Our Story

It’s hard to believe that so many years have passed since my mom, Inge Englehart and her partner Eldon Tomlinson first opened The Water Bug in 1992, in a tiny little store not far from where we’re located today. Both myself, my sister and brother-in-law helped out in the store in many ways in those early days at the Bug.

Inge was very passionate about helping people and was ahead of her time in so many ways. Realizing they needed more space, Inge and Eldon moved the store to our current location in the Northgate Plaza in 1994. Sadly, she was not able to enjoy the fruits of their labour, as she passed away in April of 1994. Determined to keep her legacy alive, my long time friend Germaine and I, took a leap of faith and purchased the store from Eldon in 1997. We’ve been working hard together and enjoying the journey ever since…we think she would be proud 😊