Princess Auto, a retailer with deep roots in Winnipeg, is a step closer to building a new flagship store after city council’s executive policy committee voted in favour of a new major retail development.
The decision still requires a final city council vote.
The proposed 105,000-square-foot store, with 503 parking stalls and 46 bicycle stalls, would be built on mostly vacant property in Elmwood near its current Panet Road location.
The project’s proponents said the new construction will support the company’s commitment to remain in Winnipeg long into the future.
SUPPLIED RENDERING
The preliminary design for the proposed flagship Princess Auto store at 474 and 494 Panet Rd.
“This flagship store that we’re building across the street from where our current home is (marks) a new chapter for us,” said Heather Turnbull-Smith, Princess Auto’s senior vice-president of talent and corporate communications.
The new building site at 474 and 494 Panet Rd., which was previously a junkyard, is located directly north of the CN Redditt subdivision rail line. Part of the property has been leased to provide a parking and storage area.
Turnbull-Smith said the new store will not only offer more room but allow visitors to enjoy new experiences, such as maker spaces where people can try out different tools and equipment.
“I am incredibly proud that I get to stand in front of groups … and say we’re creating jobs in Winnipeg, and they’re pretty cool jobs,” said Turnbull-Smith.
Princess Auto, which began as an auto wrecker, opened in 1933 on Princess Street — hence the name.
“I am incredibly proud that I get to stand in front of groups … and say we’re creating jobs in Winnipeg, and they’re pretty cool jobs.”–Senior vice-president Heather Turnbull-Smith
“Most people are very confused by our name today … there is nothing in there that would indicate princesses and not a lot of auto either,” said Turnbull-Smith.
Harvey Tallman purchased the company in the early 1940s and built it into the retail business it is today.
The company now has more than 50 stores across Canada, with one of its three distribution centres and its national call centre located in Winnipeg.
“Being Winnipeg-based is something that we are incredibly proud of,” said Turnbull-Smith.
She noted the company recently made the bold move to place its name on the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, with the venue christened Princess Auto Stadium for at least the next 10 years.
“We have some amazing opportunities for career, for business development in Winnipeg. And we wanted to show Winnipeg that we were here to stay,” said Turnbull-Smith.
“We have some amazing opportunities for career, for business development in Winnipeg. And we wanted to show Winnipeg that we were here to stay.”–Senior vice-president Heather Turnbull-Smith
Over its history, Princess Auto has shifted from auto wrecking to specializing in selling tools and equipment to tradespeople, farmers, inventors, and industrial workers, according to the company’s website.
The third-generation family-owned business employs more than 3,400 people across Canada.
Turnbull-Smith said the company has doubled in size over the last five years. She said Princess Auto added nearly 30 jobs at its home office this year to support their growth and prepare for the new store.
Mayor Scott Gillingham said opening the flagship store will accommodate significant employment opportunities for Winnipeggers.
“There are few businesses like Princess Auto with deep, deep roots in our city … To accommodate this growth and the establishment of a flagship store, here is something that we will gladly support,” said Gillingham.
The chairwoman of council’s property and development committee echoed the mayor’s support for the new store.
“This would be an exciting project for Winnipeg, one that is clearly homegrown and one that Winnipeggers rely upon to get jobs large and small done,” said Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry).
Princess Auto said the final cost of the project is still being determined.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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