Hub Staff

It was an exciting morning at Port Elgin Home Hardware Building Centre Friday, July 17 as owners Peter and Jill Gauthier officially unveiled their newly renovated 29,000 square foot store. Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith was on hand to cut the ribbon while municipal councillors joined the many eager customers at the celebration.

Work on the store began late last October and saw an additional 16,000 square feet added to the yard and store to make room for more inventory. The project also saw the addition of 10 new staff members join the team of 52 employees, all of whom the project would not have been possible without.

Peter and Jill took ownership of the Port Elgin Home Hardware Store and the Home Building Centre (formerly Beaver Lumber) in 2001 and combined the two businesses at the north end of town in 2005.

“It's come on really well,” said Peter Gauthier. “It was a long haul to get here but I'm glad it's here.”

Mayor Mike Smith congratulated the Gauthiers. “I've been in here pretty well every day the last couple of months watching all the work they did. I think it's a brilliant statement of what they think of the confidence in the community to make an investment like this.”

Councillor Neil Menage thought the renovations were wonderful. “Just the number of people they employ is an amazing number. And the size change, just incredible.”

Home Hardware Area Manager for Central-Western Ontario, Dave Tucker was also pleased. “It's amazing, for my territory its the second largest store,” said Tucker, adding that the largest store is in Collingwood. “Probably within Ontario [Port Elgin] is now five or six. They've done a great job.”

Friday, Saturday and Sunday's grand opening saw demonstrations, a charity barbecue, music, prizes and lots of in-store specials. Peter, Jill and family look forward to continuing to serve the community in the years to come.