Grocery Store Rebuild in Salisbury, N.B., Starts Soon After Fire

URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Salisbury, N.B., are one step closer to having their beloved grocery store back. Following the devastating fire that destroyed Walker’s Your Independent Grocer on September 28, 2023, town officials have announced plans for a rebuild, expected to kick off imminently.

On Friday, Salisbury Mayor Rob Campbell revealed that the town is working closely with Loblaws to finalize building plans. “It’s pretty safe to say we are moving forward with the project,” Campbell stated, expressing optimism for a reopening in the new year.

A spokesperson from Loblaws confirmed their commitment, stating, “We are working extremely hard to reopen the store as soon as possible for the community.” This effort comes as residents have faced significant inconveniences, with many having to travel up to 20 minutes to nearby towns like Petitcodiac and Moncton for basic groceries.

The closure has hit seniors particularly hard, as Mayor Campbell noted, “This is the familiarity. This is what they know, so it’s a huge inconvenience.” Local resident Jason Wilson echoed this sentiment, saying, “You run out of basic necessities and you’ve got to drive to the city to get them.”

In the wake of the fire, local businesses have felt the impact. The Dollar Store, located in the same plaza, has seen a surge in customers. Manager Carol Ouellette remarked, “We’ve been extremely busy, especially in our food sales,” highlighting the store’s efforts to expand its inventory with more essentials.

Additionally, Trish and Henk’s Quality Produce and Market has adjusted its offerings to meet community needs, providing more household staples. Owner Hunter Patton stated, “We changed our inventory completely. We’re trying to do right by the community.”

Despite the community rallying together, many residents still feel the void left by the grocery store’s absence. Bonnie Lewis, a Salisbury resident, noted, “All of the little convenience stores are overstocked to try and make up the difference for it. It’s missed a lot.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, adding to the urgency for residents seeking normalcy. As building plans are expected soon, the community awaits further developments eagerly.

Stay tuned for updates as Salisbury works to restore essential services and bring back its grocery store, a cornerstone of community life. For the latest news and updates, follow us.