The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook
I met Kartar Singh Kalsi for coffee at a local café, and from the moment we sat down, his warm smile set the tone for our conversation. Kartar is the kind of person whose genuine friendliness makes you feel like you've known him for years. Over the next hour, he shared his journey from the United Kingdom to Sarnia and all the steps in between that have led him back to his hometown.
Kartar was born in the UK, but when he was just two years old, his parents made the move to Sarnia, Ontario, bringing along his older sister as well. Growing up, Kartar quickly settled into life in Sarnia, a city he now proudly calls home. He attended Northern Secondary School, where he built strong friendships and began laying the foundations for his future. After high school, Kartar made his way north to Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, known for its outstanding research programs. There, he pursued both his undergraduate and master’s degrees, excelling in his studies while maintaining a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
One thing Kartar is particularly proud of from his time at Lakehead was being part of the Thunderwolves’ Ultimate Frisbee team, recalling the many tournaments they participated in, including multiple University National Tournaments from 2009 to 2012. His love for Ultimate Frisbee didn’t fade after university, and he was happy to share that there’s a thriving league right here in Sarnia. “It’s open to new players too,” he added, encouraging anyone interested to check it out through the Sarnia Ultimate website. He also enjoys getting in a few rounds of Frisbee Golf at Centennial Park when he can find the time.
Kartar’s academic journey didn’t end with his master’s degree. In 2012, he took a significant leap and enrolled in Keele University in Stoke-on-Trent, England, to pursue a Pharmacy degree. Moving back to the UK for this program was a full-circle moment for Kartar, and it gave him the opportunity to experience the culture of his birthplace from a new perspective. By 2016, Kartar had earned his Pharmacy degree, ready to embark on the next phase of his career.
In 2018, Kartar returned to Canada but headed west to The Pas, Manitoba, where he accepted a position as a pharmacist. Originally, Kartar had planned to stay for just four months, but the beauty of Manitoba and its outdoor offerings captured his heart. “I ended up staying for four years,” he laughed. For someone with a deep love of the outdoors, The Pas was an ideal setting. He spent his time outside of work fishing, ice fishing, hiking, kayaking, and indulging in cross-country skiing.
Still, the pull of family brought him back to Sarnia in 2022, where he wanted to be closer to his parents. Once back in his hometown, Kartar’s professional career took another exciting turn. The Shoppers Drug Mart at 1208 Michigan Avenue became available for purchase, and Kartar seized the opportunity to own and run his first store. As if one store wasn’t enough to keep him busy, just six months ago, the Shoppers Drug Mart at 510 Exmouth Street also came up for sale, and Kartar didn’t hesitate to add it to his portfolio. Now, he finds himself running two bustling pharmacies, and his enthusiasm for the role is palpable.
Running two stores comes with its challenges, but he is passionate about ensuring that the stores provide excellent service to customers and a positive work environment for staff. Between the two stores, Kartar manages around 100 employees, and he feels fortunate to have such a dedicated team. He says that it feels good to be able to provide people jobs after the pandemic.
Customer service is at the heart of Kartar’s approach to running his pharmacies. He believes that consistency across both locations is key to keeping customers happy and ensuring they feel valued. Beyond just day-to-day transactions, Kartar is also committed to giving back to the community. “Providing services like vaccines and flu shots to care homes is one way we can make a difference,” he said. For him, it’s about more than just running a business—it’s about using that business to support the community that shaped him.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that Kartar Singh Kalsi is a man who has seen a lot of the world but is also deeply grounded in his roots. From his early childhood in the UK, to his university days in Thunder Bay, his time spent exploring Manitoba’s wilderness, and now his dual roles as a pharmacist and business owner in Sarnia, Kartar’s journey has come full circle. He’s happy to be back in the city that raised him, contributing in a meaningful way and building a future that blends his passions with his profession. And for him Sarnia is home.
“Humans of Sarnia” founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens.