Uncertainty around 4th gas station in Borden-Carleton 'excruciating,' says business owner
CBC
Hearings continued for a second day on a controversial development near the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton.
D.P. Murphy wants to build a "Welcome Plaza" with a 24-hour Irving gas station, Tim Hortons, convenience store, and two 3,000-square-foot retail spaces.
Commissioners with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission heard Wednesday about the impacts that project may have on Ceretti's Grocery and Hardware, the gas station and retail store located next door to the proposed development.
Chad Ceretti, owner of Ceretti's, told commissioners he put any plans to renovate or expand on hold after hearing about the D.P. Murphy plan.
Asked how that potential competition made him feel, Ceretti said "terrified would be the first word that comes to mind."
He later added, "The uncertainty over the last number of years has been excruciating."
During the IRAC hearing, lawyers for D.P. Murphy tried to paint a picture of Ceretti's as a business that is already struggling.
Ceretti was asked if he felt his store was profitable.
"Yes, I believe so," he said.
But financial records provided to the commission show Ceretti's gas sales have been on a steep decline, with the business actually reporting small losses in 2022 and 2023.
Ceretti said Irving's decision to end its contract with his station has had a big impact on his business. Corporate clients with Irving cards can no longer fuel up at his station.
He now sells gas under the Mobil banner.
D.P. Murphy's lawyers also pointed out that Ceretti's has not been renovated for some time, is not wheelchair accessible, has no EV charging stations, and only has a single washroom that hasn't been updated in some time.
Ceretti didn't argue, saying that's "part of its charm."
