DORION, Ont -- Living in the country has some benefits, such as fresh air and less noise, but it does have some drawbacks that make it harder to get some of the necessities of life.
That's the situation the community of Dorion faces.
Despite being on the Trans-Canada Highway, Dorion's 340 residents have no close access to a grocery store or gas bar.
Currently, they have to make the 30-to-40 minute trip to Thunder Bay or Nipigon to purchase groceries, clothing, or fuel.
It's been that way for some time since the Dorion Motel burned down and Harvey's General Store went out of business.
Now, several residents are banding together and looking at forming a co-op general store to fill the gap.
Reeve Ed Chambers said the idea has merit as the community ran a co-op credit union for 50 years.
“We have a group of individuals in our community that see a need for a small convenience store in Dorion because we don’t have one,” Chambers said.
“These people are willing to step up to the plate and look into the feasibility of starting a Co-op in Dorion. They envision a small sort of convenience store and then it could progress into having other things like propane, gasoline and so forth.”
Chambers added he is hopeful this venture will pay off, not only for residents but also for tourists looking to purchase fuel or food as they take in the local attractions like Ouimet Canyon and Eagle Canyon.
(TBT News)
