Caledon, OLT say no to Caledon East Tim Hortons drive-thru

July 24, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A battle that has been fought for Caledon East since 2020 is finally over.

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has dismissed appeals brought forward by Ganni Properties Inc. regarding multiple proposed developments in Caledon East.

The proposed Tim Hortons by the developer would be situated at 16054, 16060, and 16068 Airport Road in Caledon East and would have required the demolition of heritage buildings located at 16054 and 16060 Airport Road.

The proposed development included a drive-through restaurant and two commercial units.

The Town’s Official Plan and Secondary Plan policies discourage drive-through service facilities in the historic village core.

In 2024, the development application from Ganni Properties to amend the Town’s Official Plan, zoning by-law, and site plan was reviewed and denied by the Town’s Planning staff.

It was stated in the 2024 media release from the Town of Caledon the “development would create traffic and site access issues, and it required the demolition of two significant heritage properties which have since received formal designations.”

There were also concerns regarding pedestrian and vehicle circulation and safety.

Following this, the development applicant appealed the Town’s decision to oppose the original application, as well as the Town’s by-laws enacted in June 2024, which protected 16054 and 16060 Airport Road.

As stated in the original media release, Caledon Council, staff, and residents have stood together on this issue since 2020.

Now, on July 15, the OLT supported the Town’s position.

This included the protection of the designated heritage properties on Airport Road and the preservation of Caledon East’s “small-town character.”

“We are pleased that the Tribunal recognized the importance of maintaining the unique character and heritage of Caledon East,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “This decision to dismiss the proposed Tim Horton’s reinforces our community’s vision for thoughtful, compatible development that respects our past while planning for our future.”

The Tribunal found the proposed development did not conform to the Town’s planning framework, citing concerns related to heritage conservation, urban design, traffic safety, and landscaping, as shared in the release.

Ward 3 Councillor Doug Maskell said the proposal for a Tim Horton’s restaurant with drive-thru service has been “hanging over the heads” of residents and businesses in Caledon East for four years.

He stated that at public meetings held in 2021 and 2023, there was considerable opposition to the proposal at that location, based on concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and noise and light pollution.

“The OLT decision clearly acknowledged that the concerns raised by residents, businesses, Councilors and Town staff were valid,” shared Councillor Maskell.

“The day after the OLT decision was posted, I paid a visit to many of the businesses in Caledon East to share the ‘good news’ with them. At each stop, I received the same reaction; first, disbelief that the Town had actually won; second, relief that the process was finally over. All were thankful for the staff and financial resources that contributed to this successful outcome,” he said. “The OLT decision is a win for residents, a win for businesses and a win for Caledon East.”