The longstanding MacKay’s Pharmacy will soon become the Island Drug Mart under new ownership, bringing enhanced services and future healthcare expansions
The incoming owners of the pharmacy near Matthews Memorial Hospital on St. Joseph Island have announced plans to open a new nurse practitioner clinic.
As SooToday reported last month, a new ownership group will take over the operation of the MacKay’s Island Pharmacy, beginning on Sept. 8.
The Greco, Perna, Febbraro, DeSumma (GPFD) IDA Group, which currently operates a pharmacy in Goulais River, will take over operation of the pharmacy in the Bridgelink Medical Centre in Richards Landing. It will be renamed the Island Drug Mart.
“MacKay’s Pharmacy has long been a cornerstone of health services on St. Joseph Island,” said Joe Greco, partner of GPFD Group, in a news release issued Thursday. “We’re honoured to invest in the future of this essential business and support the health of this vibrant northern Ontario community.”
The new ownership plans to provide free shipping for customers when it assumes operation, with additional plans to add a nurse practitioner clinic in the future.
Although the pharmacy will be transitioning from PharmaSave to IDA, Greco said there will be no interruption to customers during the transition period.
“The acquisition aims to build on the MacKay’s tenure by introducing enhanced services, expanded inventory, and digital innovations — all while preserving the personalized, community-first approach that local residents have come to rely on,” said the GPFD IDA Group..
In June, the future of the pharmacy was less clear after its longtime owner Austin MacKay received an eviction notice with an order to vacate the space by July 31.