The pandemic has changed the way people are managing their businesses and shopping arrangements in Assiniboia. Be aware: the situation for local businesses will continue to transform in the wake of this pandemic, so the opening hours and days will keep varying in the coming days and weeks.
The town’s independent clothing stores, including Tessa’s Trendz on 333 Centre Street and Kelli’s Fashions on 102 First Street West had shut down in response to the pandemic. Timothy Daniels on 316 Centre Street also closed their doors.
A series of enterprises in Assiniboia are adjusting opening and closing hours and adding lists of amendments to their operating procedures.
Convenience and discount shops are vital for many who are shopping for price breaks on goods including clothing, food, household goods and other items. The Red Apple on First Avenue is opened from Monday to Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12-5 p.m. This store is sanitizing regularly with Fantastic and Lysol and employing social distancing.
The Southland Co-op Food Store, pharmacy, Agro Centre and Home Centre are all open, but the hours have changed for some operations. The first hour in all Co-op locations between 8:30-9:30 are reserved for seniors and vulnerable citizens. All of Co-op’s food stores in Canada have plexiglass installed at the tills for staff and customers. All Co-ops are repeatedly sanitized. Call 306-642-3347 to plan ahead for easier access. Co-op wants as few people in their stores as possible, so send one relative or a friend to go shopping.
Shoppers Drug Mart on 424 Centre Street are opened at regular hours and employing social distancing. Shoppers Drug Marts across Canada have reserved their opening hours for seniors.
The Village Food Store on First Avenue East is available on Mondays to Saturdays from 9-7 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-7 p.m. This shop sterilizes frequently and engages in social distancing. Fields on Third Avenue is open with changed hours. They are employing social distancing. The Assiniboia Bakery is open at regular hours and consistently sterilizing all areas. Call the bakery aheadfor more information.
Cannabis and liquor stores were declared as essential services in the province. The Saskatchewan Liquor Board Store on Second Avenue East is open at regular hours and sanitizing regularly using gloves, along with Clorox and Purell. The Joint Cannabis is open, but their operating days and hours have varied – they also have a call and order service via telephone or online.
Most of Assiniboia’s automotive businesses, including Palliser Semi Service, Nelson GM and Chuck’s Collison are closed, but available after calling. Great West Auto is open for regular hours. Taylor’s Auto on Second Avenue East is open and practising the health guidelines. Call Integra Tire ahead before attending. Also, services at Kal Tire are available, but customers should call first.
The Canalta Inn at 601 First Street West is open and sanitizing on a regular basis. However, the Bar B Inn on 200 First Avenue East is closed. Call the Franklin Hotel on 101 Centre Street before booking a room.
Assiniboia’s banks, including the Royal Bank, Toronto Dominion, CIBC and the Conexus Credit Union are open, although reduced hours and days are applicable. Before going inside a bank, always call ahead. Internet banking or phone services at most branches are preferred. The Western Financial Group location is closed, but available. Likewise, the office for the Co-operators office has closed, but reachable after calling.
Agricultural businesses have been affected by COVID-19, but are accessible in time for seeding, growing and harvesting. Wilcock Mobile Service,South Country Equipment, Richardson Pioneer, Flexxifinger, Farm Credit Canada, Bourassa and Sons, B and A Petro and other agricultural businesses in the Assiniboia area are available when calling ahead.
Many restaurants in Assiniboia have closed, such as Nash’s on 401A First Avenue West. Some restaurants like A&W are open for drive-in orders only. Trifion’s Pizza will do take-out meals. The Cruz In Diner closed on March 22 until further notice.
All businesses providing public-facing services such ashair stylists and vape shops were disallowed from operating in the province on March 26. However, VapeVille on 310 Centre Street is allowed to operate for pickup and delivery services.
For a complete list of all the businesses closed or available in Assiniboia, email the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce at assiniboiachamber@sasktel.net.
