Context
The history behind Har-Way Holdings is closely tied to the Richmond family’s long involvement in local business and to properties in the centre of Ladysmith that have supported commercial activity over multiple decades.
That history includes the original Ladysmith location associated with 49th Parallel Grocery, along with neighbouring and surrounding properties that remained connected to the business as it grew over time.
Har-Way now holds and manages properties that remain connected to this longer history of business, land, and place.
49th Parallel Grocery
The history of 49th Parallel Grocery is an important part of the broader Har-Way story. Its roots go back to early commercial activity at the corner of First Avenue and Symonds Street, including Mackie’s café in the 1940s and the establishment of 49th Parallel Grocery in 1951.
The Richmond family became involved in 1977 and expanded the business over time, maintaining a strong connection to the original Ladysmith location while growing operations elsewhere on Vancouver Island. Many of the properties now associated with Har-Way grew out of that same period of ownership and reinvestment.
In 2023, the four 49th Parallel Grocery stores were acquired by Country Grocer as part of the Richmond family’s succession plan. Har-Way’s role today is connected to the property side of that longer Ladysmith history rather than the ongoing operation of the grocery stores.
History Over Time
1940s to 1951
The history begins in Ladysmith in the 1940s, when the site was known locally through Mackie’s café and fish and chips operation. In 1951, the property entered a new chapter when it became 49th Parallel Grocery.
1973 to 1977
After operating under the Paivarinta family for many years, the business passed to Alex and Jo Campbell in 1973. In 1977, Wayne and Harmina Richmond took over the operation and began a new period of family ownership in Ladysmith.
1980s to 2010s
Over the years, the Ladysmith property was rebuilt and expanded while the broader business grew into other communities on Vancouver Island. Major work at the Ladysmith location in 1989 and later expansion in 2010 remained tied to the original town site.
Today
Har-Way Holdings Ltd. now holds and manages properties connected to this longer Ladysmith history, including sites associated with the original 49th Parallel Grocery location and surrounding properties within the town’s core.
Why It Matters
The company’s holdings are tied to places that have been part of Ladysmith’s commercial life for decades.
The Richmond family’s involvement since 1977 connects today’s property holdings to a longer period of business ownership and reinvestment.
Har-Way now holds and manages properties that remain part of this longer Ladysmith history.