Our History

Tremblay Motors

Tremblay Motors circa 1934 at 4th and MacDonald – Canada’s First Chevron Station

Tremblay Motors started as a Chevron gas station at 4th and MacDonald opened on April 1, 1934 by Sam Tremblay’s grandfather, “Chief” Tremblay.

His four sons – George, Art (Sam’s father), Bernie, and Freddie – carried on the family business.

Fred branched out to open and operate his own business at 16th and McDonald with his sons www.thegarage.ca

In 1993, Chevron redeveloped the site, and Tremblay Motors relocated to Pacific and Howe in downtown Vancouver where it operated for 10 years.

Forced again to move due to tremendous residential growth in the Yaletown area, Tremblay Motors is currently located at the entrance to Granville Island at 1505 West 3rd Ave.

Current location and auto services

Tremblay

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

The business is currently operated by Sam Tremblay and his son Brad, as well as a host of long-term, dedicated employees who are comfortable in servicing and repairing all vehicles.

Sam is the “Resident Mechanic” on CBC’s “Almanac” radio program, hosted by Michelle Elliot, where he answers callers questions about their cars and other automotive Questions. This popular program airs several times a year. You can hear Sam Tremblay on CBC Radio’s BC Almanac.

As a long-term and well known technician, Sam regularly sits on automotive advisory boards at BCIT and BCAA to help design courses and encourage newcomers and students to the automotive industry

Sam is the 3rd generation, and Brad is the 4th of the Tremblay Family operating in the West Side.

three generations

Three generations of Tremblays – Sam, Art and Brad

The Tremblay family is one of Kitsilano’s oldest and best known families to this day.

According to Sam Tremblay: “I am continually amazed by how many people I meet, all over the place, who know of us… it’s kinda fun!”