Done deal! Town sells plant to Marty Kreger

Ken Johnston

As reported in last week’s Record, an offer to purchase the former Koeneman Lumber building was accepted by Rainy River Town Council and the purchaser, Mr. Marty Kreger has accepted the deal with the town.
Kreger, 27, is formerly a Rainy River resident, has worked at two car dealerships in Fort Frances over seven years and plans to tap into that experience when he opens a new business in the former lumber plant. He has sold cars, been parts manager and managed the dealership in Emo for several months.
Kreger said he plans to open a mechanical shop there, as well as buy and sell used cars. He also has acquired an Auto Value parts franchise and plans to stock parts. To top things off he is also planning to operate an Enterprise Car rental business there.
Kreger feels there is a tremendous potential for the business in the area. “Right now if you take your vehicle to Fort you lose the entire day.” With that in mind he has purchased a special computer so that when an engine light comes on he can deal with the problem here and not send the customer to Fort.”
He has already hired a mechanic and hopes to add an autobody shop a few months down the road. That means there will be at least two new families moving into town.
Kreger was in Rainy River on Monday to meet with a contractor and electrician to begin work on overhauling the former lumber plant. “There is a lot of electrical work to do. There are wires everywhere in there.” He also plans to tin everything inside. At present there is a lot of drywall in there. If all goes well he hopes to open in February. “It could be earlier or a bit later depending on the renovations.”
Kreger said he has been wanting to move “home” for a while and is looking forward to bringing his wife and 27 month old son to the community.
This is the first time the building has been used for business in several years. It was seized by the town for unpaid back taxes in 2002.
Council sold the building to Kreger for $50,000 but the town owes the Ontario Development Corporation $35,000 for the building. However, Mayor Armstrong said they can space that out over 30 years at 1% interest.
Council still plans to auction off the chattels in the plant in the spring to help recoup money lost to taxes.
Property Chairman on Council Gerry Marchuk told the Record he is very excited about the news. “While the building is worth a lot more it has just been sitting there and this was the most positive offer we have had on it to date.”
Renovations are set to begin December 19th.