Filling The Gap

July 5, 2021

This summer, Medicine Hat will welcome its newest hardware business as they look to fill the retail gap, and service residents living in the city-centre.

After conducting local market research, Myrna Stark, Colin Hyland and Shane Marshall discovered a gap in retail stores between the north and south side in Medicine Hat. They purchased an old liquor store and now have started construction on a new hardware store, ACE Hardware, with plans to add an extensive houseware and barbeque section.

“We posted an announcement on social media and the community has been extremely supportive,” said Myrna Stark, local owner, ACE Hardware. “We are thrilled to be part of the growing downtown community and to give residents living in the area a closer, local shopping option.” 

ACE Hardware applied for the Waterfront District Vibrancy development incentive offered by the City of Medicine Hat and Invest Medicine Hat and was able to use the funds for the construction of a lumber yard with the garden centre.

“We questioned if we were going to develop the empty space behind our building, but with the development incentive, we were able to build the lumber yard, which will offer even more convenience to the residents in this area,” says Stark. “We are thankful for the City investing in our local business community during these challenging times.”

ACE Hardware Canada is part of the RONA family with 107 stores across the country. Locally, the owners will look to employ 18 people of all ages and educations levels.

“Our team is excited to be part of the Waterfront District and the expansion of new businesses it will attract to the downtown area,” says Stark. “It will encourage people walking across the bridges and under the railway track and will help this area become a hub of entertainment and activity during all seasons.”

ACE Hardware is located at 760 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat.