Kirsten Mundy

Multimedia Editor

After 43 years in an old bank, the Strathmore Standard is preparing for their biggest move of the century, to a new location on Highway 1.

"We felt it made more sense to be in a high traffic area in Strathmore, and with the growth of the town the more accessible we are the better," said Publisher Shawn Cornell. "In cities the newspaper is always located in more visible and car-friendly places, and we felt it was time to bring ourselves up to that standard."

The decision to move wasn't easy, but after a couple years of the building sitting on the real estate market the paper's decision-makers said it was just time to move on. With a staff of eight people, the building that once housed a printing press was just too big to work for a small office.

"Our new office will be nice, new and we will finally be able to all work on one level," said Cornell. "We are starting this summer off on the right foot, and we look forward to being on Highway 1 in the Country Lane Mall for the next 103 years."

Starting on June 22 the doors will be open at Unit A, 510 Highway 1. Although the move will happen bit by bit over the following week, all regular business will be operational as of June 22 when the doors will close on Second Avenue and the doors will open to the next chapter in the Standard's history.

The Strathmore Standard moved into its present location in 1969 when the Royal Bank moved out of the building downtown across the street from its present location. At that time, the paper was changed to be printed in Calgary, which is how it is printed today.

With little need for much more than computers, phones and the internet, Cornell said the new office will offer everything the staff and the community need to continue producing the paper they have turned to for the past 103 years.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the community into our new office, and hope you can visit soon," said Cornell. "If you haven't been in the area recently, we are located in the portion of the old Prairie Saddlery store facing the highway.

From the parking lot you just walk up the sidewalk a few feet and we're right there."

The location of the building will allow for visitors to access the paper without maneuvering stairs, which is also an overdue change according to Cornell.

Presently the customers who require assistance walking, or are in wheel chairs, just aren't able to come into the office.

As for the old building, Cornell said it will remain for sale. While it is on the market, the Standard has arranged for a caretaker who will maintain the exterior and interior of the building, ensuring it remains operational.

"We don't want to see it fall apart, it just wasn't the right place for us anymore," said Cornell. "Our intention is to sell the building, ideally to someone who will maintain its history. Our company has no intention of demolishing this building."

The phone number will remain the same for the Strathmore Standard, so if you have any concerns or thoughts about the move please call 403-934-3021.

Business will continue as usual throughout the move, so don't hesitate to come in and visit at the new location after June 22.