'It's massive for our tenants': The new grocery store selling fresh meat and produce in the east Exchange District
A former cannabis store in Winnipeg's east Exchange District is now selling fresh produce and locally sourced meat, filling a much-needed service void in a rapidly-growing neighbourhood.
The 1700 square foot space - nestled in the historic Ashdown building – only sold cannabis-related products until a few weeks ago. Managing partner Josh Giesbrecht said they saw a crowded market, and an opportunity for growth.
"There were five cannabis stores in our neighbourhood of the Exchange District and there was nowhere to buy fresh food. And so, we decided we should go and fill that need," said Giesbrecht.
He added it's not a problem unique to Winnipeg. "I think that when you look at kind of how the grocery industry works in Canada, we often get overlooked in the downtown core areas in every single city, and Winnipeg’s no different," Giesbrecht said.
Ashdown Market is still stocked with cannabis products, but the new fridge and pantry staples are drawing a lot of interest in the area.
Ashdown Market is still stocked with cannabis products, but the new fridge and pantry staples are drawing a lot of interest in the area. (Source: Daniel Halmarson, CTV News)
"It’s massive for our tenants to be steps outside and be able to grab fresh produce, milk, whatever they need," said Alston Properties manager Adrian Katchur, who manages the Pumphouse Apartments on Waterfront Drive.
Katchur said a grocery store within walking distance is at the top of most tenants and developers wish lists. "It really makes it accessible and convenient for the people that live here."
According to the City of Winnipeg, there are approximately 4000 people living in the Exchange District, compared to around 1200 in 2016.
Richard Milgrom, head of the city planning department at the University of Manitoba believes that population spike coupled with new amenities like Ashdown Market could be a recipe for success.
"If it succeeds, which we hope it does, then that will be a good sign for the longer term sustainability and growth of residential in the Exchange District," said Milgrom.
He said even though prices at Ashdown Market are likely higher than at the larger chain supermarkets, the convenience helps offset the cost. "For many people, they’re not having to get in a car to go to that place. So there’s cost savings for not driving your car."
Giesbrecht said the modestly-sized market is just the beginning. "We’re just happy the community’s rallied around us to keep living in the Exchange and keep doing business."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Biden speaks after Donald Trump's conviction in hush money case
A day after a New York jury delivered a historic guilty verdict in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee held a press conference Friday where he spoke publicly about the conviction and his White House bid.
More counterfeit drugs seized, hot water boiler causes fire: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada recalled various items this week, including more unauthorized products, counterfeit drugs and bassinets.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
How did Ontario's bankrupt 'Crypto King' travel the world on Scene+ points?
Newly released documents suggest Ontario’s so-called ‘Crypto King’ paid for months of world travels with $13,000 worth of Scene+ points while bankrupt – but how?
Mediterranean diet helps women live much longer, a large new study finds
Women who closely followed a Mediterranean diet lived much longer than those who did not, according to a new study that followed more than 25,000 women for 25 years.