A local shopping centre is getting a major facelift.
The strip mall located at 100 Milligan Drive in Okotoks has undergone a complete exterior renovation, and there have been some changes to the inside as well. The two bays that were home to several bars over the years have been divided, with about 2,500 square feet designated for a new Pharmasave. The end bay, about 1,200 square feet in size, currently remains vacant.
“The hope is, the owner really wants to clean up his building and make sure it’s presentable and recognizable in the community,” said contractor Brent Ballash, owner of Amorea Designs, which completed the exterior renos.
He said the previous restaurants that were located in the building hadn’t been sustainable or draw the customers owner Vincent Narang of Capri Capital Corp. was looking for.
“He just wants to bring in some different types of businesses that are more suitable for the community it’s located in,” said Ballash. “It’s all driven for the community.”
Darryn Severyn, owner of Pharmasave, said he hopes his business will be an addition to the neighbourhood and provide a necessary service for north Okotoks residents. He hopes to open the doors in July or August, if construction runs smoothly.
“I’ve been eyeing that location for quite a while,” said Severyn. “I think it’s an underserved area in terms of pharmacies. Most of the retail action happens on the south side of town.”
He said the north side of town, with a population near 13,000, needs to have more commercial options. Currently the nearest pharmacies are at No Frills on Northridge Drive and Remedies on Elizabeth Street, he said.
“I think this will be a good service for the community,” said Severyn. “There’s quite a mix in the area of older folks with complex healthcare needs and younger families.”
Severyn has owned the Pharmasave at Heritage Pointe for two years and said some of his clientele there is from Okotoks, which he hopes will bolster his business.
Pharmacy staff will all be local residents and will be credited with additional prescribing authority (APA), which means they will be able to prescribe medication. The store will also offer injection services, travel health and a weight loss clinic, he said.
“We’re really looking forward to being in town,” said Severyn. “We think it will be a good addition to take care of peoples’ health needs.”
