NEW FAQs UPDATED MAY 15

PUBLIC NOTICE: TEMPORARY GAS BAR CLOSURE MAY 27TH FOR MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES

To our valued community,

Please be advised that Tofino Co-op’s Gas Bar will be temporarily closing as of May 27th for approximately three months while we complete essential maintenance and major upgrades to the property. These improvements will help ensure long‑term safety, reliability, and better service for everyone who depends on us. After the first phase of renovations, we will reopen the fuel pumps along with a small kiosk offering the essentials (like coffee and snacks), tobacco and lottery while construction continues on our brand‑new, convenience store.

As part of these major upgrades, we will be updating our fuel lines, expanding our convenience store, and installing a new oil/water separator to help minimize environmental impact in the unlikely event of a spill. These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and to providing a better experience for everyone who relies on us.

Why close during the summer? Good weather allows us to complete the work as efficiently as possible. By scheduling the closure during the driest months, we can shorten the overall downtime and get back to serving you sooner. As always, we’re making decisions with our community’s needs in mind.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring you a safer, more modern, and more environmentally responsible facility. We look forward to welcoming you back to our gas bar soon.

Sincerely,

Your Tofino Co-op

Gas Bar Closure – FAQs

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with questions and feedback since we shared the news about the upcoming closure of the Tofino Co-op Gas Bar. We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions in one convenient place to ensure everyone has access to consistent and up-to-date information.

Why now?

The reality is that this upgrade has been a work in progress for the past decade, and we’ve now reached the point where we can no longer delay it.

The current building is 30 years old and has reached the end of its serviceable life. Conditions within the convenience store are no longer up to standard. The rebuild also requires substantial internal and underground infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of new fuel lines and a new oil/water separator to help protect the environment.

Why summer instead of fall or winter?

We chose the summer for two practical reasons. Dry conditions are essential for the underground work to be completed safely and responsibly. If contaminated soil is encountered during the wet season, there is an increased risk of runoff reaching storm drains or the ocean, which is a risk we are not willing to take.

Furthermore, a seven-month timeline beginning in September would place the most weather-sensitive phases of construction in January and February, which would likely stretch the closure timeline into next summer and add significant cost to the project.

Starting the project now allows us to keep the closure period as short and cost effective as possible.

Will the air station and vacuum still be available during the closure?

The air station and vacuum will not be available during the initial closure period. Due to construction activity in the area, including exposed fuel lines and electrical work, the site must remain clear to ensure safety. These amenities will be reinstated as part of the new facility.

Why wasn't a member survey done before this decision was made?

Major infrastructure decisions of this nature are made by the elected Board of Directors, who represent members in setting the long-term direction of the Co-op. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) provides opportunity for members to weigh in on these decisions, ask questions, and help shape future decisions.

We encourage greater member participation and welcome feedback on how these processes can be improved. We invite all members to join us at our upcoming AGM on Wednesday, June 10th at 7:30pm, where your input can be shared directly with the Board.

Was a temporary fuel setup on site considered?

Yes, this option was carefully evaluated, however, with active construction, including exposed fuel tanks, fuel lines, and electrical work occurring simultaneously, the site cannot safely support ongoing fuel operations during this period.

To help reduce the impact of the closure, we have put several measures in place:

• We've coordinated with the District of Tofino to make sure essential vehicles (fire, ambulance, police) have continued access to fuel throughout the closure.
• Once the underground work is complete, we'll open a temporary kiosk so members can fuel up at the Co-op again and pick up the essentials (like coffee!) while we finish the new C-store.

What about the impact on Co-op revenue?

We recognize that the timing of this renovation means missing some of our busiest months, and we do not take that lightly. However, delaying the project further would result in greater long-term costs to Tofino Co-op than the planned closure. Ongoing repairs to an aging facility, the risk of environmental issues, and the challenges of shifting construction into a less suitable seasonal window all contributed to this decision. This investment is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business and continued service to our members well into the future.

What can members expect from the fuel and service when the new Gas Bar reopens?

Upon our reopen, members can expect the same trusted fuel quality as before. Our tanks are in excellent condition and will be properly maintained throughout the rebuild. We look forward to welcoming the community back to a safer, more efficient, and modern facility designed to serve members for many years ahead.

Thank you for your patience and your engagement through this project. We'll keep sharing updates as work progresses.