There are still hopes that the new Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) gas bar and convenience store could be open before the New Year.

 

The director of economic development for NCN, David Kobliski, said that everything on the convenience store side is all ready to go, and that they are just waiting for the arrival of the gas pumps and canopy.

 

He added that as long as they arrive soon, the timetable is “definitely doable”.

 

Kobliski said that even if the gas station and store aren’t open in 2018, there will still be a grand opening taking place in January.

 

NCN Chief Marcel Moody said that the new business will be a big draw for Indigenous motorists, particularly with the new gas bar on the urban reserve right next to Trappers Tavern, the Mystery Lake Hotel and the new cannabis store.

 

Chief Moody added that there is a market in Thompson for tax-free gas for Indigenous people, and that they want to take advantage of the demographics in the community and surrounding area.

 

Work on the gas station has been going on for a year now, and was originally announced in April of 2017.