Grand prize winner revealed: Highlights from the 2026 Outstanding Independents Awards Canada Virtual Summit
The Outstanding Independence Awards Canada (OIAC) Virtual Summit on May 28 celebrated the dedication and success of 35 independent convenience store and gas station operators in Canada. The summit brought together industry experts to present and share advice to Canada’s top movers and shakers.
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Michelle Warren, the editor for Convenience Store News Canada hosted the event, citing how this award is a way to recognize and celebrate the success of independent retailers who contribute to their communities.
The grand prize winner was chosen in collaboration with co-founding partners Convenience Industry Council of Canada, JTI-Macdonald and Coca-Cola.The announcer for the 2026 OIAC Grand Prize winner was Anne Kothawala, president and CEO of CICC.
“When we talk about convenience stores in this country, people tend to think of them one way—a quick stop for gas or coffee, but that's really not what it is about,” said Kothawala.“The truth is simple: Community and convenience are the same thing. They're not separate ideas.
"A real convenience store isn't just convenient because it's open late or close by, it's convenient because it's there, woven into the fabric of neighbourhoods from coast to coast. It's where people come together.”
The 2026 OIAC winners receive more than bragging rights: Retailers are profiled in the May-June issue of Convenience Store News Canada magazine and its digital channels. All winners receive rights to the Outstanding Independence Awards logo, a window decal for their stores and digital marketing materials. They also get a pass to the 2027 Convenience U CARWACS Show, which includes the two morning conferences and the trade show. In addition, winners also receive a complimentary one year membership to the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, one of the program's valuable founding partners.
All Founding Partners spoke at the event, congratulating the winners and honouring independent operators across Canada.
Brett Fox from Coca-Cola emphasized the importance of independent retailers, who represent 58% of convenience stores and significantly contribute to local communities.
Keynote speaker, Pete Mohr, a retailer, business coach, speaker and podcast host, discussed transitioning from operator to owner, highlighting the need for clarity, process and ownership to build a better business.
Final presenter Caroline Evans, the vice-president of sales for JTI-Macdonald praised independent retailers for their social responsibility and community impact. "Independent retailers are entrepreneurs, trusted community pillars and true models of hard work, integrity and heart. And today we are honoured to celebrate these retailers across Canada and give them the recognition they deserve on behalf of all of us at JTI-Macdonald."
The grand prize winner, Stephen Morine of TJs Convenience Store in Kentville, Nova Scotia, was chosen for his store's community-focused approach, including a rebuild in 2017, a diverse food offering and essential community services like a laundromat and fuel options. The store also actively supports local schools, hospitals and the military. The OIAC award emphasizes the importance of convenience stores as community pillars.
Judging by the incredible online response and the impressive number of nominations received, the event was a resounding success. We are already looking forward to building on this momentum for next year’s iteration. See you all again next year for the 2027 Outstanding Independents Awards Canada!
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Looking for inspiration ?
Read the profiles of the 35 extraordinary pillars of the community.
From mastering customer loyalty and responsible retailing to pioneering innovative business practices, these operators prove that the independent spirit is fundamental to the fabric of Canada.