The days of running out of gas between Port Renfrew and everywhere else are close to an end, thanks to a proposal by the Pacheedaht First Nation to build a gas station.
The station will be built on reserve property next to the Port Renfrew Fire Hall – the first-ever gas station in town.
The full-service gas station will include diesel and marine fuel, a convenience store and a propane filling station, said Chris Hopkins, Pacheedaht band manager.
The gas station is expected to open in late spring or summer.
The land is cleared and the band is negotiating for tanks, pumps, the building and fuel. Recently, the band applied for a water extension to the property, which will also feature public washrooms.
“It’s good news for the Pacheedaht and Port Renfrew, both communities will benefit from it ... the two communities are working well together,” Hopkins said. “The community’s really busy here in the summer time, so the gas station should do well.”
A gas station in town could help curb the amount of desperate motorists who find themselves with insufficient juice to get to Lake Cowichan or Sooke.
“It’ll stop the tourists from knocking on people’s doors late at night looking to buy a jug of gas off them so they could get into town,” Hopkins said.