THE FATE OF CHILLIWACK’S PINK CAR
Conversations have been growing in Chilliwack around an iconic landmark, “THE pink car.” Whether a local to the city or just passing through, many have seen that pink car sitting 25 feet in the air, just off the highway by the Lickman Road exit – 116. So, the question lies, what will happen to the well-loved Pink Car?
With the purchase of what once was Pick-A-Part, Southern Irrigation has been working on a campaign to commemorate this legendary icon in a way that gives back to our community and a non-profit organization that’s been around even longer than the beloved pink car. First, let’s start with how this pink car came to sit atop its throne.
History of the Pink Car
Beginning in 1983, John Davy leased the land that would soon become the home of Pick-a-Part. The original name was “Right Way Autobody,” providing a glimpse into John’s past career as a mechanic.
In 1985 John purchased the first 5 acres and, soon after, acquired the 7 acres beside it, which he gravelled and fenced before bringing on his lot of used vehicles.
In 1988 John went to a mechanics convention in Edmonton, where he was introduced to the idea of self-serve auto parts. Making the decision to pursue this concept, John returned to Chilliwack and got to work building his business.
It took about a year to fill the yard, and in that time, John had the company sign constructed and put in place. He paid a good friend to place the poles and build the sign – as he quoted, “You have no idea how much I hate renting and leasing because the money just disappears!” That structure is the same structure which we see today.
Months following this, John was pursuing new inventory from the ICBC salvage yard when he came across a hot pink Plymouth; he reckons it was a grad car that someone had hand painted hot pink with your everyday household paint. Amused at the sight of it, John bid $100 and, sure enough, left the yard that day with the car in tow.
With the intention of this vehicle being placed in the yard for parts, it was only when an employee jokingly said to John, “That thing would look great on top of the sign!” that John decided, “Why not?” and the car was emptied and placed atop the sign shortly after.
It was only a short time before John received a letter from the city outlining how this car exceeded the height restrictions.
Refusing to bring the car down from its new home, the City made it very clear, it would not be allowed back up if the vehicle ever came down. Lucky for John, he had no intention of ever bringing it down, and the car is still perched there.
Southern Irrigation, New Owners of the Pick-A-Part
Pick-a-Part went on to be a very successful business, and only in 2020, at the age of 77, did John decide to close the business doors. John knew he would have to sell the property he had owned for over 20 years and vowed he would only sell to a Chilliwack local, “No number companies.” Southern was proud to take over ownership of this property in October 2022 and found the timing perfect as the company’s growth has limited the current building in many facets.
Southern Irrigation had called Chilliwack home for most of the company’s life, starting in 1986 when Bert Oostenbrink opened his first storefront in Chilliwack. The company ran out of the back of his pickup truck two years prior. Since then, Southern Irrigation has gone on to open 7 other locations across Canada, and the reigns have been handed down to Bert’s sons. With further Canadian expansion on the horizon and a growing team to match, it was no surprise that the Chilliwack location needed more space. Southern Irrigation looks forward to opening the new site in January 2024 with a new building.
Along with ownership of this property came the iconic pink car, and discussion around what to do with this landmark has been a common topic among Southern Irrigation owners. It was inevitable, with the footprint of the new building being 50,000 square feet (around 1 acre) and the proposed layout of the new facilities, that the pink car would have to soon return to the ground. CEO Jeff Oostenbrink brought the idea forward to create a campaign to save the pink car while keeping the money raised within our community.
Southern Irrigation, New Owners of the Pick-A-Part
Pick-a-Part went on to be a very successful business, and only in 2020, at the age of 77, did John decide to close the business doors. John knew he would have to sell the property he had owned for over 20 years and vowed he would only sell to a Chilliwack local, “No number companies.” Southern was proud to take over ownership of this property in October 2022 and found the timing perfect as the company’s growth has limited the current building in many facets.
Southern Irrigation had called Chilliwack home for most of the company’s life, starting in 1986 when Bert Oostenbrink opened his first storefront in Chilliwack. The company ran out of the back of his pickup truck two years prior. Since then, Southern Irrigation has gone on to open 7 other locations across Canada, and the reigns have been handed down to Bert’s sons. With further Canadian expansion on the horizon and a growing team to match, it was no surprise that the Chilliwack location needed more space. Southern Irrigation looks forward to opening the new site in January 2024 with a new building.
Along with ownership of this property came the iconic pink car, and discussion around what to do with this landmark has been a common topic among Southern Irrigation owners. It was inevitable, with the footprint of the new building being 50,000 square feet (around 1 acre) and the proposed layout of the new facilities, that the pink car would have to soon return to the ground. CEO Jeff Oostenbrink brought the idea forward to create a campaign to save the pink car while keeping the money raised within our community.
Southern Irrigation and The Salvation Army
Southern Irrigation decided to partner this campaign with the Chilliwack Salvation Army, a non-profit organization focused on bringing support to those most vulnerable in our society through clothing, food, shelter, medical assistance and more. Southern Irrigation has been a proud partner of the Salvation Army for 3 years and is working to bring awareness of this non-profit and its work within our community to those of local businesses, organizations, and residents of Chilliwack.
