It has been a long time coming, but sources at Four Seasons Auto Collision at 199 Laird Drive say the property has been sold. Records show the sale was made to a numbered company for $10.5 million. The deal closed July 8, 2016 and the new owner will assume control in the fall. The front-desk lady at the unassuming old premises was clear. “Done deal” she said. But, she added, the buyer is not Mitch Goldhar, owner of the SmartCentres retail group across Wicksteed Ave. “Definitely not SmartCentre,” said the Four Seasons source. Just what this emphasis might mean may be guessed at but it is certainly widely believed that there were marathon efforts by SmartCentre to buy Four Seasons. Now the owners, brothers Pat, Mike and Mario Ricci will see a generous payday whoever the new owner. It has been 52 years since Pat and Mike bought the corner and set up their car repair business. Later, younger brother Mario joined the firm. Over the years the auto body and scrapyard grew to its present size. It has become legendary across the City for its distinctive curb appeal. A nice history of the family by Lorna Krawchuk is here
