Colborne continues to feel the loss of its only grocery store

The loss of Colborne’s only grocery store has left a hole in the heart of the community.

Foodland on Toronto St. has been closed since a fire on May 24 caused more than $1 million damage.

Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin admits it’s been difficult.

“Everyone notices it. You can’t just sort of pop out and get a dozen eggs for example or pick up a loaf of bread. We’re all missing it.”

Still, Martin is very proud of how people have responded.

“Volunteers have stepped up and are driving neighbours and so on, to and from. Community Care has stepped up and they’re maintaining their bus service to drive to a nearby whether it’s Brighton or Cobourg. The food bank has upped their quota of food supplies and so on.”

Some other stores have also increased their grocery stock.

And it’s not just locals who are affected – many seasonal residents and campers are also having to alter their shopping patterns as the store was often their go-to place.

Martin says they are determined to have a grocery store return to the area.

She adds that while Foodland parent company Sobeys remains very interested in the Colborne area it has not confirmed that it will reestablish a franchise in the community.

They are also fielding calls from other interested parties.

“We are very much committed to assisting in providing all the information that is needed. We are scheduled for some considerable residential growth here over the next five years. So that is helping in terms of putting us on the map, assuring companies that we are worth the investment.”

Martin notes that a new store for the community is still likely one to two years away when construction time is factored in.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.