After a lengthy hiatus, the community is finally seeing tangible signs that Agassiz Produce is returning to business as usual.
Agassiz-Harrison has long awaited and even feared the business would not come back, but store manager Marie Christie has indicated via public social media that the owners are starting the hiring process.
Over the past weekend, the store will “open” to welcome interested prospective employees to drop off their resumes and find out more about the full- and part-time shifts at the produce store on Pioneer Avenue. Those interested can go to the store between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to apply.
RELATED: After a long four months, Agassiz Produce announces reopening plans
In November 2022, the District of Kent posted a Stop Work/No Occupancy notice on the doors, bringing ongoing renovation work – as well as store operations – to a grinding halt. District staff told The Observer that the reno work removed protective barriers, which exposed asbestos-containing materials.
Without the use of specialized protective gear, people exposed to asbestos fibres could suffer multiple serious health issues, including lung scarring, lung cancer and a rare form of cancer of the lining of the body cavity known as mesothelioma.
WorkBC and the district got involved in the safety issue and the owners worked quickly to begin the safe removal of the asbestos material. That winter’s ice storms seriously hindered the work that needed to be done.
There have been a few updates since the shutdown in November 2021. In February 2022, Christie told The Observer that the asbestos was finally removed and renovations were nearing completion. In April 2022, Christie said via social media that the grand opening was set for Canada Day 2022. Canada Day came and went, and still no Agassiz Produce.
RELATED: Agassiz Produce set to open July 1
Christie answered some questions in the comments of the social media announcement. She was not sure there would be a garden centre immediately to be opened and that there would be more opportunities fro those interested in working at the store to apply for jobs.
The hiring news ends an 13-month silence and could be a sign that after 17 months, Agassiz Produce is showing more signs than ever that opening day is coming closer.
In addition to questions, local social media users expressed joy and excitement for the return of the beloved shop.
Thank you for this, from the bottom of my heart. I missed this store,” wrote Fran St. Germain.
adam.louis@ ahobserver.com
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