Good News Story-Business Recovery-Scotch Creek Market

GOOD NEWS STORIES-BUSINESS RECOVERY SCOTCH CREEK MARKET

 

As part of the wildfire recovery efforts, the North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce is launching a good news story series which will be published in the Media, the Chamber's website and social media platforms.

The fourth installment features Chamber member Scotch Creek Market. The North Shuswap Chamber of

Commerce represents 125 businesses in the region. To learn more about local members, visit northshuswapbc.com

 

Scotch Creek Market

Sponsored by North Shuswap Chamber

Written by Louise Wallace Richmond-Mediability Corporate Communications

Photography by Janis Smith

 

Frank in his assessment when asked about the 2023 fire, Brooke Kynoch of Scotch Creek Market puts it briefly. “It was mayhem”. 

 

Having spent years in the grocery business, Kynoch, who also owns the Chase Safetymart, shared two critical aspects for anyone in the food business under such conditions. First, generators work but only to a certain extent and refrigeration needs a heavy power load. Second, “I knew job one was recovering food, especially meat and specialized cleaning.” He feels profoundly grateful to staff who were able to help including those who lost their own homes.

 

“Our goal was to open the first day the evacuation was lifted.” An approach he likens to a grand opening. “Making people feel like we’re there for them was key to starting the healing process”. 

 

“Something like this doesn’t get fixed overnight, and there have been some frustrations along the way, but overall, we feel grateful.” The business suffered no structure loss and the damage sustained to the roof was quickly repaired. Some pumps were able to be upgraded and that’s a good investment into further meeting the community’s needs, notes Brooke.  

 

And speaking of community needs, Kynoch adds “being in this business, we couldn’t help but see all the fridges and freezers taped up and at the end of driveways as a result of the fire, so we found a way to help through the local Lions Club by purchasing 100 freezers to be distributed, for free, to local families in need”.   

 

Kynoch emphasizes the roles of local businesses in small communities: give back, lead by example, be a part of the community. “There will be bumpy times”, he adds, but community supporting community is the most important thing. We aren’t going anywhere and we’ll continue to do our part.”