THUNDER BAY – The Fresh Air owners and community prefer the fresh air on Balmoral Street.
More than a year after a fire destroyed the local outdoor recreation shop on May Street, city council granted the company permanent rezoning for its new location on Monday.
“Despite the challenges after the fire, we’ve experienced growth,” said Fresh Air co-owner Jeff Pylypchuk.
“The writing’s on the wall that we should stay where we are.”
Pylypchuk’s business partner Peter Tofinetti agreed, adding the golf course and bike trail across the street make the location more accessible for their targeted clientele.
“Our customer very much prefers being away from the core,” he said.
"They don’t like the hustle and bustle of a core. They’re outdoor enthusiasts. They want to be in comfortable surroundings.”
The city’s general manager of development services Mark Smith took the unusual step of recommending the property be rezoned commercial outside of a commercial district.
From bicycle and ski storage to classes and repair, Smith said there are low industrial and fraternal qualifications that allow the company to operate in its new location.
“I can’t think of a time we supported a planning application to allow a retail store in a light industrial area or in an area outside the commercial spaces where retail stores are permitted now. We try very hard to promote the current commercial areas and keep them strong and vibrant,” Smith said.
“Fresh air is a different animal. It’s much more than a retail store.”
