By Mary Giuliano

Nearly two years ago the Fertig family of Alberta announced that the Lubers Express Oil Change had chosen to open a second shop located in Fernie.

The family owns a successful business in Drayton Valley and after hearing about how quickly Fernie was growing, they decided to be part of this community.

They had hoped to be open by January 2022 and so construction began with the public kept up on the project with online photos and comments.

Unfortunately, progress was stalled when the city issued a stop work order that lasted for months. Since then, the Fertig family has worked diligently with city staff to realize a finished project.

This past Friday, February 17, Caven Fertig was busy showing and assisting his new employees to  install special metal railings to the concrete flood wall that was put in place. Caven and his brother-in-law Edward Kezar have been on the ground with this project since the beginning.

Caven and Edward were very pleasant providing information and a tour of the inside of the building.  They realize people have been waiting patiently for Lubers to open and so were pleased to provide an update stating that although it has taken much longer than anticipated to open, they are almost there with hopes for a soft opening this March 1.

Caven said, “in past months the site has changed significantly. Signage was installed on January 16, which was exciting. There are still a couple of things left to do on the exterior and interior. Lastly, we will complete all system installs and do some finishing touches to tie everything together. One of the last major steps in opening is the completion of our flood wall which you’ve probably noticed was constructed late last year.

“While the main portion of the wall has been completed, we are now working to install the RS Demountable Flood Barrier. In the event of a flood, this barrier will be quickly installed at the openings in the flood wall. This barrier was designed and manufactured in Germany and was shipped via cargo ship. When a flood becomes imminent this innovative flood wall, which is a first in Fernie will be put into action.”

Caven and Edward are happy to have hired seven employees and one student to work at the quick lube, which they believe will be a good service for the local residents as the closest one is in Cranbrook.

Adding that even though there has been obstacles and challenges throughout the project they are close to opening.

The family is very appreciative of the community support over these many months saying, “It has meant the world to us and been more motivational than you’ll ever know. We do what we do because we truly enjoy it. The best parts of our job are getting to know our customers, building long-term relationships, and getting the visits throughout the day. Our customers are always treated like family and our advice will always be honest and genuine. We pride ourselves on doing the right thing, even when no one is looking and treating each vehicle that comes into our shop as if it were our own.”

The business was started by Cavan’s father Wayne Fertig with their first shop in Drayton Valley in 2000. He said the business had a slow start but then it just got busier and busier to become very successful. His sister Charlie manages that shop and mother Louise oversees accounting. The family takes great pride in what they do, they have high standards and believe that this sets them apart demonstrated by the many return customers that they know by name.

Congratulations Fertig family and wishing your business a long and prosperous life serving our community.

Lead image: Caven Fertig and new employees install special metal railings to the concrete flood wall at the soon-to-be opened Lubers Express Oil Change in Fernie on Feb. 17. Photos by Mary Giuliano

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