Tsawwassen Husky closes after 25 years

A familiar face to Ladner and Tsawwassen customers for more than 25 years, Johnny Chandra Singh closed up shop at the Husky service station on 56th St. Tuesday (Jan. 31). Lower priced competition from across the border in Pt. Roberts is the chief reason for the shutdown, says Singh, 70, who plans on enjoying a relaxed retirement.

Christine Lyon photo

After more than 25 years in operation, the Husky gas station on 56th Street in Tsawwassen is shutting down.

Longtime manager Johnny Chandra Singh said Husky stations are required to sell one million litres of fuel per year to stay in business, but with many drivers opting to fill their tanks with lower-priced gas in neighbouring Pt. Roberts, Wash., it's been near impossible to meet that target.

"We don't have volume here," Singh said.

Tuesday (Jan. 31) marked the last day drivers could fuel up, get a car wash or service their vehicle at the Tsawwassen location.

But Singh, a Tsawwassen resident since 1979, isn't shedding any tears over the closure.

"I'm happy," he said, explaining he actually opted to shut down earlier than necessary. "They (Husky) wanted to close me in March, but I said 'No, thank you very much.'"

Singh will turn 70 in August and is more than ready to retire, especially after years of seven-day work weeks. He's already looking forward to a much-needed family vacation in April.

"My son's getting married in Hawaii," he said, smiling. "We're going to spend a month in Hawaii."

While gas sales have declined, Singh said business in his adjoining automotive shop has been steady. He's built up a loyal customer base since opening in 1986—one that will surely miss his service and conversation.

On a recent afternoon, a regular customer comes into the shop to pick up her car from the garage and asks Singh where she should take her vehicle for repairs now. It's a question he's been hearing a lot lately, but one he's hesitant to answer for fear that his dedicated customers might have a bad experience at another auto shop on his recommendation.

As for the fate of the lot, Singh doesn't know what's in the cards, but says he'll be keeping an eye on any future developments.