Echo Bay is about to lose its only liquor store — but the township isn’t saying goodbye without a fight.
A spokesperson for the LCBO confirmed in an email to SooToday that the lease at its Echo Bay outlet expires at the end of the month. The store’s last day of operation will be July 20.
In a news release issued today, the municipality of Macdonald, Meredith & Aberdeen Additional, which includes Echo Bay, says it “is actively seeking a collaborative solution with the LCBO to mitigate the impact on local residents and businesses.”
When the store shuts down, the closest LCBO will be the location on Great Northern Road in the Sault — 26 km away.
"As a small rural community, we recognize the importance of the LCBO in serving our residents and supporting our local economy," Mayor Lynn Watson said in the release. "We are actively engaging with the LCBO to explore alternative solutions that would allow for the continued provision of services within our municipality."
The municipality says it will advocate for an alternative location, potential pop-up store options and partnerships with local businesses.
"We are committed to working closely with the LCBO to find a viable solution that meets the needs of our community," said Lacey Kastikainen, the township’s chief administrative officer. "Our goal is to ensure that our residents continue to have access to essential services while supporting the sustainability of local businesses."
The township says the local LCBO “plays a vital role” in the community, providing essential services and contributing significantly to local economic activity.
“The closure of several key businesses in recent years, including our local grocery store, has already placed strain on our community's economy,” the news release says. “We have a variety of local businesses that rely on the economic activity and increased traffic generated by the LCBO.”
The township promises to keep residents up to date on any developments.
In its statement to SooToday, the LCBO said: “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers from one of our three locations in Sault Ste. Marie.”
They are: 616 Great Northern Rd., 293 Bay St., and Market Square at 275 Second Line West.
“These stores are conveniently located near grocery stores and other retailers where customers can purchase their summer essentials,” the statement reads. “Alternatively, customers will be able to shop online at lcbo.com and order LCBO products right to their homes with our home delivery service.”
News of the Echo Bay closure comes as the LCBO braces for a potential strike. Unless a deal is reached through ongoing negotiations, workers have promised to walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Customers are being urged to stock up in advance.