[Submitted by the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC)]
A bike ride with his children changed the course of Senti Rasa’s life – and altered the destiny of the general store that is the heart of Carthew Bay.
“I have a cottage on Line 12 and me and the kids decided to bike to the Carthew Bay General Store for ice cream,” recalled Rasa, who noticed a "For Sale" sign on the aged and tired looking building at the corner of Line 14 South and Lakeshore Road. “I saw the sign, but I wasn’t interested in the least.”
But over the next few days, Rasa, a Toronto-based real estate investor, couldn’t get the idyllic property out of his mind. With almost an acre of land a stone’s throw from Lake Simcoe, Rasa began to realize the property and store had promise.
So, he sat down with Al Bilous, who, with his wife and son, Doug, had operated the store for a quarter of a century. And, over many coffees and meetings, they struck a deal; Rasa would purchase the property and the Bilous family would continue to live in the home on the property, and Doug would continue to work at the store.
“It was a win-win situation,” said Rasa.
Another key was assistance from the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC).
“They provided funding to help me with the renovation and I often go to them for advice,” said Rasa. “They’ve been a big help in this venture.”
While Rasa completed a massive renovation of the store and gave the exterior a facelift that included new siding and new windows, he has also worked to change the culture of the bustling year-round store and café.
“Before I bought it, the store had been robbed several times and they (the Bilous family) were getting frustrated,” said Rasa. “We’ve worked hard to change the atmosphere … and I think our customers have noticed.”
On a busy recent morning, with the sun glimmering off the lake, it was evident customers have embraced the change. A boater moored his boat and enjoyed a coffee at an outdoor table, while taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Inside, several regulars enjoyed a home-cooked breakfast and chatted with neighbours. Others dropped in to check their lottery tickets, grab a bag of ice, and fill up their propane tank.
“We want people to be comfortable and feel at home here,” Rasa said.
Rasa feels at home in Oro-Medonte. He is considering moving to the township full-time and has recently begun to purchase other properties – including the 40 acres behind the store. He is working with the township to develop a parking lot for the nearby boat launch on part of that property, and also plans to open a patio and ice-cream stand. Throughout the process, he has relied on the CDC’s staff for counselling and advice.
“I have a vision for this property,” said Rasa. “I want to build an eight-plex. I can envision the store and other retail/commercial uses on the first floor and apartments on the second and third floors, offering great views of the lake.”
While Rasa wants to turn a profit, he has a long-term view.
“My big thing is creating jobs. I want to help build something.”
He also has a passion for helping the community. That’s why for the second straight summer, the store will host a charity garage sale and barbecue on Aug. 24 with all proceeds going to Hospice Simcoe.
“We’re not here to take; we are here to give,” said Rasa, noting the store won a Chamber of Commerce Community Support Award for its initiatives.
“I am very excited about the future here,” says Rasa.
For more information about Carthew Bay Store, located at 2804 Lakeshore Rd. E., call 705-326-3295