The times they are a-changin’ in Maple Creek’s business world

Renovations under way: Bookstore’s future home

By Marcus Day

Maple Creek News

The winds of change are blowing through Maple Creek’s business community.

The Bargain! Shop rebranding comes as several businesses prepare to change homes, a sold sign is placed outside former drive-in restaurant Caroline’s, and the old Shop Easy building is put up for sale by tender.

Developments include:

• Krew’s Gym has moved from 118 and 120 Jasper Street to the Elks Hall on 5th Avenue;
• Rebellion will be moving from 37 Pacific Avenue to 120 Jasper Street (formerly Krew’s);
• Bob Siemens’ bookstore will be moving next year from 127 Jasper Street across the road to 118 Jasper Street (formerly Krew’s), next to Old Town Plush, which he also owns;
• Breakaway Business Ventures – Olivia Bircham and Laura Wagner’s enterprise, which provides administrative, financial and office support for farmers, ranchers, contractors, tradespeople, and small business owners – will operate out of the former Bank of Montreal at 129 Jasper Street;
• Jason Heistad’s music studio will operate out of the former BMO building basement;
• Pioneer Co-op has built a 6,000 square foot Home & Agro Centre next to the Johne Deere dealership;
• The purchase of the former Caroline’s drive-in restaurant at 1 Pacific Avenue is said to be all but complete; and
• Activity has been seen at the 212 Maple Street in preparation for Joel Fitzpatrick’s new restaurant. The property was formerly Cypress Wholesale Foods.

On top of this, the former Shop Easy building at 213 Jasper Street is included in a Town of Maple Creek list of properties “for sale by tender”.

The minimum bid requirement is $16,036.65.

The other listed properties are 212 Claustre Avenue, 307 Claustre Avenue, and 517 Maple Street.

Tenders must be received by 4pm on Thursday, October 8. A certified cheque to the municipality for 5% of the tender amount must accompany the submission.

Last week, Johanna Koch, president of the Maple Creek Chamber of Commerce, said she was excited by the changes in the town’s business community.

“It’s great for the town,” she said.

Rebellion, a Métis-owned store full of antiques, locally handcrafted items, pottery, leather work, jewelry, Indigenous items, paintings, clothing, and candles, is planning a celebration at its new home on Sunday, October 18, starting at 4pm.

The story of Rebellion, “A tale of Twatts & Treason” will be told. There will also be Bluegrass music provided by Casey Jones and the Trainwreck, along with food and drink, and a licensed bar. Visitors will be able to build their own buns with meat and cheese. Advance tickets are $20.

Meanwhile, a Breakaway Business Ventures “Coming Soon” sign has been placed on the front door of the former BMO building.

“Your Business Quarterback,” the sign says. “Admin, Finance & Everything In Between.”

Bob Siemens, who owns the property that Rebellion is vacating, says its future has still to be determined.

Siemens, who owns Cowtown Kids Toy & Candy, said the bookstore move would happen in 2027. Renovations at its future home are already taing place.

As to what will happen to the present bookstore space, nothing has yet been decided.

“You will have to wait and see.”