Local strip mall is a neighbourhood hub

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/03/2021 (1991 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The unassuming strip mall called St. Mary’s Place at the corner of St. Mary’s Road and Bronstone Boulevard is home to five storefronts and has, over time, evolved into one of St. Vital’s most dynamic commercial spots.

In 2019, it saw the arrival of SWISH barbershop, owned and operated by Reagan Tran, whose company website bills him as “a multi-award-winning barber sponsored by Babyliss Pro, entrepreneur,  sneaker head, and founder. He has travelled across Canada educating many industry professionals. Graduating from MITT College, he has used the knowledge he has learnt from his 6+ years educating others in-person and on his youtube channel which garners 1M+ views.”

Neighbours and residents in the strip say the barbershop sees a steady stream of “really cool-looking” customers.

Next is Matrix Mobile, a cell phone and electronics repair shop, followed by Quality Pizza, a mainstay St. Vital business for many years that Is my personal favoUrite.

The end of 2020 also saw recently elected St. Vital MLA Jamie Moses. establish his constituency office. Owing to COVID-19 guidelines, his office remains closed to walk-in visits, but constituency assistant Amber Neufeld expressed hope for the prospect of an open house or grand opening for the community once circumstances and public health guidelines allow.

The newest business on the strip is A-11, which was founded in August 2020, amid difficult conditions for small businesses. Brothers Ankit and Afhish Patel didn’t have any experience running a grocery store before opening.  In fact, Ankit holds a master’s degree in chemistry.

The brothers picked the location hoping to provide a convenient, walking-distance shop, having noticed there was a significant gap on St. Mary’s between the 7-Eleven at Sunset Boulevard and the Husky at Hindley Avenue.

Ankit has a message for the community: “I would like to say thanks to all my neighbours who supported me very well during the COVID situation, giving full support. The neighborhood is very nice. “

In spite of this being a tough year, St. Mary’s Place has transformed into a popular and dynamic destination with a range of shops and services all within a pleasant walk or short drive.
 
Ryan Palmquist is a Glenwood resident and executive assistant to St. Boniface city councillor Matt Allard.