at Walmart, I give them credit they keep the prices low but at the same time I do believe they need to be good community partners.”

Dionne highlighted Canadian Tire as a perfect example. Despite being one of the companies to get a tax break, Dionne said the city continues to have a great relationship with them.

“(Malcolm Jenkins) donates more to this city than his taxes are. They’re our partner.”

Meanwhile, Dionne explained he’s not against the renovations, just the timing around the tax break.

He believes it’s a great sign that a company can afford to update its store to better service the community.

paNOW has reached out to Walmart Canada but has not received a response.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow