'Get down here today and get in to all the businesses,' McNutt-Bywater

Surrounded by family and friends Jerry Lefebvre (second from left) and Jennifer McNutt-Bywater (End right) listen to Mayor Al McDonald call on the community to support Downtown merchants.

The pain and anguish of losing their businesses to fire was clearly visible on the faces of Jerry Lefebvre and Jennifer McNutt Bywater as they addressed the media during a press conference in the DIA Office Friday.

Fire ripped through the century old Cochrane building on Main Street that housed both landmark businesses Lefebvre's Source for Adventure and Vested Interest Wholesale Tuesday night.

As well the retail section of Vested Interest on McIntyre Street and neighbouring business The Abbey Cards and Gifts, H&R Block and Pita Pit on Main Street all sustained smoke and water damage which in turn has had a huge impact on the merchants.

The duo’s message was loud and clear – while their businesses have been sidelined for the next little while, that should not flow over onto other merchants and they encourage everyone to come downtown and support the local independent stores that are the heart of the city.

“You almost feel you should apologise you know to our neighbours and for the disruption to the downtown … and we certainly are feeling so sorry for everybody else that this fire’s effected,” says Lefebvre.

“The most important thing, Please North Bay, this is what really counts you need to get down here,” adds McNutt.

“And this is no joke get down here today and get in to all the businesses tell them how you feel because you know what we had to have our building burnt down to be told what people think of us don’t wait for those moments come and tell them now.”

Echoing the message was Mayor Al McDonald, along with City Councillors Mendicino, Anthony and Lawlor and senior city staff, who attended the news conference to show their support to the DIA, Lefebvre and Bywater families and to encourage residents to continue to visit the downtown merchants.

“January 3rd was a very sad day for North Bay,” McDonald started.

“We believe in the downtown. We will continue to invest in the downtown.”

“Every successful city has a vibrant downtown and we are no different,” he says asking people to come down and support the businesses.

DIA Executive Director Jeff Serran says this is a hiccup for the Lefebvre and Bywater but Downtown North Bay is still open for business.