The front exterior of Winkler's M.C.C. Thrift Shop has been given a dramatically different look over the last number of weeks. Construction is winding down on renovations to replace the variety of brick and metal that's been in place for almost 50 years.
    
After taking ownership of a strip of about 6 retail spaces over the years, all which had a different exterior look, the thrift shop board took the initiative to enhance the building's curb appeal with a uniform look.  "We realized the front of this building looked like there were 6 different businesses that originally started here in the 1970's," said Winkler M.C.C. Thrift Shop Board, Dave Penner.
    
Penner said they're excited to be able to do the renovations within budget.  "Over the last three years, we started a contingency fund which now has some $86,000 in it.  So we have ample funds set aside to pay for this."

Penner said, as with most renovation projects, they did run into some snags along the way. He said the sills and studs under about 10 storefront windows were rotten. However, even with that, they were pleased to have that addressed along with the facelift and still stay within the funds allotted.
    
The total cost of the project will come in between $75,000 and $80,000.

 

The exterior is now finished in a light grey Hardie board on the bottom and horizontal metal on top. Penner said they did their best to match the blue metal with the "M.C.C. blue."

The following is a gallery of pictures showing the progression of the renovations over the last few weeks. Photos submitted by the Winkler M.C.C. Thrift Shop.