The Ardmore Community Society president has received confirmation Canada Post does not plan to close Ardmore's post office despite its postmaster's plans to retire next month.
After a representative from Canada Post told members of the Ardmore Community Society rural post offices have a trend of closing in such cases, Gail Hermiston had been in touch with the area's district manager from Canada Post and shared his message about plans to keep it open with a hall full of concerned residents this past Wednesday. This news was met with applause and cheers.
“He had said, obviously to rebut the rumours, that ‘no, we don't plan on closing your post office, there's a long process we go through before it comes to that,'” the society's vice president Lacey Chyz told the Nouvelle. “However, when you look around and you see communities like ... Iron River, LaCorey, Fort Kent and they don't have post offices, then you're kind of like, well how much is true.”
Hermiston said she was told the post office would remain open after the postmaster retires, but who would operate it was not made clear.
She explained to residents how the position will be posted internally within Canada Post. If the position is not filled, the job will then be open for the general public to apply. However, the postmaster must provide the premises for the post office.
“That's a challenge in itself,” she told the Nouvelle.
Residents asked questions about whether the post office could be in an existing building such as a store or hotel, which it can be.
Someone questioned if it is viable for the postmaster to rent or buy a building, noting how if they don't make enough money, they will not stay in the position.
People made suggestions about the community finding a building and discussion ensued over buying the current building, two parcels of land that could be feasible, or using part of the community hall. Issues over security, size and whether the premises would have a washroom were also raised.
It was also explained that keeping the post office open was not the responsibility of the society.
Each resident has the responsibility to contact MP Brian Storseth and Canada Post, said Chyz.
“We're not quite there where we need to worry about the next step,” she said, but noted they wanted to keep the issue in the back of their minds.
Residents also expressed their desire to meet with Storseth and Canada Post officials and Hermiston said she will ask the district manager to come speak to residents.
He was not available for comment by press time.
Chyz said they invited a lot of people to the meeting and have put the word out about the issue.
“I am relieved that the bottom line is they don't want to close it. But it's important for the community to be proactive about it because when it comes time if they don't fill (the position) internally and they open it up to the competition that community members may be willing to take it over.”
