A new gas station is opening up in Port Renfrew for the first time in 20 years, and the Chamber of Commerce vice president Karl Ablack believes it will play a key role in fuelling the community’s growth.
The project, which was an initiative of the Pacheedaht First Nation, has been in the works for approximately three years and took 6-8 months to build.
“This is an opportunity to draw tourists in to Port Renfrew while they travel along the circle route, and from the local residents’ stand point, it will be awesome not having to travel to Sooke or Lake Cowichan to fill up their tank,” said Ablack.
“But this is just the infancy of future development for Port Renfrew.”
Since the Pacific Marine Circle Route opened in 2009, Port Renfrew has been reinventing itself into an ecotourism destination.
Along with the gas station, the community has opened up the Avatar Grove Forest, many new businesses, and is now opening Beach View Rise, a development for single family homes, which is the first development for full time living that’s happened in many years.
RELATED: Avatar Grove boardwalk finally complete
“The opportunity is here because of the transition from a traditional commercial fishing and logging town into this ecotourism destination we’ve become,” said Ablack. “Port Renfew’s close proximity to Victoria allows people easy access to nature, so it’s an area that’s going to continue to grow.”
Ablack said in the past few years, the Chamber has grown substantially and approximately 80 businesses have become involved, all working towards promoting the community.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony being held on Thursday Nov. 9 at 11 am to celebrate the grand opening of the new business.
Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca electoral area director for the CRD, said the station is a long needed service that will not only benefit people in the community by giving them a place to buy fuel, but will also provide immediate employment for locals.
“On top of that, it’s going to create a greater travel experience for people driving along the circle route, and what’s good for the circle route is good for tourism, which is good for the people of Port Renfrew.”
Everyone is welcome at the grand opening, as there will also be a barbecue taking place and beverages being served.
The station is located along West Coast Road by the Port Renfrew Fire Hall. For any further information, contact the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce.
