Local community not on board with plans to bring Tim Hortons to Caledon East

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Weston Consulting Planning and Urban Design has brought forward a proposed plan from Ganni Properties Inc., for a Tim Hortons to be developed in the Caledon East area. 

On Tuesday (Sept 15), Caledon Council listened to the presentation for the proposed restaurant, which would be developed at 16054 and 16060 Airport Road. The property is currently occupied by two residential dwellings, which would be demolished to make room for the new development. 

Senior Consultant Michael Manning stated that the Tim Hortons is proposed to be a dine-in and drive-thru service, and will include an outdoor patio. It will take up 2,497 square feet, which includes 15 parking spots as well as two barrier free spots.

“Based on discussions with staff and preliminary feedback, the building elevations have been advised to provide more mainstream aesthetic that is ominous with the community and small town,” he explained in his presentation. “Our team is committed to continuing to work with urban design staff to prepare a final look of the building so that it complements the local character.”

The development also included extra landscaping around the building, with 117 new trees and shrubs to control noise mitigation for surrounding neighbours. 

The application was first introduced back in February, and the community has been waiting for the public meeting to share their thoughts. 

A large group of residents from the community expressed their opinions on the proposal, and the impacts it will have on the Caledon East area, as well as their residences. 

Local resident David Frost was the first to speak, declaring that drive-thrus should be banned in the area. 

“It goes without saying that Caledon East is a very unique village,” he stated. “There is one existing drive-thru in Caledon East, although they're not currently using it, and that's at the Four Corners Café. The essential thing with the banning of the drive-thru was attracting more vehicle traffic through and the idling of vehicles, causing potential issues with vehicles in general.”

He added, “The idea of a drive-thru is something that would appeal to commuters that travel through town, versus the town residents themselves.” 

Many brought up issues concerning increased vehicle traffic, noise complaints, littering and loitering outside the restaurant.

Fernando Velocci has resided in the Caledon East village since the 1970's, and doesn't disagree with development. But he believes that the Tim Hortons will bring more cons than it will pros. 

“I've been in this town since 1977 I believe, and certainly have not seen much growth within the immediate area of the intersection of Church Road and Airport Road. A developer wanting to develop a property, I quite understand that,” he explained. “I personally feel that there will be major traffic problems in this area,”

A couple of residents live just behind the proposed location and were opposed to having a Tim Hortons restaurant essentially sitting in their backyard.

Weston Consulting company took all comments and questions into consideration to continue to make necessary changes if needed to their proposal. A final decision on the development will be made at a future Council meeting. 

For more information or to ask more questions about the application, please visit Weston-consulting.com.