4 Winnipeg 7-Eleven stores permanently closing amid theft concerns
After concerns were raised in the summer, it appears some 7-Eleven stores in Winnipeg may be shutting down because of crime.
It appears stores at 815 Ellice Ave., 665 McPhillips St., 1007 McPhillips St., and 1103 Pembina Highway are getting ready to close down.
Staff from the locations confirmed the closures. CTV News was also told the Ellice and two McPhillips stores are shuttering because of theft. The reasons behind the Pembina store are unclear.
At some of the stores, there are signs that read “permanently closed” on them. At all four, store shelves are empty or the shelves themselves have already been pulled down.
CTV reached out to 7-Eleven for comment but did not hear back.
This comes after two city councillors, Ross Eadie and Vivan Santos, said 7-Eleven officials told them in the summer that 10 stores were at risk of closing due to financial losses spurred by crime.
Two of the four stores are from that list of 10.
"7-Eleven is basically saying we can't afford to lose this much money," said Eadie.
Eadie called this a big loss for the impacted communities.
"It's one thing to say (buy a) Slurpee, but a lot of people buy milk and eggs when they go, and bread when they're going to a 7-Eleven right. It's a certain time of night, where else are you going to go?"
The province has been paying the overtime costs for Winnipeg police to target retail theft hot spots. That program runs until the end of the month. The premier has left the door open for the initiative to continue.
"We'll make that decision together about what the best next step is, but yeah, we're actively looking at it," said Premier Wab Kinew Friday.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said the program is working.
"This retail crime initiative is making a difference,” said Gillingham Friday. “I'd like to see it extended and we're talking to the province about how we can do that."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Inflation is down, wages are up. Why are Canadians still frustrated with the economy?
The federal finance minister has been taking every opportunity to remind frustrated Canadians that after a bumpy pandemic recovery, the nation's economy is actually doing a lot better.
'It looks quite real': Two Ontarians lose money to fake phone scam
About 85 per cent of Canadians have a smartphone and once you have one they’re hard to live without. The latest smartphones can cost as much as $2,000, so if you’re trying to save money, make sure you don’t get caught in a fake smartphone scam.
America reaches Election Day and a stark choice between Trump and Harris
A presidential campaign marked by upheaval and rancor approached its finale on Election Day as Americans decided whether to send Donald Trump back to the White House or elevate Kamala Harris to the Oval Office.
New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
How to help your tropical plants survive the winter blues
Dreaming of a beach vacation? My guess is you’re picturing a palm tree. Fantasizing about life on a remote island? You’re probably envisioning a walk among birds of paradise, cannas and bananas. Nothing conjures up the feeling of the tropics like giant, lush-leaved plants, and if you live in the tropics or subtropics, you get to enjoy them year-round.
Tim Hortons parent Restaurant Brands misses sales estimates on muted demand
Restaurant Brands missed estimates for quarterly revenue on Tuesday due to weak demand across key businesses such as Tim Hortons, Burger King and international markets including China and the Middle East.
Harris and Trump tie in Dixville Notch midnight vote to kick off Election Day
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. president Donald Trump have tied with three votes each in the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, kicking off Election Day in one of the first places in the country to report its presidential preference.
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
Elon Musk's US$1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes can proceed, a Pennsylvania judge says
The US$1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes that Elon Musk's political action committee is hosting in swing states can continue through Tuesday's presidential election, a Pennsylvania judge ruled Monday.