Hey, Canada. So, about those tariffs.

They’re here. They’re annoying. They make things more expensive. But instead of throwing our loonies at overpriced imports, why not support some homegrown businesses?

And not just any businesses—the unsexy ones.

That’s right. The ones that don’t get splashy headlines or make influencers do dramatic product unboxings. The ones that quietly keep the country running while most of us obsess over AI-generated dog portraits.

Here’s your guide to Canadian-owned, BC-based businesses in industries no one talks about but everyone needs.

Self-Storage Companies

Naturally we start here because storage is our thing and it's the sexiest of the unsexy industries.

• Cache Depot – That's us! As a local company in Vancouver, we're proudly Canadian owned and operated.

• Maple Leaf Self Storage – Our big corporate neighbour. They provide traditional storage units and are a privately held company based out of Vancouver as well.

Auto Repair & Tire Services (Because teleportation isn’t real yet)

You know what’s less fun than spending money on car repairs? Walking 20km to work because you didn’t.

• Fountain Tire – Canadian-owned. Employee-owned. Tire experts since 1956. They’ll fix your ride so you can keep ignoring that "check engine" light for a few more months.

• OK Tire – Started in BC, still Canadian. Tires, repairs, and all the things your car needs that you don’t want to think about.

• Kal Tire – Founded in Vernon. Global success story. Still very much Canadian. If your car could talk, it would thank you for bringing it here.

Car Rental Companies (For when your car is temporarily “out of service”)

Sometimes you need a car that isn’t your 15-year-old sedan with a broken air conditioner.

• Economy Rent a Car – Canadian-owned and actually affordable. No ridiculous hidden fees. Just cars.

• U-Drive Car Rental – Founded in Canada, focused on personal rentals, and not interested in charging you $50 a day for insurance you don’t need.

Gas Stations (Because your car doesn’t run on good intentions)

If you drive, you buy gas. Might as well buy it from a Canadian company instead of some massive multinational.

• Husky Energy – Started in Canada, still headquartered here. Bonus: they’re investing in biofuels, so you can feel slightly less guilty about filling up your tank.

• Co-op Gas Stations – Actually Canadian. Member-owned, community-driven, and one of the best options if you want your dollars staying local.

• Chevron Canada – We're getting desperate here which is weird because we should have all that Alberta oil. So the parent company is American, but Chevron Canada operates independently, and their BC gas stations are locally run.

Moving Companies (Because bribing your friends with pizza only works once)

These moving companies know how to put respect on your hard earned Canadian dollars.

• Micro Moves Inc. – Specialists in small and last-minute moves. Need to move a couch, a few boxes, or an entire apartment without breaking the bank? Micro Moves Inc. is all about efficiency, affordability, and saving you from an existential crisis in the middle of a half-packed living room.

• BigSteelBox – Moving and portable storage. Need extra time before committing to unpacking? Just keep your stuff in a steel box and deal with it later.

Box Companies (Because stuff doesn’t ship itself)

Not everything is about high-tech gadgets. Sometimes, you just need a box. A good, sturdy, Canadian-made box.

• Great Little Box Company – Not just a clever name. They make boxes, labels, and packaging so businesses can ship stuff without everything exploding in transit.

• Pacific Western Container – More boxes. More custom packaging. More proof that not all heroes wear capes—some just make really good shipping materials.

If we missed any key players, tell us! We want to hear all about them.