It is unusual in today’s world of instant everything and big box stores to find a family business still thriving successfully. If you’re old enough to have car troubles and you’ve lived in the Kitsilano area for a while, you’re probably familiar with the Tremblays who have just such a business.



Tremblay Motors circa 1934 at 4th and MacDonald - Canada's First Chevron Station!

It all began with ‘The Chief’: Alfred Joseph Tremblay who could fix anything. If car owners dreamed, they’d dream of the perfect neighbourhood shop where the price is right and where the technicians repair the vehicles without chicanery. In 1934, ‘The Chief’ set in motion standards that continue to be a shining example of how a community business should be run.

The first Tremblay enterprise began as a full service Chevron station at the corner of MacDonald & West 4th.

The first Tremblay enterprise moved twice in the last decade with it’s present location at the entrance to Granville Island. It is currently operated by Sam, a 3rd generation Tremblay, and his son Brad (4th generation).



"The Chief" and Sons (George, Fred, Chief, Art, Bernie) in approximately 1960.



16th and MacDonald Chevron circa 1987.

The second was also a full service Chevron station operated by ‘The Chief’s’ youngest son Fred, at MacDonald & West 16th. Fred took over the business in 1981 and operated it until 1995 when Fred retired.



The Garage circa 1992.

The third, acquired in 1984, known simply as ‘The Garage’ operated by Fred’s oldest son Ronald at MacDonald & Alamein.



The Garage circa 1995 - Newly Renovated

The second location (the MacDonald & 16th Chevron) merged staff and customers with the third, newly renovated location, ‘The Garage’ (MacDonald & Alamein) in December 1995 when Fred Tremblay retired. Suddenly, a small enterprise mushroomed overnight. One hundred volunteers moved equipment, tools and databases over a weekend so that ‘The Garage’ was ready and open for business on Monday morning. The pressure was now on to maintain ‘The Chief’s’ standards which had always been staunchly adhered to. Not an easy task when faced with the logistical challenges presented by having with 3x the staff and 3x the customers. Management skills suddenly became terrifically important. Customer Service had always been a priority, but now became even more critical.

Interestingly, ‘The Chief’s Code of Ethics was developed long before ethics were common in the industry. “He was a a big hearted old farmer. These were his basic core values” says Ronald, grandson and present operator of ‘The Garage’. “The code has been a blessing and a bane. Fred, my Dad, developed them further and I’ve also added to them based on the information collected over time from the 3rd, 4th, 5th generation customers who’ve grown up hearing the legendary ‘Tremblay’ code. They come here expecting nothing less and how can we disappoint them? These incredibly high expectations based on such a rich tradition compel and inspire us to not only meet but exceed previous generation’s achievements. I’d like my grandfather and father to be proud of what ‘The Garage’ is becoming. I’m acutely aware of the legacy passed down by ’The Chief’ right through to two of my sons who are now also working here as well as my 3rd son who wants to go into business. In whatever the Tremblays undertake, we will always keep the tradition of integrity alive.”

Today, at ‘The Garage’ you’re likely to find a 4th generation Tremblay servicing the car of a 5th generation customer. In fact, it’s a common experience to have a long time customer escorts a younger family member or close friend into our office, demanding that they do business with us. We’re especially proud to serve those who have dealt with all 4 of the Tremblay locations over the years.