Residents are raising concerns after Loblaws decided to change the management of the local No Frills store.
Jan 29, 2026 •
A post on a Facebook page last Friday showed two individuals protesting the removal of longtime No Frills Port Dover owners/operators Mike and Christina Ramirez. The post by ‘Maurie Mac’ on Help Me.. Find Businesses, Services & JOBS In Port Dover & Norfolk County received hundreds of reactions and comments. SCREENGRAB/FACEBOOK
Residents are raising concerns after Loblaws decided to change the management of the local No Frills store.
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Social media is buzzing with news that last week executives from the parent company of No Frills visited the site and told Mike and Christina Ramirez that, after 16 years, their contract would not be renewed and would end just seven days later.
“On top of that, they’ve been told they cannot tell the community what’s happening,” said friend Jolene Thomas-Bint, whose son works at the location. “After years of serving this town, they’re being silenced. Lives have been turned upside down overnight. Families, employees, and an entire community are affected.”
“This is not right,” Thomas-Bint continued in her social media post. “We need to stand behind them and make sure Loblaws knows this treatment is unacceptable.”
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The post gained hundreds of views and dozens of comments. Shortly afterward, Simcoe business owner Kaley Horton, a friend of the Ramirez family, shared her thoughts from Kaley’s Restaurant Facebook page.
“This family poured themselves into serving others,” she wrote. “They showed up every day, not just as workers but as community members who genuinely cared, and now because of a decision made without faces or names attached they are left carrying the weight of uncertainty – along with a ripple effect that touches far more than just their household.
“It’s heartbreaking. And it’s frustrating. And it’s a reminder that behind every ‘corporate move’ are real lives being disrupted.”
Horton mentioned that the Ramirez family has three children working at the store and have long supported their community by donating to local food banks and backing area programs. The couple has worked for Loblaws for a total of 70 years combined. Their lawyer has advised them to stay quiet during this transition.
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“It’s hard to describe them as anything other than chosen family,” Horton said in an interview.
“Port Dover will feel this change. I was there (Thursday) to support them at closing time; so many people brought cards and hugs along with well-wishes- it was incredible! They are hands-on operators; that makes all the difference.”
Pictures surfaced showing protesters outside the store on Thursday with one sign reading “Loblaws, you took the keys; you lost loyalty.”
A representative from Loblaws did not provide details about this management change but stated that their commitment to the community remains strong.
“Our store has been part of Port Dover since 2009; while we don’t comment on specific franchise agreements’ details we can confirm that our No Frills store in Port Dover will keep actively supporting its community – offering great value friendly service along with products our customers rely on,” Rosalyn Carneiro director retail communication said in an email to The Reformer.
Thomas-Bint remarked that residents were still “in shock” as Mike and Christina Ramirez prepared to finish their roles on Thursday.
“The Ramirez family have done so much for not only Port Dover residents but all of Norfolk County,” Thomas-Bint shared in an interview. “It’s upsetting for us all when there aren’t any specifics available about what’s happening.” However she noted that even though everyone is confused right now they’re still receiving amazing support online which highlights how much love people have for this family.”
No Frills serves as the only grocery option within this lakeside town.
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