District of Port Edward and Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a Society to explore redevelopment of General Store/Post Office site

The Port Edward General Store 
(from FB page)

 Some big changes to the Port Edward commercial footprint could be in the offing if all comes together for the District and the Gitmaxmaka'ay Nisga'a Society, which operates the Port Edward General Store.

A notice on the District of Port Edward website today, outlines the background to a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations towards potential redevelopment of the Store site.

The proposed redeveloped site if it moves forward would likely see an expanded grocery section, refrigerated goods, food service options and a laundromat. 

As well it's noted that the Port Edward Post Office building would shift from its current spot adjacent to the Store, becoming part of the new facility that would come.

"On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, we are excited to explore with the District of Port Edwardian how best to undertake a multi million dollar redevelopment of the community's sole storefront" -- Gitmaxmak'ay Nisa' Society CEO Blair Mirau

For Mayor Knut Bjorngal the prospect of added investment into the community is a welcome opportunity for Council and the District.

"We are please to build a new relationship with Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a Scotty, to enhance the services available for residents an visitors to the community. This MOU sets the stage for an important and welcome investment in Port Edward's future"

The forward momentum for the full proposed development appears somewhat contingent on a successful application to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program towards partial funding for the plans.

No details towards what each of the proponents would invest into the development were disclosed in today's information release.

The Full statement today available here (or click on image below) today outlines some of the other particulars should the funding application be approved.

Mr. Mirau will share additional notes on the project as part of a Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Nisa'a Hall on November 22nd.

More notes from Port Edward can be reviewed here.

The District's social media page is serving as the sounding board so far to the idea.

Items of interest from the Nisga'a Nation can be reviewed here.

A look at other areas of note from the Commercial Sector can be reviewed here.