The Town of Petawawa is recognizing the owners of a long-running local business as they prepare to retire after more than four decades serving the community.
Clarence Barink and Joanne Watts, owners of Paramount Kitchens, are closing the business after 42 years. The company has built a reputation locally for kitchen design, cabinetry and renovation work for homeowners and businesses.
The business was founded in 1984 by Gerry Barink, who started the operation in a small workshop before eventually relocating to its current location on Petawawa Boulevard.
When Gerry retired in 2000, ownership passed to his son Clarence and daughter Joanne, who continued to run the company as a family-owned and operated business.
Watts said she recalls her dad preparing to open the business alongside several partners when she was a teenager.
Barink said the decision to close the business came in part due to a health scare.
While his health has improved significantly, he feels it’s still time to step away and explore a new chapter in his life.
Watts said she expects to miss the people and the interactions that came with the business more than anything else, but she looks forward to a less stressful life.
Petawawa officials marked the milestone Tuesday during a brief recognition and photo opportunity attended by Gary Serviss, mayor of Petawawa, along with Theresa Sabourin, the town’s deputy mayor, and councillors James Carmody and Karen Donovan.
Representatives from the Petawawa Business Advisory Network also attended the event.
Barink and Watts announced their retirement in January. Town officials say the pair have played an important role in helping shape homes and interior spaces across the community while contributing to Petawawa’s local business sector.
The pair said they look forward to exploring new hobbies like skiing and pickleball and enjoying more time with family in their retirement.