Stuart Ellis Pharmacy has been a cornerstone of the Collingwood community for 75 years. The original family-owned business, opened in 1945, was built on the principals of providing customers with excellent products and uncompromising service. Staff prepared some medications by hand and the store offered refreshments at their old-fashioned soda fountain. Earlier this year, a new family took ownership and pledges to continue serving customers with that same dedication to excellent patient care. And, while the soda fountain may be gone, Stuart Ellis Pharmacy still offers customized treatment and medication options.
Specialists in Compounding Medications
Many patients do not benefit from the “one size fits all” approach to medication. For this reason, compounding allows the pharmacy to create an individualized, “made from scratch” solution. As a member of the Professional Compounding Centers of America, staff are specialized in compounding medications, creating a personalized product in the exact strength and dosage form required to meet the patient’s specific needs.
Who can benefit from compound medications?
- Patients who require a strength not commercially available
- Patients needing medication in a different dosage form, such as a suspension or lozenge, so that the medication can be ingested
- Patients unable to tolerate certain preservatives, additives, colours or flavourings in a commercially available medication
- Patients requiring help simplifying their medication regimen
Proud Supporters of the Collingwood Community
Owning a neighbourhood drug store has been a long time goal for pharmacist Melissa Foden and husband John. The Foden family purchased the business in spring 2020 and moved to Collingwood in July. It didn’t take long for the new city to feel just like home.
Stuart Ellis Pharmacy manager John Foden explains what brought the family to Collingwood. “My wife Melissa is a pharmacist and it’s been her dream to own a store in a community like this. We have two young boys – 9 and 11 – so we wanted a specific community where we could raise our boys and Collingwood is an amazing place with so much to offer”.
Since moving to the area, the Fodens have enjoyed hiking local trails, biking and golfing in summer, and look forward to skiing this winter and getting back into the hockey community. “Just working here on Hurontario Street has so much to offer. Such a variety of stores, and the people are so friendly and welcoming. It’s just a great overall community to experience.”
For the Fodens, that sense of community is important, and reciprocal. They intend to expand their presence as a contributing business partner and supportive neighbour. “We want to get involved and give back to the community,” John explains. “The store will be featuring more product lines by Canadian-owned companies such as Chilly Moose drinkware and coolers, Beans Deep coffee and Serendipity Candles to name a few and will look to continue to add new fresh ideas.” Additionally, Stuart Ellis Pharmacy will continue to support local events and groups, and welcomes new opportunities to get involved with the community.
The Foden family welcomes you to visit Stuart Ellis Pharmacy at 169 Hurontario Street in Collingwood. The store is open weekdays 8:30am - 7pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 10am-5pm. You can also contact them by calling 705-445-4711 or visit their website at www.stuartellispharmacy.ca.