A landmark local business in Chemainus, McBride’s Service Station, is celebrating an incredible milestone: 100 years of service. This isn’t just a party; it’s a testament to adapting through decades of change, building deep community connections, and focusing relentlessly on practical, human-centered customer care. The centennial celebration offers a chance to look back at a rich history and celebrate a business model that still thrives today.
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A Century of Service: From Garage to Auto Shop
McBride’s story began in 1925, not under its current name, but as Imperial Garage. Imagine the vehicles they serviced then compared to today! The business quickly became a vital part of the community, changing with the times and evolving its offerings. Over the years, it wasn’t just a gas station; it handled boat repairs, sold lawn mowers, dealt trailers, ran a convenience store, and even served as a bus depot. Owner Terry Dockrill shares stories of them even delivering furnace oil – showing just how far back their roots go.
The name McBride’s arrived in 1935 when Bob McBride opened a service station under the Chevron banner. After WWII, he renamed it McBride’s Service Station, the name that has stuck for nearly 80 years. The business saw various owners from the McBride family and long-time employees before Terry Dockrill took over in 2019. What Dockrill thought would be a step towards a slower pace turned into a growth story, with business doubling since he arrived.
The Team and the Heartbeat
At the core of McBride’s success is its team. Terry Dockrill credits his current five-person crew – Rick and Derek Hornett, Chris Robinson, and Keenan Reeves – as the best he’s worked with in his 40 years in the automotive industry. Their dedication to customers makes his job easy, he says.
The philosophy is simple: “Always put yourself on the other side of the counter and everything else will take care of itself.” This means being approachable, helping customers who might feel intimidated by traditional garages, and never shying away from small tasks.
The current team at McBride's Service Station in Chemainus gathers outside the historic auto shop, marking their 100th year.
Practical Care: More Than Just Repairs
McBride’s goes beyond standard auto service. They understand that sometimes customers, especially older drivers who don’t use their cars daily, need simple, practical solutions. Instead of just replacing dead batteries repeatedly, one mechanic came up with the idea of helping customers install home battery chargers. It’s this kind of thoughtful, problem-solving approach that sets them apart.
They also offer free air for tires – a small but valuable service. And for emergencies, they provide 24/7 roadside towing, working with BCAA, ICBC, and the RCMP, ensuring drivers can get help anytime.
This commitment to community support was clear during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. McBride’s offered car pickup, sanitization, and return services, and the community, in turn, rallied to support the business.
A Family Affair: Puppycats Next Door
Adding to the unique dynamic, McBride’s shares its location with Puppycats Pet Emporium. When Terry Dockrill bought the property, the adjacent space was empty. His wife, Linda, and daughter, Sam, with their retail background and love for animals, saw an opportunity. They opened Puppycats, which quickly became a beloved local spot for pet supplies. This creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere on the property.
Both businesses are deeply involved in the community, sponsoring local youth sports and events like car shows. They also support animal rescue organizations, like Foster Kritters Feral Rescue, highlighting their broad commitment to Chemainus.
The Centennial Celebration
To mark this incredible 100-year journey, McBride’s is hosting a customer appreciation event.
- When: Friday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: 9616 Chemainus Rd. (the shared location with Puppycats)
- What: Live music, barbecue, prize draws, giveaways from both businesses, and a chance to share stories and memories.
Owner Terry Dockrill is particularly eager to hear stories from long-time customers and former employees, connecting the past to the present.
Looking ahead, Dockrill hopes the legacy continues, perhaps with a current team member taking the reins one day. For now, he’s focused on continuing the tradition of integrity, friendliness, and dedicated service that has kept McBride’s at the heart of Chemainus for a century.
A business reaching 100 years is a rare and remarkable achievement. It speaks volumes about resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of genuine connection within a community.
Interested in the history of Chemainus? Explore more local stories and community events.
