MOUNT FOREST – In 2005, Young’s Home Hardware Building Centre was opened in Mount Forest. In 2015, the building expanded to over 26,000 square feet. Now in 2025, it celebrates 20 years in the community.
“It makes me feel old. Went by in a hurry,” said owner Marty Young.
Young looked back on how the business has changed.
“Technology’s changed a lot of things. Different demands for what consumers want,” said Young. “The market has changed so much, going from just regular pressure treated lumber to composites.”
Over the past 20 years, the store has changed to cater to a wider variety of customers.
“It went from a building supply store to what we have today servicing, you know, lawn and garden, paints, plumbing, electrical, as well as the builders, the lumber, the ‘do-it-yourselfer,’” he said.
The community surrounding the business has also changed.
Young said the town is growing quite fast and is completely different to how it was twenty years ago. He added the farming industry has “really exploded,” which increased their demands for materials.
To celebrate the anniversary, the store hosted a three-day barbecue in its parking lot, from Aug. 14 to 16.
Garry Woodcock from the Mount Forest Lions Club works the grill outside Young’s Home Hardware. Photos by Owen Starling
On Aug. 14, five Mount Forest Lions Club members were out serving up food from 7:30am to 3pm.
Garry Woodcock, referred to as “Woody” by fellow Lions, was working the grill all day.
The Lions were making breakfast sandwiches in the morning, and for lunch served up hot dogs, “tacos-in-a-bag,”drinks and chips. All proceeds supported the Lions club.
A lineup of locals and Home Hardware staff formed at lunch time, all looking to get a bite to eat.
On Aug. 15 and 16, the Mount Forest Patriots hockey team manned the grill. They served breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs, as well as hamburgers and coffee, with proceeds supporting the team.
