Much to the chagrin of area residents, the Canim Lake Post Office, in the Canim Lake General Store, will be permanently closed at the end of the business day on May 31.
Residents learned about the closure May 6 through a mailer from Canada Post, and people were upset about losing the convenience of picking up their mail and parcels at the store.
Kathi Neal, Canada Post communications manager based out of Winnipeg, says the post office was closed due to "unforeseen circumstances."
Neal adds she was unable to provide any other details on the reasons behind the closure.
Several residents report they were stalled in phone calls in attempts to get further details.
The mailer noted Canada Post was installing group mailboxes on the property at the Canim Lake Band (CLB) administrative office. Residents were told their addresses would stay the same and group box numbers would correspond to their existing postal box numbers at the store.
The mailer also stated the CLB had agreed to sell books of stamps and hold parcels for pickup.
It also noted all other services will be available at the Forest Grove Post office.
Residents are upset about having to drive to the ClB group boxes and Forest Grove for mail service.
They also voice concerns about lighting, security and winter maintenance at the CLB mailbox site.
However, Neal says Canada Post is already conducting a search for a replacement service provider to set up a permanent postal service in the community.
"The goal at this time is to find a permanent site and it's hoped that there would be a decision within the next few weeks."
Responding to concerns about the group mailboxes, Neal says, that at this point of time, it is a temporary measure.
Noting there is no timeline, she adds that at this time, Canada Post hopes to have something in place by June 1.
Neal says this is part of the natural progression dealing with a post office closure.
She adds residents will be alerted as soon as any decisions have been made.
