Vernon's Canadian Tire store changes hands as Grant and Marie Hill-Turner retire

Photo: Google Street View

Vernon's Canadian Tire franchise has a new owner.

General manager Mark Corson confirms Grant and Marie Hill-Turner have turned over the keys to new dealer/franchisee Jack D'Amico.

The Hill-Turners had operated the local store since 1996.

The couple oversaw two major expansions during that time, along with the store's "big move" in 2016 from its longtime location beside Watkin Motors, down 27th Street to the Village Green Shopping Centre.

The Hill-Turners plan on retiring after 30-plus with Canadian Tire, but will stay in the local area, says Corson.

"They've got their roots here. They raised their children here," he said.

Corson added the owners never sought publicity, but gave much to the community, donating to causes including Vernon Jubilee Hospital and others.

"Grant is a quiet guy and would never tell you that, but they have supported the community, and the community has supported us as well," he said.

The store will be closed for inventory today (Wednesday), and will reopen under the new ownership on Thursday.

D'Amico comes to the store with a long history with the Canadian Tire brand.

Vernon will be his sixth location, after operating two stores in Quebec, in Jonquiere and La Baie, in the Saguenay region.

Corson says the transition has been an unusual one, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We've yet to meet in person," he said Tuesday. "Usually, the new dealer would have been out to the store two or three times by now to meet the staff. But, we do what we can in unusual circumstances."

No major changes are expected in the store's operation.