The red carpet was out to welcome guests to GMC’s grand opening of its brand new dealership in Pitt Meadows Thursday evening.
At the peak of the celebration, more than 300 people had wandered through the 33,000-square-foot facilities, just off Lougheed Highway by the Golden Ears Bridge.
It has been 19 years since there has been a General Motors dealership in the community – ever since Mussallem Motors shut down after representing General Motors in the community for 88 years.
Pitt Meadows Councillor Mike Hayes, who attended the event on behalf of Mayor Nicole MacDonald, said that the presence of the new dealership in the community not only enhances consumer choices, but also strengthens the local economy and the opening celebrated a milestone in the community’s growth and prosperity.
“I applaud the choice of the City of Pitt Meadows location and eagerly anticipate the positive impact the dealership will have on our community—both economically and socially,” said Hayes, noting that through partnerships with local sports teams, schools, and charitable organizations, the dealership has demonstrated a profound commitment to social responsibility.
“The contributions have enriched the lives of countless individuals and families in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge alike,” he said.
City of Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy was impressed with the new dealership.
“It’s good to see GMC back in the area again,” said Ruimy, who believes this area of the city will be a huge draw not only for residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, but possibly for residents outside the community like Langley or even residents of Mission.
“By creating this auto zone, what I like to look at it as, you have all the dealerships in the same area. And we know when you have similar businesses all lumped together, all clustered together, you will have people from all over coming to visit to look at all the different dealerships in one spot. And that’s an economic development for both of our cities,” said Ruimy.
“It’s a brand in the community that has been missed,” said Lorne Ross, dealer principal of the new Pitt Meadows dealership which services Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.
“It’s one of the largest automakers in the world and to not have it in the community for 19 years is a big void,” he said.
What Ross loves about the new facility is the inviting and spacious customer lounge, with a 100-inch screen TV.
It is a state-of-the-art facility with top-of-the-line equipment and a 15-bay service facility.
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And the location is central.
“It’s a hub,” said Ross, noting that 10 minutes in any direction you can reach Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, or Port Coquitlam.
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A representative from General Motors Canada, Bob McClelland, also spoke at the event, welcoming the new dealership to the General Motors family.
“We’re excited to be back serving the community,” said Ross, noting that they are involved in local fundraisers and local sports, being the official sponsor for the Albion Soccer Club.
Currently there are 45 to 50 staff at the dealership, but Ross is hoping to have about 80 to 90 staff by the end of the year.
Ross thanked everyone who turned out for the celebration.