First Nation promises a Petro-Can, Tim Horton's this spring
- EFN Staff | January 09, 2015
Little Black Bear to bring Petro Canada, Tim Horton’s to Qu’Appelle Valley this spring
The Little Black Bear’s Band says it is bringing big business to Fort Qu’Appelle this spring with the construction of a new Petro Canada gas station and a full-service Tim Hortons restaurant franchise. Construction is currently underway in Fort Qu’Appelle, just off of highway 10, and is expected to be operational by May 2015.
“In 1996, we signed their Specific Claims Agreement that provided funds to purchase land,” Little Black Bear’s Band said Chief Clarence Bellegarde. “Little Black Bear Band now has 17,000 acres of reserved territory near Balcarres, 9,250 acres of agricultural land and two acres of institutional land in Balcarres with five acres of commercial land in Fort Qu’Appelle, which the new Petro Canada and Tim Hortons is being constructed on.”
Implementation of the strategic plan began in 2006 with the grand opening of the current Little Black Bear Band’s Gas and Confectionary in Fort Qu’Appelle. The band committed to adding five businesses to it corporate structure within 5 years.
Currently, the band operates a number of entities; LBB Gas & Convenience, LBB Orchards Ltd, Wakayos Holdings Inc, File Hills Employment and Training Centre, Wakayos Training Centre and Wakayos Development Ltd.
“Little Black Bear’s Band underwent a lengthy strategic planning process in 2005-2006 to develop a shared 30 year economic framework that included land use planning, sound business management, fiscal policies and business exploration,” said Bellegarde. “One of the goals was to create wealth for the community through start-up business that were profitable, sustainable, environmentally responsible, and that resulted in job creation and employment opportunities.”
Currently, the LBB Gas & Convenience has a competitive advantage with its rebate structure. LBB Gas and Convenience is the dominant player in tobacco sales in their market. It is estimated that the business holds as much as 50% of the market share and with this new small business venture is a long-term economic development plan to ensure its future generation has a legacy.
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