Despite lobbying efforts by Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes, the local community association and a 1,200-member-strong Facebook group, Hartman’s grocery store will not reinstate its famed piano.
Robert St-Amour, the manager of the independent grocer at Bank and Somerset streets, said Friday the piano no longer fits in the store and will not be returning.
The piano sat in the produce section near the entrance to the store and was open to use by the public, with a community seating area around it. It was removed in January and replaced with an extended produce and flower section, much to the dismay of some in the community.
St-Amour met in February with Holmes, along with representatives of the Facebook group “Bring Back the Hartman's Piano” and the Centretown Citizens Community Association, to try and resolve the issue. St- Amour told Holmes at that meeting he would reconsider finding another spot in the store to accommodate the piano if possible.
But in an e-mail statement to the piano’s supporters Friday, Holmes said: “St-Amour and I met recently and I'm sorry to report that Hartman's has made the final decision not to reinstate the piano.”
Hartman’s removed the piano “citing the need for more floor space for merchandise,” she said.
“It has been heartening to see the interest from so many people about this local issue — the importance of the piano and the community space,” Holmes said. “This kind of community space where friends and neighbours could meet and chat and listen to music is a precious commodity in Centretown."
“This [decision] is unfortunate and this community space will be missed by many.”