The Esso rebranding is currently taking place at the former EZ Fuel station north of Oliver. File photo
A retailer is preparing to re-open the former EZ Fuel station north of Oliver.
Jeff Urquhart, retail operations manager for Parkland Fuel Corporation, said the targeted opening date is late November.
The fuel station is currently closed until the rebranding is completed.
Urquhart said the plan is to reopen the existing convenience store and gar bar operation under the Esso brand.
“We are also investigating the potential for a quick service restaurant to be added to the offering in the near future.”
Urquhart noted that Parkland will be placing a qualified retailer into the facility. The typical staff component for this business is two to four full-time and/or part-time employees, he pointed out.
When EZ Fuel announced it was no longer operating the convenience store and gas bar last month, several employees lost their jobs.
When asked if former employees would be rehired, Urquhart said the retailer’s staff are not employees of Parkland Retail Fuels.
“As a standard practice we at Parkland would advise the incoming retailer to consider existing staff based on knowledge and experience.”
But at the end of the day, the incoming retailer would make the final decision, Urquhart said.
“This is not a matter we can force an incoming retailer on.”
Meanwhile, former EZ Fuel operator Terry Feeny said he plans to continue running EZ Bins, the vehicle rental and campground business.
He noted the vehicle and bin rental components are doing exceptionally well.
By Lyonel Doherty
