Candy making is a tradition for the Merritt family. Current owner, Bruce Merritt, is the third generation of candy makers in his family. When Bruce’s grandfather arrived in Canada over 100 years ago from the Ukraine, he apprenticed under Scottish and Greek candy makers in the Brantford area. He started the family’s first candy shop, Yurchuk Candies, in the early 1900s.

Yurchuk Candies found a permanent home in the community of St. Catharine’s where it remained for over 50 years. Sadly, after both Bruce’s grandfather and uncle passed away, the shop closed—although many loyal Yurchuk customers continue to visit Candies of Merritt to this day.

Back in the 1940s, Guelph was a well-known candy making centre. There were as many as 6-8 candy makers operating in the Royal City at this time, which was quite unusual for a town of its size. As a result, many people would travel to Guelph to buy chocolates, candies, and baked goods.

The original Candies of Merritt was established in 1972, by Bruce’s parents, and located on Elizabeth Street. Since then, Candies of Merritt has moved to its current location at the intersection of Speedvale and Stevenson, in the Speedvale Centre. Bruce has taken over as the business owner and continues to make chocolates and candy for the local community!