Uncertainty around 4th gas station in Borden-Carleton 'excruciating,' says business owner

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."

WATCH | Owner of Borden-Carleton store 'terrified' over prospect of 4th gas station in the town:

Owner of Borden-Carleton store 'terrified' over prospect of 4th gas station in the town

9 hours ago

Duration 2:26

Hearings continued for a second day on a controversial development near P.E.I.'s Confederation Bridge where D.P. Murphy wants to build a 24-hour Irving gas station and Tim Hortons. Wednesday, IRAC commissioners heard what impact that development may have on another gas station in the community. CBC's Wayne Thibodeau has more.

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." 

Report shows 'significant losses'

Commissioners also heard details from an MRSB report prepared for Ceretti's that looked at the potential impact of a fourth gas station in the western Prince Edward Island gateway community.

It showed "significant business losses" for Ceretti's, with a drop in business of about 25 per cent or more in 2026, when the new station would open.

WATCH | A recap of day 1 of the IRAC hearings:

Island regulator hears arguments for and against a 4th Borden-Carleton gas station

1 day ago

Duration 2:09

The fate of a new gas station complex for Borden-Carleton hangs in the balance as the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission conducts a hearing on whether the area needs a fourth service station. Danny Murphy of D.P. Murphy (left) was at the IRAC hearing to talk about what his proposed 'Welcome Plaza' could do for the town at the P.E.I. end of the Confederation Bridge. CBC's Wayne Thibodeau reports.

It said those losses would shrink in 2027, and the business would make money in 2028.

Still, the report says the losses would "most likely" result "in the imminent closure of the business."

Ceretti told the commissioners that he can't predict the future, but said if his business declines too much he would be forced to close his doors.

The hearing wraps up on Wednesday.