There is likely little Guelph-Eramosa officials can or will do to prevent the establishment of a Tim Hortons restaurant in Rockwood.
Last week council approved in principle the opening of Pasmore Street north of Alma Street (Highway 7) to provide access to a half-hectare (1.24-acre) property owned by Robert Eilers, who in January unveiled plans for a Tim Hortons adjacent to the Esso station there.
Since that time, several village residents have objected to the proposal, citing concerns with a possible increase in traffic, noise and litter.
Just over a decade ago similar public outcry helped to twice derail plans for a Tim Hortons in Rockwood, but this time things are different.
“This is the first one that looks like it actually has a chance,” said councillor Doug Breen who was also on council for the first two proposals a few years after amalgamation.
Mayor Chris White explained that unlike past attempts – the first was on a residential parcel requiring a zone change and the second on municipal land – the land on Alma Street is already zoned commercial and is privately owned (by Eilers’ Alma Inc.).
The only real hurdle for the proposal is a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) requirement that primary access for the site be from Pasmore Street (although a right turn lane from Alma Street is possible).
That access requires the township to open Pasmore Street north of Alma Street, and consultant Bruce Donaldson has stated Eilers is willing to cover all costs associated with the move.
White said the township would likely agree to the move for any other business and, after hearing a report from township planning consultant Bernie Hermsen, he added there does not appear to be any legitimate planning concerns with the proposal.
A township denial of the request to open Pasmore Street would likely result in an Ontario Municipal Board hearing, where the township would lose any say it otherwise has in the matter, the mayor explained.
“Now’s our chance to lay out the 10 or 15 things we’d like to see as we work our way through this,” White told council.
He later added, “It’s very important that we get this right while we have the input.”
Breen noted the township will have some influence when it comes time for site plan approval, but he also stressed now is the time to make the municipality’s wishes known to the proponent.
Breen said the township has to ensure the Tim Hortons proposal can accommodate all the drive-through traffic it is likely to create and also that it does not block access to the Esso station.
Breen also said he hopes there is enough room for an eastbound left turn lane on Alma Street, which was recently rebuilt as part of the MTO Highway 7 upgrades through the village.
“I’m more concerned about closing the road again,” he said.
Public works director Mark Robertson said the entire area would have to be torn up and rebuilt if the Tim Hortons project proceeds, but White said the road should not have to be closed.
Council unanimously approved in principle the opening of Pasmore Street, subject to a number of conditions.
including:
– the design and construction of the road be completed at the proponent’s cost and to the satisfaction of the MTO and the township;
– a street maintenance reserve of $5,000 per year for 10 years be provided by the proponent;
– the completion of an updated traffic study, as well as a “traffic circulation” evaluation for both on and off the property, be provided by the proponent;
– consideration for a facade that meets the villages “rock and wood theme” as opposed to “typical” drive-through designs;
– site plan conformity with design guidelines used for Kitchener drive-throughs; and
– the provision of a cash-in-lieu of parkland contribution.
