‘I didn’t know people loved us so much’: Snowball Corners gas station closes suddenly after decades
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Outpouring of support, packed farewell visits and a fundraiser follow abrupt shutdown of longtime King City family-run hub due to new fuel tank regulations
It’s another Kim’s Convenience story: a family-run corner store, immigrant roots, and a community that feels like family. But this one ends, at least for now, with an abrupt goodbye.
Yoyo Ya
about 17 hours ago
A beloved roadside stop at Snowball Corners is closing its doors after nearly three decades, but the way the community has rallied around it is turning heartbreak into a heartwarming story of gratitude and connection.
For 27 years, Doug and Gina Lee ran the Pioneer gas station and convenience store at the busy King City junction, serving commuters, neighbours and families from Aurora, Newmarket and beyond. The business, first started by a family member more than 30 years ago, became a fixture for regulars grabbing coffee, fuel or a friendly chat.
Then came the shock.
“They found out last Wednesday,” said niece Yvonne Kwack. “They got notice that the lease was terminated and everything had to shut down. It was unexpected and very abrupt.”
The closure stems from updated provincial fuel tank regulations. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority now requires upgraded underground tanks. But because the family does not own the land — and the landlord declined to proceed with replacements — the station can no longer operate.
“If the tanks can’t be replaced, you don’t have a choice,” Yvonne said. “It’s not because they wanted to stop.”
Given just days to wind down, the family scrambled to return inventory, clear shelves and notify staff. Five employees suddenly found themselves out of work.
What followed surprised them.
“I didn’t know people loved us so much,” said Gina, her voice catching. “That makes my heart so warm. I knew my customers were kind and loyal, but I didn’t know they cared this much.”
Customers lined up to say goodbye, many buying items they didn’t need just to help empty the store. Social media posts spread the word, drawing visitors from King City, Aurora, Newmarket and even highway travellers who made special stops.
“Five days ago the shelves were full,” Yvonne said. “Now they’re almost empty because people came out of their way to support them.”
Some arrived simply to shake hands and share memories. Others filled their tanks one last time. A community member’s Facebook post calling it a “sad day at Snowball Corners” circulated widely and brought even more visitors.
Brian Moore, CEO of Canadian Disc Institute in Aurora, stopped by after seeing the story online.
“Any business given only a few days’ notice — that’s just not right,” he said. “I wish them the very best moving forward.”
For the Lee family, the store is more than a business. It was Gina’s workplace while raising three children. It was Yvonne’s first teenage job. Her grandfather worked there with pride for years
“It’s been a part of our life,” Yvonne said. “So many family memories are here.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Yvonne is now raising money to help the couple cover employee and vendor costs, seek legal advice and cushion the sudden loss of income. She says the response has been overwhelming.
“This was my grandfather’s dream — a humble immigrant dream,” she said. “Seeing the community come together like this has been encouraging in such a difficult time.”
As the final days tick down, Gina is focused on gratitude.
“Thank you to the community — King City, Aurora, Newmarket,” she said. “Thank you for loving us and caring for us.”
Original:https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/i-didnt-know-people-loved-us-so-much-snowball-corners-gas-station-closes-suddenly-after-decades-11831201
