Sturgeon Lake First Nation to open Prince Albert gas bar, convenience store this summer.
- Fraser Needham | April 30, 2021
Construction has begun on a gas bar and convenience store on Sturgeon Lake First Nation land in Prince Albert.
Tipi Fuel and Convenience Store is expected to open this summer, along with a Chester Fried Chicken franchise.
Sturgeon Lake has owned the land at the corner of 15th Street and 10th Avenue East, which is in the process of being designated an urban reserve, since 2019.
“The opportunity came up for this property and we looked at the location and how the Cornerstone (business) district certainly adds that added traffic flow,” said Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief Greg Ermine. “It was something that definitely complemented the area that we were looking for.”
Sturgeon Lake Developments CEO April Roberts-Poitras said part of the advantage of having the project located on reserve land is it will create about 12 tax-exempt jobs for First Nations people.
“It is a big boost because it then makes the cost of living more affordable in Prince Albert,” she said. “I think just increasing the quality of life, by having more money in your pocket, is important. So, we are going to be employing over a dozen people here, that’s with Chester Fried and the gas station included.”
The purchase of fuel and tobacco will also be tax-free for First Nations people.
The business is in partnership with Lake Country Co-op through the Federated Co-operatives Western Nations program. Lakeland will provide support and training to the operation and the fuel will be supplied through Federated Co-op.
Brian Kindt, a senior operations manager with Lake Country, said the partnership is a good fit.
“Just like a co-op, our values believe in giving back to the community, the bands also want to give back to their community,” he said. “So, we feel we share many of the same values that most bands would.”