Guess who's not returning to Main Street ...

Lefebvres and Vested Interest
News Release

********************

Today, Jeff Serran, Executive Director of the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA-Downtown North Bay) announced that Lefebvre’s Source for Adventure and Vested Interest would not be returning to their former downtown location.

A fire damaged the 1911 heritage building and devastated the two businesses on January 3rd 2012. Since then the Lefebvre and Bywater families have pursued all options to return to the downtown. However, after 18 months of deferrals, delays and constant negotiation with insurer, the businesses have been left with no option but to commit to their current locations.

Jerry Lefebvre, who owns Lefebvre’s Source for Adventure with his wife Pat, said “it was a very difficult decision. We’re a 3rd generation owner of a family business and we’ve operated in the Downtown core for over 100 years. We tried everything to get back to our downtown location, but there has been roadblock after roadblock. As we continued to face obstacles from the insurer, we had to make the decision to focus on the location we have now.”

Brent Bywater and Jennifer McNutt-Bywater, owners of Vested Interest, were also at the announcement. “This has been one of the most difficult decisions of our lives. That building is so full of memories. We traveled the world to fill it, and our kids grew up with that location,” added McNutt-Bywater.

For now, both businesses will continue to operate in their current locations. Lefebvre’s relocated to 180 Shirreff Ave. in the Century Centre Building. Vested Interest reopened at 1753 Seymour Street (formerly Schutz Garden Centre), but the property and building on Seymour has recently been sold. In January of 2014 Vested Interest will move back to its grass roots in Callander to share the building with the Bywater’s other business, Rugaroo Flooring at 1407 Main St. N., while keeping all options open.

“The Lefebvre and Bywater families are so appreciative of the support from our friends, family and customers. City Hall and the Downtown North Bay Board of Management have been there to support us every step of the way. North Bay has been great to us, and the community has been immensely supportive. We’re determined to remain strong leaders in the North Bay business community and vow to continue to be contributors to this city’s economic success,” added Brent Bywater.

Jeff Serran also announced that he will co-chair a new Working Group with Mayor Al McDonald. The group will work with the Lefebvre and Bywater families to find a suitable occupant for the 1911 Cochrane Block, located at 122 Main St. West and 123 McIntyre St. West.

“When Brent and Jerry explained that it wouldn’t be feasible for them to come back downtown, they also kindly offered up the idea of the Working Group and their participation as well. We wish them the best in their new locations. Our new focus is now on finding a suitable organization to take over the beautiful 25,000 square foot location.” The building is available for purchase or lease, and the owner are also open to other arrangements.

********************