Canadian Royal Antiques Post

07/15/2026

We feel so awful for our neighbours across the street. As if downtown hasn’t suffered enough recently.

06/27/2026

All set for Armstrong’s Comic Con! Starts at 11 at Asparagus Theatre on the IPE Fairgrounds!

06/25/2026

Please note that we will be closed this Saturday…however you can find us as a vendor at Armstrong’s first Comic Con! Check us out from 11 to 7 at Asparagus Theatre and the drill hall. Should be fun!

06/18/2026

Pop by downtown this Saturday for night shopping!

06/14/2026

Thank you to everyone for all the support regarding this issue with my building. It’s just an awning, but perhaps it became a symbol of people’s frustration regarding this project downtown. The city has now agreed to replace the awning along with assistance from a grant the Chamber of Commerce was approved for. It won’t be identical, but similar in style and appropriate for an older, historic building.

This has been a stressful week, and I am humbled by all the support. First, thanks to Lori Galdino from What the Thrift, who never signed up for any of this when she opened her business here. Also, many thanks to Kristy at PV Blvd., the wonderful gals at The Bookish Collective, and Abbey Law Corporation. And those who wrote letters etc. to the city…it was a great help. I had former councillors, an engineer, a volunteer at the museum, and many dozens of local residents popping by the store to offer advice and support.

Moving forward…the city’s new concept and look for the town is now “heritage” rather than country western. But heritage is simply another word for history. We mustn’t forget that.

06/09/2026

Change, renovation and updates are a norm of existence. I accept that and support that.

The changes in downtown Armstrong are getting out of hand. Due to road closures on PV BLVD for upgrades, all businesses on this strip have suffered. Up to an over 50% loss on sales. We are all, as local businesses, trying to do special events etc. in hopes of surviving. Some have taken evening jobs to get by. We are all doing our best, because we know this project will go through June to August…our most profitable months of the year.

With that in mind, I was told this morning that the city is demolishing my awning this week or early next. No, it will not be put back or replaced. If I want another awning I pay for it myself, apply for easement and deal with any damage to my building. This is an old building. The awning has been here for ages. And I feel gutted. How do I manage?

And I don’t really understand why. Don’t we NEED to maintain the history and beauty of this town? Isn’t that why people love it here and visit here? We are not a sleepy bedroom town! History, theatre, music, books, antiques, rodeos, fairs, metal festivals and charming old buildings downtown with old fashioned awnings and posts. Not everywhere needs to resemble Kelowna. This atmosphere here is of value.

This project is unpopular already. Stunts like this only make things worse. The duty of our city leaders is to support local citizens and businesses and to make their needs and concerns a priority.

And other business owners and landlords in town which have buildings with awnings…I’m the first. I’m guessing you’re next.

05/08/2026

04/07/2026

Upgrades and renovations to the downtown area begin today. There will be no parking available in front of the store for a while. Please use the public parking lot behind CIBC or park in front of Shepherds. We and other local businesses will be open during construction, and we urge you to continue supporting local businesses, as this is sure to be a challenging period. 😉