Borden-Carleton residents rally against proposed D.P. Murphy gas station

Residents of Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., are rallying against proposed plans for a fourth gas station in the small town dubbed the gateway to Prince Edward Island because it sits right at the foot of the Confederation Bridge.

More than 600 people have signed a petition opposing plans by D.P. Murphy to build an Irving station on the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Dickey Road.

The project still needs to be reviewed by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, which is responsible for approving retail gas outlets on the Island. If the project goes ahead, it would be the fourth gas station in Borden-Carleton, a town with only about 800 residents.

Ceretti's Grocery & Hardware, one of the town's three existing gas stations, is right next door to the proposed project.

"The three stations that are here now, we have adequate fuel supply and we feel that we serve the community and the tourists very well," said owner Chad Ceretti.

"We're going to have more loss than gain. If I can't survive, then my groceries are gone, my hardware is gone, my fresh meats are gone. People are going to have to travel further to get their needs."

Chad Howatt's family has been running Howatt's Shell for more than 60 years. He said traffic in the area doesn't justify a fourth gas station, and one of the businesses will eventually go under if the project is approved.

"It's a big corporation going against the little guy," he said. "I understand free enterprise and everything like that. But it's just not survivable for the little guy."

D.P. Murphy said in its application that while Borden-Carleton has a small population, the town serves as the "main entryway" to P.E.I. and many travellers pass through the area. 

The application, dated June 27, included letters from Confederation Bridge operator Strait Crossing Bridge and the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. supporting the project.

TIAPEI said in its letter the gas station would "enhance the convenience" of many visitors in the town.

The planned 24/7 service Irving pump would also have a Tim Hortons, a convenience store and EV charging stations — all services that already exist in Borde-Carleton.

Borden-Kinkora MLA Jamie Fox said the project just isn't needed.

"The residents don't want it. They're very happy with the services provided," he said.