The heavy snowfall this winter was too much to bear for the greenhouses at LaPorte's Nursery on Lakeshore Drive.
On Sunday, February 17, all six of the retail greenhouses collapsed from the load.
"As I'm sure you can imagine, this was very devastating to me and my family," says owner Lori Laporte.
"I ask all of my wonderful customers, gracious friends and beautiful family to have patience and understanding this coming season as we try to rebuild. We will endeavour to give the same great customer service and quality products that all of our loyal customers have come to expect. But, having greenhouses back up and running for the spring season is not something I will be able to achieve this year. We hope to have tents up first thing in the spring to allow our customers a comfortable shopping experience."
The damage is estimated to be around $200,000 and is not insured. The clean up will be substantive before anything else can happen.
LaPorte feels lucky to have kind and supportive suppliers who have stepped up and helped at this difficult time.
"We will do our very best to have available as much of the same products that you are accustomed to seeing here. If by chance you do not find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will try to get it for you.
"I would like to thank all my family, customers and friends that offered words of encouragement, sent or dropped off cards, offered a helping hand, or just being there when I needed them the most."
Laporte's has been a North Bay landmark business for 70 years.
It was started by Lori's parents, Aldege and Christina Laporte, and then Lori and her sister helped out. Now Lori and her daughter, Kelsey, are running the popular store.
Despite the loss, Lori LaPorte is still thankful.
"I cannot possibly name you all but, I do have a few that I would like to mention. Ralph, Kathy, Steve, Dan, Gary, Hal, Dianne and my beautiful daughter Kelsey. A special thank you to Doug from Brownridge Greenhouses in Milton for providing me with movable racks to sell plants from this spring. Dan from AVK Nurseries. You have helped me and guided me in the right direction. I appreciate you more than you can ever know. And last but not least to my son-in-law, Ryan McMullen. Your logic and common sense is what I needed when my heart and passion would have hurt me in the long run. I love and appreciate you more than words can say.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!"
