NEW DOMINION, P.E.I. — It’s the end of an era for those who use the Gass’ Country Store in New Dominion.
The long-time gas station and convenience store will close its doors on Feb. 22 after serving the community for 62 years.
Shelly MacDonald has used the store regularly since moving to Rice Point 40 years ago.
She said she understands the business move but will miss having a family-owned gas station nearby.
“To have a corner store in small communities like this is a big deal,” she said. “We’re really used to having this here, and now we’re going to have to go to Cornwall.”
The decision to close is a financial one.
The storage tanks underneath the gas pumps are about 25 years old, and the insurance company the business uses will no longer issue insurance for environmental reasons.
“It certainly hurts, but it’s the economics of it. We’re not in a position to move on with putting a whole bunch more money into it.” -Danny Gass
“There’s a certain length of time storage tanks could be used, and they’re at the peak,” said co-owner Danny Gass, who said the cost to replace the tanks is not feasible.
“It certainly hurts, but it’s the economics of it. We’re not in a position to move on with putting a whole bunch more money into it.”
The Gass’ have owned and operated the store for 11 years.
It was previously owned by Melbourne MacQuarrie and his family, who also operated a service station there.
It has been operating since about 1957.
Meanwhile, the Gass’ General Store in New Haven will remain open.
Employees at the New Dominion location have the option of working at the New Haven store.
Emily Gass has worked at both store locations off and on since she was a teenager.
She said she is sad to see the New Dominion store go, and many customers have said they will make the 10-minute trip to the other location for gas.
“It’s all starting to sink in now,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking. But we have a lot of valuable and loyal customers who said they’re absolutely willing to go to the other store.”
