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The Abbey is now open for business

Mayor Al McDonald with help from Olivia Lyle officially reopened the The Abbey Cards and Gifts on Main Street Friday.
Mayor Al McDonald with help from Olivia Lyle officially reopened the The Abbey Cards and Gifts on Main Street Friday.

It was all smiles for the Lyle family Friday as they cut the ribbon to officially re-open their flagship store ‘The Abbey Cards and Gifts’ after enduring nearly a year of renovations.

In January a devastating fire ripped through the core of Main St. destroying Lefebvre's Source for Adventure and leaving Vested Interest Wholesale and The Abbey in ruins.

“A year ago the fire really sent a terrible message through the downtown core we lost a couple of anchor stores and today we are opening what I believe to be something very special,” Mayor Al McDonald told the senior Lyle during the celebration.

“Mr. Lyle I can tell you we’re very proud of you, we also want to thank you for not giving up on the city of North Bay, for your confidence in investing in our city and to employ individuals. That is what we need in our city through the tough times you see around the world in the global crisis and countries going bankrupt, you’re continuing to invest in our community and we really appreciate that confidence.”

Thanking everyone for their support during the very trying time Lyle gave credit to his family for helping to turn the page on the tragic event.

“They have all been supportive through this process.”

“I hope we have our neighbours back soon and that we can all enjoy the benefits of being together and working together downtown.”