Former Salcoats resident, Doug Zawatsky, along with Myles and Dennis Anthony have purchased the former EMW headquarters building and will be running their businesses out of the building as well as renting space to other businesses. Their businesses, Winnipeg Environmental Remediations Incorporated (WERI), 3D Rentals and Power Guardian, will have offices in the building.
“[We] decided to purchase in Saltcoats because I raised my three children in the town and enjoyed my time in the community. The Anthony brothers were raised in MacNutt and have been looking for a way to reconnect with the area,” says Doug.
“We are hoping that we can create some job opportunities in Saltcoats and refresh the economy, with some new businesses moving into the town.”
“It has been a challenge trying to fill the void left by EMW, it will be hard to replace the generosity and economic boost Ewen created for the community in the prime of his business. We hope to work towards bringing some excitement into the town,” he says.
Local hairdresser, Cassie Bradford, will be moving her salon to the building. Cassie has run her salon in her house for ten years but has decided to rent a space for her salon at the Commercial Street location. “I feel this move will benefit my clients the most. I have stairs at the house that can be hard for some clients to do. There are no stairs at the office” she says.
Cassie hopes that the extra exposure that she will gain will be good for her business. “I’ll be in a public space, so people will see it while they’re out, and hopefully I’ll gain some more clientele.”
She has always operated her salon from her house so there this move will be a big change for her and her business. “The biggest differences will be that my home life and work life will have a separation that I don’t always get with having the salon in my home. I’m looking forward to that change. Since Covid, the salon industry, as well as many others, has changed a lot. Being in my home during this time has brought some obstacles that being in an office space will eliminate,”
Cassie is embracing the changes that will come with moving her salon. “I’m looking forward to this new experience. By moving to the office space, I will be more easily accessible to clients. I know the stairs in my house are an obstacle for some, so I’m happy this will eliminate that for them. I look forward to seeing my existing clients in the new space, and welcoming new ones too!”
Cassie hopes to have her salon open for business in its new location on May 1st.
Both Doug and Cassie are excited to see what the new office space will do for the community. “I think any business coming to town is a good thing. Anything to draw people to the community is beneficial. Seeing some life downtown will be nice,” says Cassie.
Doug hopes that the office and business space will be part of a revitalization of Saltcoats. “I would just like to let everyone know that if they are looking for an affordable state of the art office space it will be available at the start of May. The more businesses we can get working out of the building, the better it is for everyone!”