After weeks of waiting, the Mission Thrift Store in Newmarket will be open to the public as of Tuesday, Feb. 21.
The store moved to its new location at 17310 Yonge St. at the end of 2022 and began renovations with the hope of opening by the end of January, however, delays have pushed back the project.
Liz Croft, manager of the store, said it needed final approvals from the town and fire department and the opening day was delayed weeks at a time.
Jason Unger, director of planning and building services, said this is a normal process for building permits.
"The Town of Newmarket and Central York Fire Services (CYFS) have been working with the applicant to ensure all requirements of the building permit, including all fire safety measures, are met under the Ontario Building Code," he said. "The building permit for the Mission Thrift Store renovation was issued in January 2023. Since then, the project has been advancing through the normal and customary inspections procedures."
He said on Friday, Feb. 16 that the town had granted final approval and at that time CYFS was waiting for one more item related to fire safety alarms.
As of Friday evening, Croft said the store's prayers were answered and it got the approval needed by the fire department.
"This has been an arduous journey for all out staff, volunteers, associates and customers over the past couple months. Their patience and dedication to our store has been nothing but outstanding," she said.
Throughout the 10 weeks the store has been closed Croft said she received messages, calls and even knocks on the door daily asking when the thrift store would be open.
"Your dedication and devotion is exceptional and the reason why we are here," she said of the community.
The store will officially be open on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 9 a.m. Regular hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
