About Mercer Fuels

It started with Moose

Our beginnings were modest. Moose started out in the early 1960s with borrowed capital and an office in the back of his home in the North End of Sydney.

That home-based start became the foundation of the Mercer Fuels story. The business grew with support from family and friends, and home heating became part of the family's working life in Cape Breton.

Moose, David and Todd

The business passed from Moose to his son David, and then to David's son Todd. That is the family connection behind our third-generation ownership.

David ran the company for over 20 years, managing the business in the office and driving the delivery truck.

Todd has owned Mercer Fuels since 2018. He has used his technology background to improve the customer experience.

Todd remembers accompanying his father on Christmas Eve oil deliveries as a child. Over the years, customers have shared their memories of his grandfather with him, too. The history of Mercer Fuels lives in those everyday encounters as well as in the family name. We care deeply about helping our fellow Cape Breton neighbors, and we put our name on the line because we are proud of the service we provide.

A family name with roots in Sydney

Some people also remember our family's Mercer's Service Centre on the Esplanade. It closed in 2019 as the site made way for the new community college campus. Mercer Fuels continued serving customers as our separate home heating business.

Moose was inducted into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame in 2005, recognising his place in Cape Breton's business community.

Part of Cape Breton life

Mercer Fuels supports dozens of local charities, organizations and sports teams. Supporting our community is part of being a Cape Breton family business.

Working with other local businesses has been part of our story, including recommending help for work outside our own services. During the pandemic, we kept delivering heating oil and offered additional oil to help customers affected by layoffs.

That support reflects our family values. Caring for Cape Breton families means being there when you need us most. This is our home too, and we take that responsibility personally.

Family ownership, practical help for your home

The way you manage your heating oil can fit your household. Explore our delivery and payment options, use our online tools, or talk with someone local when you have a question.

Local people to talk to

Mercer Fuels currently employs 16 Cape Bretoners. Our Sydney office is at 64 Brookland Street. We use a local answering service company to ensure your phone call is answered by a Cape Bretoner 24/7.

We pride ourselves on not just being a local company, but being better than the big guys.

We serve communities including Sydney, Glace Bay, New Waterford, North Sydney and Sydney Mines. Delivery arrangements vary by area. Check our delivery information or call to discuss your address.

Meet CeeCee and Gizmo

Not every member of the office team handles paperwork. CeeCee and Gizmo are our office cats, sharing the space and keeping us company through the working day. They are a familiar part of Mercer Fuels, alongside the people and delivery trucks.