More than 30 people showed up at the vacant lot next to the developed part of the tsain-ko Village Shopping Centre for a special kind of coffee break last week.
The Aug. 30 groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the arrival of Tim Hortons to the shopping centre – the first tenant that will be built in the third phase of the mall’s construction.
Non-ceremonial ungilded shovels were scheduled to break ground Sept. 4. Up to 10 tenants will move into a large commercial rental unit building and several commercial “pads” that will be built at the site in the next two years. But Tim Hortons’ doors are expected to open as early as mid-December 2018.
The four-month turnaround is welcome to franchise owners Wanda and Allan Monosky. “It’s been about a two-year process so far to get to where we are now, so it’s very exciting to see that construction is going to start,” said Monosky after the ceremony.
While Monosky could not share details about the restaurant’s features, he did say it will be unique. “It’s unlike any other store that anybody is used to. It’s a brand new concept,” said Monosky, who added that Nanaimo is the only other location in B.C. with a similar restaurant. “We’re really excited to be part of it,” he said.
The couple are currently based in Chilliwack but will be relocating to Sechelt. Their son will be making the 1,656-kilometre commute from Sechelt to Fort Nelson in northern B.C. to manage the family’s two franchises. Monosky said he wants the rest of the hires to be local. To get in front of the expected challenge of finding the 30 employees needed to run the restaurant, Wanda Monosky will begin a hiring campaign within the next couple of months.
“There’s just not going to be the numbers that we think we’re going to need,” said Allan Monosky, who said he became aware of the Coast-wide staff shortage when speaking with local business owners. They will be hiring front counter staff, bakers, managers, and supervisors. “Everybody will hopefully be from Sechelt,” he said.
At the ceremony, Monosky was welcomed by tsain-ko Development Corporation Board members Selina August and Keith Julius. “Tim Hortons, while known for their famous coffee and delicious food, is also known for their community spirit,” said August. “We are extremely proud they chose the shíshálh Nation and we look forward to working with them.”
Monosky said Timbits Hockey and Soccer will be coming to Sechelt.
Celebrations began with a blessing by mus swiya, elder Jamie Dixon, followed by a ceremony with Andy Johnsons from the qwamstut drum group and Leah Julius and Raquel Joe.
Following speeches, August told Coast Reporter she looks forward to the start of Phase 3. “This lot has been empty for a really long time – we’re actually making some movement on our economic development side, which we need,” she said. “It brings in revenue for our community, it gives us the opportunity to have more programs and services for our Nation members”
An announcement on the second anchor tenant of Phase 3 is expected in the fall.
