Darcy Nazarek, Manager of Westcastle Motors in Blairmore, announced on Friday, September 25 that Westcastle Motors, a full time General Motors Dealership, is closing its doors in Blairmore, effective October 30, 2009.
Approximately 10 years ago, Westcastle Motors, out of Pincher Creek, purchased the General Motors dealership in Blairmore from Mike Schwab. The business was formerly Blairmore Motors, and was located at the present Rexall Store site in central Blairmore.
According to Nazarek the prinicipal problem resulting in the closure was staffing issues and the centralization of their operations in this part of Southern Alberta.
Westcastle Motors is currently operated by four employees who will be transferred to Pincher Creek, avoiding any lay-offs of personnel. All current customers of the dealership will be notified by way of letters explaining the position of the company and their plans to continue servicing their customers in the Crowsnest Pass.
The loss of this major franchise has come as a shock to most citizens in the Crowsnest Pass who have witnessed the continual downsizing of numerous businesses over the past number of months.