In 1959, Joe and Ruth Milligan, farmers from New Tecumseth, purchased a British American distributorship from Beeton resident Edgar Ritchie. At that time Milligan Fuels acquired a 1,000-gallon delivery truck and began hauling fuel from Barrie. Joe felt it would be an advantage to upgrade the bulk fuel storage plant in Beeton and a short time later fuel was being delivered from Clarkson (now known as Mississauga).

 

Six years later in 1965, Joe and Ruth upgraded their fleet with a new GMC and 1,300-gallon tank to replace their original 1,000-gallon tanker. In 1967 British American Oil was purchased by Gulf Canada and the colours changed from green and red to orange and blue. After completing high school in 1969, Joe and Ruth's son Jim joined the family business and began delivering fuel. With time changing and the opportunity to grow their business, Milligan Fuels added a second truck, this time a 1972 GMC with a 1,800 -gallon tank. The 1970's were great years for the fuel business as there was a building boom throughout the rural areas served by Milligan Fuels.

 

In 1973 Jim's brother, Bob Milligan, established Milligan Heating & Cooling Ltd. With the addition of the furnace servicing, sales and installations, this rounded out the full service aspect for each and every Milligan customer, and truly brought "after sale service" to a whole new level. The after sale service is honored to this present day.

 

With the industry always growing and changing, Petro-Canada purchased Gulf Canada in 1985 and the colours changed once again. With the passing of Joe Milligan in 1990, Ruth later that year retired from the business to enjoy time with her grandchildren. Joe and Ruth's strong values and knowledge in dealing with the public had laid a firm foundation for Milligan Fuels.

 

Petro-Canada expanded Milligan Fuels operations to include the Alliston Petro- Canada agency in November of 1990. The move to Alliston grew the territory immensely, covering all of southern Simcoe County, and adjacent municipalities of Peel, York Region and Dufferin County.

 

The future of both Milligan Fuels and Milligan Heating & Cooling Ltd. are looking bright with the next generation in line to take over the family businesses. Bob and Margaret Milligan's son Andrew joined Milligan Heating & Cooling Ltd. in April of 2006 and Jim and Nancy's son, Mark has been with Milligan Fuels since January 2008.

 

On November 1st, 2009, Milligan Fuels celebrated 50 years in business. Over the years their name has become synonymous with quality, service and small town values.