Metro Inc.

Alena Zinovieva

Bringing a new retail store from concept to reality is no small feat. It’s a process that requires vision, passion, discipline, a great team, and the ability to navigate countless conflicting tasks, deadlines, unpredictable events (aka issues), and stakeholder requests.

Understanding the grocery business—operational and strategic—is also essential to execution. Sometimes, business demands, such as go-to-market strategies, push the construction team into high gear, requiring a condensed schedule to achieve ambitious goals.

This was especially true for the new Metro store in Barrie, ON, opening in May 2025. The initial schedule was already tight, and as the project evolved, the need to compress it further arose. Considering that the final product of a retail construction project is a fully operational, premium-end store with multiple departments—bakery, floral, meat and seafood, deli and hot ready-to-go meals, etc.—and a complex design, this project presented a double challenge.

As the senior construction manager overseeing multiple projects within Metro’s program, I steered my team’s focus on working smarter, not harder, to achieve our goals. I also recognized that the success of a construction project relies on strong relationships, negotiation skills, team collaboration, and precise planning.

Key Strategies for Success

Early Planning

The Metro construction team has developed a well-structured preconstruction phase template we follow on every project. Clearly defining scopes (as much as possible) and proactively procuring long-lead items—such as generators and electrical panels—with purchase orders placed even before the tender award saves a lot of stress down the road.

Early Stakeholder Engagement

One of my key priorities across Metro’s projects is ensuring that all stakeholders—from contractors (e.g., refrigeration systems) to suppliers (e.g., timely steel delivery, always a critical point)—are aligned. The Barrie project was no exception.

Stakeholder engagement is often talked about but frequently overlooked. It’s not just about having meetings at the start—it’s about developing a process that identifies potential roadblocks before they happen. For example, working with suppliers to understand their production timelines and possible supply chain bottlenecks helped us avoid significant delays and prevent issues from snowballing as the project progressed. Having the city inspector visit the site from day one was a great decision, as it helped coordinate efforts and eliminated many last-minute surprises.

Adaptability

Of course, I can’t predict every challenge the team will face during the project. That’s why we hold regular on-site meetings, conduct store walks, and maintain open communication.

With the Barrie store, we certainly had our share of unforeseen challenges— this past winter, heavy snowfall alone caused a couple of weeks of delays in the installation of the Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS). Having a team that’s comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment was a huge advantage. On-site, we established a culture of openness, where everyone could voice suggestions and concerns. This collaborative approach allowed us to quickly address issues and minimize delays.

Technology

The team used MS Project for scheduling and a cloud-based project management software, for real-time reporting, which helped track progress and spearhead the resolution of issues and deficiencies.

Great Team

We were fortunate to work with Traugott on this project. The team was not only professional and easy to work with but also aligned with Metro, working together toward the same goal while proposing cost- and time-effective solutions. An excellent site team was complemented by an equally strong team of consultants.

Key Stakeholder Engagement

To ensure a smooth turnover to operations, we started working closely with Metro’s Operations team a couple of months before occupancy. This approach helped us identify any deficiencies that might have been overlooked and ensured the store was perfect before handover.

Lessons Learned

Lessons learned from each project are documented across the entire program. This approach allows us to continuously improve, ensuring that each subsequent project—including the Barrie store—benefits from the insights gained.

Ultimately, the success of the Barrie Metro store project boiled down to the strength of our team. Construction is a complex, high-pressure field where success is never a solo effort. As a manager, my role is to build, guide, and motivate a team committed to the goal, aligned in purpose, and adaptable enough to tackle whatever challenges come their way.

The new store in Barrie is more than just another retail location—it’s a highly anticipated addition to the community. The local population has been eagerly awaiting its opening, recognizing the positive impact it will have on their daily lives and access to fresh, quality groceries. Delivering this project on time and to the highest standard is crucial, as it will play an integral role in meeting the growing needs of the city’s residents.