Sobeys will not build new grocery store in Colborne

The former Colborne Foodland grocery store was destroyed by a fire in May 2023 and Sobeys has just announced it will not be rebuilding. (Photo by Cecilia Nasmith)

Cramahe Township announced Tuesday that Sobeys will not be building a new grocery store in Colborne.

The residents have been without a grocery store since May of last year when a fire destroyed the downtown Colborne Foodland.

A letter from Sobeys officials to the municipality yesterday stated reopening the store is not a viable option, noting that a number of former Colborne employees have already transitioned to work at Cobourg’s Foodland store while the company will support remaining employees to transition to another store or pursue other employment and career opportunities. 

Cramahe Mayor Mandy Martin stated the news is disappointing but noted Colborne and the township has strength and potential as a dynamic and growing community. With the departure of Sobeys, Mayor Martin hopes another interested party will consider the investment opportunity to bring a new store to Colborne.