There are mixed feelings for the owner of Bannon’s Gas Bar on City Road after Fort William First Nation council closed the reserve to anyone who doesn’t live there due to COVID-19.
Walter Bannon says while he understands council’s concerns, many of his customers simply come to the store.
“It’s not like they were coming out here to spend time on the reserve, their one mission is to come and get their gas and convenience items, and go back home,” says the gas bar owner.
The store was also taking pre-cautions to make sure everyone was safe.
“Stay in your car until the gas tank is full, we had put up spacing in regards to the store for when you’re waiting to pay. We had instituted two people in the store,” points out Mr. Bannon.
The gas bar owner adds whatever protocols the government has put in place, he’d always abide by them.
“Putting in measures to ensure my suppliers are met, all our obligations in regards to financial and personal,” says the owner.
Bannon says the closure is disappointing, expects business to take a hit for the two week closure, but will bounce back.
