Town to fight development application for Caledon East Tim Hortons at Ontario Land Tribunal

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Caledon intends to continue opposing a development application for a Tim Hortons with a drive-through in Caledon East. 

On November 25, the Town will attend the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) to defend its opposition to a development application for a Tim Hortons restaurant and other commercial buildings at 16054, 16060 and 16068 Airport Road.

According to the Town, it originally denied the development application, which is from a company called Ganni Properties, as it would create traffic and site access issues and require the demolition of two heritage properties.

“In addition, there were issues related to pedestrian and vehicle circulation and safety, noise, landscaping, and compatibility of the proposed design with the existing built form and heritage character of the village that remain unresolved,” said the Town in a November 19 statement.

Mayor Annette Groves said in the news release that Caledon Council, Town staff, and residents have stood together in opposition to the application since 2020. 

“The proposed location simply isn't suitable for a commercial drive-through,” said Groves.  

Doug Maskell is Caledon's Ward 3 councillor; Caledon East is in his ward. 

“Caledon East sees more than 70 trucks pass through every hour, and both pedestrian and vehicle safety are mounting concerns within the village,” said Maskell in the release. “A busy drive-through will create more congestion and risk because of access issues and increased traffic volumes.”

Ganni Properties has appealed Caledon's decision to oppose its original development application. It has also appealed the Town's bylaws it enacted to protect the heritage properties.

The appeal will be heard at the OLT from November 25 to December 6, and there's no set time for a decision following the hearing.