In the last edition, we featured Shoppers Drug Mart on Dalhousie Street, when we learned they had bought the pharmacy from the Desjardins family. The community reacted strongly to the Shoppers Drug Mart red and white signage, which many felt was not in keeping with the historic fibre of the neighbourhood. A myriad of documents were pulled from the archives to make a case to have the signage changed.
We are glad to report that the new owner listened with concern to the voice of the community, and took the necessary action to obtain an appropriate design. The city approved it and the new signs were custom built and installed in October. The custom built signs have white lettering on a grey distressed wood background, a discreet designs that fits in comfortably with the neighbourhood.
The early owners would be delighted with this turn of events. In 1882, Dr. Voligny brought his office and pharmacy, the first in Bytown, from 267 Dalhousie to the current location. The business was passed on to Dr. Savard, and then to Thomas Payment, who became mayor of Ottawa in 1899. His was considered so important a business that Sir Wilfrid Laurier insisted that he withdraw from politics to continue with the much needed pharmacy business!
The Desjardins family did not take over the business until 1920, and from that time on, it took on many different faces, not all attractive, until recently. The most recent facelifts and new signage would make Mr. Savard proud.
There are many anecdotes about this old business, look them up! It is part of our Lowertown/Basse-ville history, and the new Shoppers Drug Mart is now part of our community. Let’s welcome them.