Renovations have started at Eastside Liquidation on College Street in Muenster for the new post office.
Village Council had discussed a variety of options when it came to how to approach the closure of St. Peter’s Press, and with that the Muenster Post Office, says Village of Muenster mayor, Reva Bauer. This included speaking with the Village of St. Gregor who faced a similar situation.
The Village of Muenster sent a call out for Muenster businesses to apply to host a new location and many local businesses stepped up, which was encouraging to see, says Bauer.
Eastside was chosen by Canada Post to host the mail service for the community.
“We knew through the Canada Post guidelines that we wouldn’t get a standalone post office. It would have to remain with an existing business...we don’t have a lot of say in the process,” says Bauer.
Anytime a rural community loses a business, it hurts, says Bauer, with a lack of businesses in rural communities to begin with.
We never want to see a reduction in services, she says, but the role of the post office is important as well.
“We’re just pleased that Canada Post recognized Muenster as a vibrant community and is going to continue to provide services and support Muenster and the surrounding rural.”
Other options included street front or in-business postal boxes, including the boxes at the library, says Bauer.
Craig Wilkinson, co-owner of Eastside Liquidation did not want to see Muenster lose their post office, which is why he applied to host the new location.
Renovations have started to hope the location will be open for May 1.
Bauer says they would like to thank the St. Peter’s Press for their work hosting the post office.
