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Deninu Ku'e buys historic store Paul Bickford Northern News Services Published Monday, August 15, 2011
Deninu Ku'e First Nation (DKFN) has bought Stan's Quick Stop, a convenience store and gas bar.
"We saw a good opportunity," said Chief Louis Balsillie. "The price was right and we saw something that we can venture into." The chief said the store will hopefully become an expediter of food to the Avalon Rare Metal's project at Thor Lake. In addition, an unused restaurant area in the building will be leased out once an operator is found. Store manager sought The band itself will run the convenience store and gas bar. Balsillie noted a search is now on for a manager. DKFN received the keys to Stan's Quick Stop on July 29 and it is expected to be reopened by the end of the month. The business was closed in the spring by its previous owner. It has been up for sale for several years. "We've been trying for years to buy it," said Balsillie, noting he has been interested in the business since he became chief. Currently, the community is served by only the Northern Store. DKFN paid $200,000 for Stan's Quick Stop, which includes the main building, two sheds, furniture, assets and stock. The band got the money for the purchase through a loan from the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation. Balsillie noted not all band members support the purchase. "I know some people are not happy," he said. "They feel that a store isn't what they want." One of those band members is Angela McKay. "It would be better if he would let the membership know of the business ventures he's doing," she said, referring to Balsillie. McKay said she only heard about the purchase of Stan's Quick Stop through rumours in the community. She added there is not enough information for band members, noting there needs to be an annual general assembly and the presentation of financial statements. Right now, McKay said the band is being run like a one-man show. However, Balsillie said he believes the purchase of Stan's Quick Stop is a good investment. "I figure we can make money," he said. The band has asked the public to suggest a new name for the business. Stan's Quick Stop has existed under various names and owners, and in various forms, since the 1920s. Stan Hunter, the previous owner, first became involved in the business in 1974. It was originally built by a fur trader named George Pinsky and was first known as Pinsky's Store.
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