The old Dairy Queen building has been purchased by the Northern Savings Credit Union in Prince Rupert.
Since the late 1990s, the building at the corner of Third Avenue West and McBride Street, has stood empty. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, the credit union announced they had bought the building.
“We purchased for strategic reasons. It’s a highly visible corner. We want to evaluate in the short and long term and look for an opportunity to demonstrate to the city that we’re committed to strengthening and growing the community and looking to work with Redesign Rupert to what the possibilities for the building are,” said Bill Snell, Northern Savings’ Interim President and CEO.
“Northern Savings is committed to strengthening and growing our northern communities. In its current state, the empty structure is not enhancing the viability of Prince Rupert’s downtown area,” Snell said in the press release.
The building has often been singled out as one of the derelict buildings in the downtown area with its boarded up windows and graffiti. It is also one of the first buildings visitors see as they drive into Prince Rupert.
“I’m so excited to see Redesign Rupert moving into action by working with partners to revitalize our community. Northern Savings Credit Union has been a stable and reliable partner for Prince Rupert for many years, and we welcome this commitment to improving the downtown core. The DQ building is the first thing you see when coming into town. This change in hands signals a new beginning and opportunity for our community,” said Mayor Lee Brain in the press release.
Northern Savings will begin renovations on the exterior of the building in the next few months.
READ MORE: Enough is enough — fine derelict-property owners, says Prince Rupert councillor
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