BONNYVILLE - A staple in the community will be receiving recognition from the Town of Bonnyville.
Brosseau's Department Store has been serving the Bonnyville area for over 90 years, and with the recent change in ownership, town council is looking into ways to honour both the business and the family behind it.
"It's almost unheard of to have a business as a fixture for that long, but also in recognition of the contributions to the community... They were a fixture in the community in terms of what they've done," said Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski during council's Dec. 10 meeting.
While shopping in the store, Sobolewski was approached by a resident who asked if the town has done anything to acknowledge the family business.
Sobolewski wasn't alone when it came to hearing praise from residents about the store. The grocery delivery service Brosseau's offers was one aspect Coun. Chad Colbourne touched on, and how much it helps seniors and those who may need a hand when it comes to getting their food.
Generation after generation of Brosseaus have been running the local department store since it opened its doors in 1928, providing residents with everything from groceries to clothing over the years.
Earlier this year, the last members of the family to own the store, brothers Reg and Terry Brosseau, made the decision to sell. While sad to see the business go to someone outside of the family, they knew it was time.
"I was just ready (to say goodbye). I've been here for 50 years," Reg recalled. "I pretty much started full-time when I was 16."
The sale was among the reasons town council felt it was time to recognize the family for the contributions they've made through the business and in the community.
Beyond the walls of the store, the Brosseau's always jumped at the opportunity to help out where they could.
"We always gave to the Bonnyville Seniors' Drop-In Centre quite a bit, and there was always someone coming in asking for help. I didn't like to advertise it, but we did it."
To hear that the town wants to formally commemorate their family business was surprising and humbling for Reg.
"It felt good," he expressed. "We've been here a long time and we've fed a lot of people over the years."
While there was no disagreement from council that something should be done, they didn't want to rush into a decision.
"What we should be doing instead of trying to weed it out tonight (Dec. 10), I think we should send it to the naming committee and ask them to prepare some proposals for us," suggested Coun. Brian McEvoy.
Council will further discuss the matter at a future meeting, after being presented with options from the naming committee.
Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle
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