Irving scoops up Atlantic Canadian Ultramars
Irving Oil has announced they will buy 13 Ultramar gas stations across Atlantic Canada, currently under Couche-Tard’s ownership. Couche-Tard, the owner of Circle K convenience stores, will maintain ownership of the other 23 Ultramars across the region, but they will fly under the Irving banner with the transition starting immediately. Nine of the locations are in Nova Scotia, the other four in St. John’s, Charlottetown and Dieppe.

Historic St. John’s grocery store sold to Colemans chain
Belbin’s Grocery, the 75-year-old landmark grocery store on Quidi Vidi Road in St. John’s, has been sold to Colemans. The announcement was made July 4 as the company explains no staff changes will be made to the family-owned business. Colemans, the Corner Brook-based company, adds Belbin’s to their 12 grocery, four furniture and two clothing stores.

Cannabis company opens Fredericton production plant
Canopy Growth has announced they will invest $40 million in a new production plant in Fredericton. The Ontario-based company has a 100,000 square foot building in Vanier Industrial Park with half of the footprint will be used for cannabis production. Canopy anticipates more than 130 jobs will be created over the next six years ranging from technologists to retail staff.

SaltWire merges four Newfoundland newspapers
Four newspapers based in central Newfoundland will combine into one weekly publication. SaltWire Network, Atlantic Canada’s biggest newspaper publisher, made the announcement on Thursday, July 5 that The Advertiser in Grand Falls-Windsor, The Pilot in Lewisporte, The Nor’Wester in Springdale and Gander’s The Beacon will merge to become The Central Voice, a free weekly paper distributed to 32,000 people in the area. Five people will lose their jobs come August 1, when The Central Voice hits newsstands.

Restaurant shuffle in Charlottetown
Prince Edward Island restaurateur Steve Barber has announced he is stepping back from his leadership role at the Red Island Hospitality Group. Chad MacDonald and Jeff Sinnott, both long-time managers with the company since 2005, are now the new owners. The pair will oversee management of John Brown Richmond Street Grille, Charlottetown Beer Garden and Seafood Patio, Hunter’s Ale House, and The Factory Cookhouse and Dancehall.

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