Thrifty Foods in Port Moody has shelved plans to open 24 hours in response to neighborhood concerns, the Tri-City News has learned.
"There is no other development where we are this tight with this many people," explained Ralf Mundel, marketing and communications manger for the grocery chain.
There are 2,000 people living in the Suter Brook community next to the store, and some were against the idea of a 24-hour operation next to their home, Mundel said, and while there was some support, including among staff, the company decided maintain the current 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. store hours.
"We're going to let it lie and and respect the neighbors who have supported us since 2009," he said.
Thrifty Foods runs 24-hour operations at seven other stores, an innovation Mundel said was established to provide convenience for growing numbers of people and families who work non-traditional hours.
Some residents, including people who contacted The News, said they were concerned about noise and traffic from extended hours, and what they considered to be a lack of neighborhood consultation.
But Mundel said Thrifty Foods had to consult with landlords and staff first before talking with residents, and that was the planned next step, until it became apparent that there was considerable opposition to the idea.
"In the last seven [stores] we've donein this consultation phase we've always had good dialogue with neighborhoods. [However] Not one of those circumstances is the same as these circumstances as this development," Mundel said.
Although the decision to put off plans to open longer were made last week, Mundel wanted to hold off on reporting the news until staff, many of whom had offered to work the late shift, had been informed.
Aria 1 strata council member Sabina Hill said Suter Brook residents were pleased Thrifty Foods decided to hold off on implementing extended hours.
"It certainly good news, for all our residents," Hill said.
