Simcoe County's first Home Depot opens in Bradford
by Michelle Minnoch

Simcoe County's first Home Depot opened up in Bradford on Thursday morning, Canadian Store # 157.

Store Manager Larry Timbers said he had been with the company for over 15 years and was "honoured to lead this fantastic team."

Annette Verschuren, President of the Home Depot Canada and Asia, joked Timbers had a great name for opening a store.

"I started 11 years ago at store number 20," she said. "The mayor and council are big supporters of economic development and bringing jobs closer to home. We are here to serve the community of Bradford."

She said Bradford was getting not only the newest Canadian store, but the most modern and exciting store in the country. The new store will have 140 employees.

She outlined that Team Depot, a group from each store that works with the community, will work on various project throughout the neighborhood.

A $2500 cheque was presented on behalf of Home Depot to Mercy House, a transitional women's home opening in Bradford.

York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan said he was a very loyal Home Depot customer, as he said he has restored two century farm houses. He said he was looking forward to seeing the next Home Depot in Keswick, where he resides.

Bradford Mayor Doug White commented on the large crowd gathered for the official opening. "This is the indication of the level of support you have from the community," he said.

"This is the start of a new beginning."