By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – An east-end convenience store, the site of a grisly hatchet murder more than a decade ago, has a new owner.
Four Leaf Convenience officially opened its doors on St. Patrick’s Day in Cornwall, Ont. And owner Christopher Rockwell, 30, couldn’t be happier about the response.
“The neighborhood has been very kind and welcoming,” said Rockwell. “They definitely needed the store.”
On the first day, there were 50 customers. The next: 75. And today (Thursday, Mar. 19), Rockwell is expecting more.
“Lorneville Apartments have been very good to us,” he said. “Talking to all the customers is a lot of fun.”
The large apartment complex a few hundred feet away contains over 130 units.
James Gearey lives up the street from Four Leaf, and used to have to trek several blocks or take a cab to pick up several small items.
“It’s so much more convenient,” said Gearey.
He wished Rockwell all the best for the future considering the tragic past of the establishment.
Store clerk Joane Bazinet was killed after suffering 17 blows from a hatchet at the hands of Pierre Leduc, a Cornwall man who lived a few houses down from the then-Reggie’s Variety Store and was a frequent customer. Leduc received a life sentence, and will be eligible for parole in 2019.
“After the tragedy that happened it’s understandable why it was closed down,” said Gearey. “But for me personally, I like that it’s back because it does breathe new life into the area.”
Rockwell had no clue about the location’s notorious reputation before he made the purchase.
“I didn’t live in Cornwall when it happened. It was all news to me,” he said. “When I signed the lease I had no idea. It was a shocker.”
The subject is still uncomfortable for Rockwell and his staff.
“I don’t want to stir emotions with the family,” he said. “We’re staying positive and trying not to talk about it.”
Growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., Rockwell spent a great deal of his time at Maloney’s Superette. The friendly establishment with an Irish twist was a second home.
So when he happened to walk by the then-empty retail space in May 2014, the for rent sign really struck a chord.
“Ever since I was young I wanted to open a corner store and share my Irish roots,” said Rockwell.
The store was supposed to open at the end of August 2014.
“It’s been a tight battle with the city and inspections, but they were fair,” he said. “We’re glad to be a part of the neighbourhood and hope everyone embraces the store.”
Four Leaf Convenience is open seven days a week (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) located at 128 Lefebvre Avenue.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FOURLEAFcornwall.
CLARIFICATION: This story updates a previous version that contained an inaccuracy. The convenience store had previous owners within the last decade.