Our partnership with the Salvation Army began when COO, Mitchell Oostenbrink’s wife, volunteered her time to work in the “Free Pantry” run by Salvation Army. This program allows those with little or no income to receive groceries and food for themselves and their families. Mitchell’s wife was taken on a tour of the dilapidating facility. She was shown firsthand the turmoil that Salvation Army staff and volunteers run these essential services out of. She spoke of her concerns with Mitchell and shortly following, Jeff and Mitchell were touring the facilities firsthand, knowing the poor state of the facility, and the great programs was something they couldn’t turn a blind eye to.
The Chilliwack Salvation Army serves hundreds of individuals daily through a variety of programs, including the operation of a food bank for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, a community soup kitchen for anyone in need of a meal, the Hope Chest, which gives individuals access to clean clothing, Emergency Disaster services and the newest initiative, The Pantry. The Pantry makes fresh produce and other food items available daily for those in need. More information on these programs and others offered by the Chilliwack Salvation Army can be found here.
Since Jeff and Mitch toured the Salvation Army facilities in 2020, Southern Irrigation has partnered on several campaigns, including volunteering through the Christmas Kettle Bell program, food drives, packing food hampers and many other volunteer positions. Southern Irrigation will continue to support this organization for years to come. However, there is hope that the Pink Car Campaign will be their most significant partnership to date.
Southern Irrigation and The Salvation Army
Southern Irrigation decided to partner this campaign with the Chilliwack Salvation Army, a non-profit organization focused on bringing support to those most vulnerable in our society through clothing, food, shelter, medical assistance and more. Southern Irrigation has been a proud partner of the Salvation Army for 3 years and is working to bring awareness of this non-profit and its work within our community to those of local businesses, organizations, and residents of Chilliwack.
Our partnership with the Salvation Army began when COO, Mitchell Oostenbrink’s wife, volunteered her time to work in the “Free Pantry” run by Salvation Army. This program allows those with little or no income to receive groceries and food for themselves and their families. Mitchell’s wife was taken on a tour of the dilapidating facility. She was shown firsthand the turmoil that Salvation Army staff and volunteers run these essential services out of. She spoke of her concerns with Mitchell and shortly following, Jeff and Mitchell were touring the facilities firsthand, knowing the poor state of the facility, and the great programs was something they couldn’t turn a blind eye to.
The Chilliwack Salvation Army serves hundreds of individuals daily through a variety of programs, including the operation of a food bank for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, a community soup kitchen for anyone in need of a meal, the Hope Chest, which gives individuals access to clean clothing, Emergency Disaster services and the newest initiative, The Pantry. The Pantry makes fresh produce and other food items available daily for those in need. More information on these programs and others offered by the Chilliwack Salvation Army can be found here.
Since Jeff and Mitch toured the Salvation Army facilities in 2020, Southern Irrigation has partnered on several campaigns, including volunteering through the Christmas Kettle Bell program, food drives, packing food hampers and many other volunteer positions. Southern Irrigation will continue to support this organization for years to come. However, there is hope that the Pink Car Campaign will be their most significant partnership to date.
“Save The Pink Car” and Support Salvation Army
So how exactly can we “Restore an icon and strengthen our community”?
We are asking Chilliwack to help save the Pink Car by donating funds towards developing a new facility for Salvation Army.
All donations will go directly to Salvation Army so that they can work more efficiently, expand their current programs and help even more in our community.
- If $50,000 is raised, the pink car will not be crushed.
- If $100,000 is raised, the pink car will be commemorated and displayed on the new Southern Irrigation property.
- If $500,000 is raised, the pink car will be restored to its former glory and become an even bigger icon – driven in community events and parades, used for future charities, and more.
“Save The Pink Car” and Support Salvation Army
So how exactly can we “Restore an icon and strengthen our community”?
We are asking Chilliwack to help save the Pink Car by donating funds towards developing a new facility for Salvation Army.
All donations will go directly to Salvation Army so that they can work more efficiently, expand their current programs and help even more in our community.
- If $50,000 is raised, the pink car will not be crushed.
- If $100,000 is raised, the pink car will be commemorated and displayed on the new Southern Irrigation property.
- If $500,000 is raised, the pink car will be restored to its former glory and become an even bigger icon – driven in community events and parades, used for future charities, and more.
How can I donate?
Donate on our CanadaHelps donation page and claim a donation receipt!
Follow Southern Irrigation on Instagram for:
- Updates on the Pink Car Campaign
- A $1 donation contributed by Southern Irrigation towards saving this iconic landmark!
https://www.instagram.com/southernirrigation/
“We are proud to call this well-known property the new home of Southern Irrigation, and we are eager to move our facilities to the new location. We aim to make an impact with the pink car, and Chilliwack will stand with us in restoring an icon while strengthening our community! If each resident in Chilliwack donated $1, we would easily hit our goal of $100,000.00.” – Jeff Oostenbrink
How can I donate?
Donate on our CanadaHelps donation page and claim a donation receipt!
Follow Southern Irrigation on Instagram for:
- Updates on the Pink Car Campaign
- A $1 donation contributed by Southern Irrigation towards saving this iconic landmark!
https://www.instagram.com/southernirrigation/
“We are proud to call this well-known property the new home of Southern Irrigation, and we are eager to move our facilities to the new location. We aim to make an impact with the pink car, and Chilliwack will stand with us in restoring an icon while strengthening our community! If each resident in Chilliwack donated $1, we would easily hit our goal of $100,000.00.” – Jeff Oostenbrink
