Let the Chamois Car Wash and Detail Centre take care you and your vehicle
Winnipeg’s The Chamois Car Wash has come a long way from its beginnings in the late 1990s. The idea came to owner Dave Watson and a colleague when he saw how popular car washes were as giveaways at local gas stations. “We got to thinking about what the opportunity could be for a great, local car wash,” says Watson. Watson and his brother Barry would happen upon the spot for their first location at 85 Reenders. The two would construct a deal with local developer Ted Paetkau at Concord Projects to build the first Chamois, and it opened its doors in 1998.
On the move
Since then, the Chamois Car Wash has expanded twice, first to 850 Waverley Street in 2001 and then to 1285 St. James in 2008. Even as the company has grown, one thing remains the same—the Chamois’ commitment to a quality and affordable car wash. Every vehicle that comes to a Chamois location is hand pressure washed first, to ensure all the grim, bugs, mud and dirt come off before it even enters the wash tunnel. “We hand pressure wash before your vehicle is touched by our equipment,” says Watson. “That way, you’re getting the best exterior clean possible.”
The Chamois is a family-owned and operated business, with Dave and his children Carrie and Ryan, after buying out Barry in 2003. “We’re a family business with my kids joining us,” says Watson. “Even my wife Kim helps out with business advice!”
Doing what they do best
The Chamois offers three levels of wash—bronze, silver and gold—plus the manager’s special and all are designed to give you the exterior and interior wash you need. The Chamois team is meticulously trained to ensure that the wash you want does what you need it to. “We want to make sure you leave feeling good, with a car that looks good,” says Watson. “We take the time to teach our car wash team to do the best job possible.” The Chamois has also introduced monthly wash passes—the Chamois GO PLAN—so you can stop in whenever you need for the wash you want. Plus, each location offers full detailing services to get your car looking like you just drove off the lot.
More than a car wash
Besides the company’s commitment to providing an exceptional and affordable car wash, the Chamois is also dedicated to its staff and the community it serves. “We employ many young people in Winnipeg, helping teach them about their job, and things like a good work ethic and taking responsibility,” says Watson. “One of the most rewarding things about it is seeing how our team has grown with us over the years.” Many of Watson’s management team have been with the company twenty or more years, moving up as the company has grown. “I have seen staff start out with us as teenagers making money to buy their first car, and now they’re buying homes and raising families.” The Chamois also gives back to the community, with annual fundraisers for the Kidney Foundation and the Winnipeg Cheer Board among others.
Look good, feel good
Let the Chamois Car Wash and Detail Centre do what they do best. With three locations across Winnipeg, there’s never been a better time to get your car washed. “You’ll be surprised at how good you’ll feel, and how good you’ll look after a trip to the Chamois,” says Watson.
Learn more at thechamois.ca.
The Chamois Car Wash and Detail Centre
85 Reenders – 204.669.9700
850 Waverley – 204.775.9700
1285 St. James – 204.777.9700
Winnipeg
thechamois.ca
