After years of anticipation, Mid Island Co-op is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the new Whiskey Creek Gas Bar, marking the return of an important community hub and a beloved stop for members, customers, residents and visitors,  heading to and from the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Our Whiskey Creek Gas Bar officially welcomed customers back in July, more than five years after a devastating fire destroyed the location. Many will remember June 17, 2021, when a vehicle fire at the Whiskey Creek Co-op quickly spread, destroying the gas bar and convenience store and prompting the closure of Highway 4 for several hours. Thankfully, no one was injured, thanks in large part to the quick actions of our staff who shut down the fuel pumps and evacuated the site, as well as the responding Errington and Coombs Hilliers firefighters. 

For local residents, businesses, and travellers, the loss of the station left a significant gap in the community. The site had long served as a convenient stop for fuel, groceries, snacks, and of course, ice cream since the '50s. 

One of the first gas stations to stand on the site of the current Whiskey Creek Gas Bar.

Following years of planning, permitting, and construction, Mid Island Co-op received approval to rebuild a modern gas station and convenience store on the site. Construction moved forward with a vision of creating a facility that would continue serving the community for generations to come, with our World Famous Ice Cream offering of 40 flavours. 

This reopening would not have been possible without the patience and encouragement of our members, customers, neighbours, community partners, and employees. 

Zeni Maartman and Nicole Lewis from the Board of Directors join Mid Island CEO, Ian Anderson, and Cooper the Co-op mascot for a photo  

We are grateful for every person who stopped to ask when the station would return, shared memories of the former location, and supported Mid Island Co-op throughout the rebuilding process. 

As we celebrate this exciting new chapter, we look forward to once again serving the Whiskey Creek community and everyone travelling Vancouver Island's scenic west coast corridor.

Welcome back, Whiskey Creek.