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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
Friday, August 28, 2015
News
Construction starts for second Co-op gas bar
Nickel Belt News photo by Molly Gibson Kirby
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Construction is underway at the site of the new Thompson Co-op and gas bar. BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
It’s construction season in Thompson, and that construction involves the creation of the second Thompson Co-op bas bar, which is being constructed on Thompson Drive, and Lynx Crescent. Marty Sanders, president of the Co-op gas bar says this is a result of talks that took place for three or four years. “We contacted Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) in Winnipeg, and what they did, they did a feasibility study as
RAYMOND TRENT STUDLEY March 15, 1974 - August 16. 2015
BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY
Raymond, (41), passed away suddenly in the early morning hours on Monday August 16, 2015, in Thompson, Manitoba. Cremation recently took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba and a small service will be held locally, at a later date, for family and friends before being sent home to Kitamaat Village, BC, where he will be laid to rest. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Ethel Studley (Nyce) and survived by his siblings, Clarence Nyce, Constance Everitt, Yvonne Studley, Debra Hitch and Harry Studley, as well as by his son, Mathew Wilson and his daughter, Ashley Studley. Always in our thoughts, Forever in our hearts, You will be dearly missed. REST IN SWEET PEACE. The immediate family would like to thank all family and friends for your donations, care and support for us during our time of loss. A special thank you to Tara Fleck for being here to support Harry until family arrived. Thank You
MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
The Thompson Chamber of Commerce has released another survey completed by members on Aug. 25. This survey focused on tourism in Thompson, with 37 responses or 32.5 per cent, which is up from the last survey, which saw a response rate of 30 per cent. The nine-question survey started with if Thompson should be promoted at the different transportation hubs. 100 per cent stated yes for the airport, 97.3 per cent said yes for the train station, 83.3 per cent
In Memory of Our Guardian Angel
Andrew
Fillier- Bennett Born May 30, 1996 Tragically taken from us on August 28, 1998
So much has changed since you’ve been gone, Through ups and downs our lives move on. But as time rolls by one thing remains true, We’ll always have the memories of you. Within our store of memories He holds a place apart, For no one else can ever be More cherished in our hearts.
ber, and Itson says they hope to be finished construction by January. Sanders noted that construction will continue when the weather takes a turn, since the construction company will complete the underground work first, and the above ground work can happen in any temperature. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is because what you do, you put plastic around the building to keep the heat in.” The company Parkwest Projects Ltd, from Winni-
peg was the chosen construction company because when tenders went out, their offer was the lowest. Although neither Itson nor Sanders could comment on the price tag of this endeavor they both say it’s needed, and will be well used because of the good customers, and the hard working employees they have. Itson hopes to have the second gas bar open by February, and says there will be up to 16 new job opportunities with the opening.
Thompson Chamber of Commerce releases tourism survey
OBITUARIES
This day is remembered and quietly kept. No words are needed, we shall never forget. For those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed still very dear.
to whether or not we should build another gas bar. All indicators said that there is a need.” Wally Itson, general manager of the Thompson Co-op says although the construction started a bit later than anticipated, it’s going in the right direction. “They’ve just finished putting the pilings in the ground for both the canopy and the convenience store, signs, and lights. All the cement work and rebar work is in the ground. “ The next phase will start at the beginning of Septem-
Ever missed, Ever loved, Nanny & Poppy Fillier, Mommy, Cassie, Denika, Auntie Dayna, Arieona xxxxxxx ooooooo
agreed promotion should happen at the bus depot. 94.4 per cent of responders said that there should be Thompson displays at these transportation hubs as well. A note from different people said there should be displays also at the Winnipeg airport, bus depot, and train station. The note also included the need to advertise in Churchill, but in a way that’s cost effective, low maintenance, and would not see vandalism. Another questioned the need for businesses to promote their services at the transportation hubs, and 97.1 per cent agreed saying this should happen. One responder explained however that promotional areas must be kept in good condition for this to work. When asked how Thompson is currently doing in the tourism and promotional department 40.6 per cent stated ‘just okay’, 24.4 per cent said ‘poor’, 24.3 per cent said
‘average’, and 10.8 per cent said ‘good, but could do better.’ No one marked ‘excellent.’ The sixth question was around who is responsible for restocking brochures. 21 per cent said City of Thompson, 18.8 per cent said Thompson Unlimited, 18.8 per cent stated Chamber of Commerce, and 3 per cent said North Central Development. The biggest percentage stated that Tourism North should be in charge, noted 37.5 per cent of respondents. Comments were included in this question, saying business owners should hold responsibility, or a combination of all, spearheaded by the City of Thompson. Another responder said whoever can do it most cost efficiently should do it, and if the Chamber of Commerce does it, they’d know it would get completed. The final two questions focused around whom should fund promotional
displays, and other ideas for the city to use as promotional material. 66.7 per cent said the City of Thompson should be in charge, while 58.3 per cent said Tourism North. In third was Thompson Unlimited with 38.9 per cent of votes, with a one note saying that Thompson Unlimited is the city’s economic tourism generator, but needs guidance. Other suggestions included free promotional material, downloadable material or free app, wall map of Thompson and street map, information desk, and coupons and discount shopping. Others commented on the need for point of interest brochures, tour buses or ambassadors to meet the train, and a local tourism committee funded by the accommodation tax. Members of the executive board are to meet and discuss the focus of the next monthly survey in the near future.
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If you have seen a wild wolf recently within 90 miles of Thompson, or taken a photo, please report it on: www.thompsonspiritway.ca The BEST wolf photo in the Thompson region & submitted monthly will win a $40 prize*. Any wolf photo submitted may be displayed on our website. Your text or photo of wolf sightings help Thompson and region build a wolf economy based on education, research, conservation, eco-tourism, art & culture, and conferences. “Developing excellence in all things wolf.” * Conditions apply.