“A gas station in Harriston? What a novel idea,” quipped councillor Rick Hembly as Minto council was presented with a site plan for a proposed Mac’s Convenience Store and gas bar at the south end of Elora Street here.
The plan, which was granted conditional approval at the Jan. 14 council meeting, calls for a 3,500 square foot, new-format Mac’s Convenience store and a four-pump gas bar on the property beside Harriston Motors at the corner of Elora and Anne Streets.
The vacant property was the site of a previous gas station, last operated by former Harriston Motors owner, the late Gordon Grosz.
For several years now the only gas pumps in Harriston have been at a card lock facility at the North Wellington Cooperative on Margaret Street.
“There used to be 13 of them,” commented councillor Ron Faulkner.
CAO Bill White told council the facility will feature an “attractive new format that they use around Ontario,” and include a brick exterior, attractive use of logos and glass and flowers in the front.
He also noted the design is compliant with the C2 Highway Commercial zoning of the property.
Stuart Manser, real estate and development manager for Mac’s Convenience Stores in central Canada, told council that in addition to a premium coffee shop, it is anticipated the store, like the existing Mac’s at Young and Elora Streets, will include a Subway sandwich shop.
“We’re working with Subway. It’s yet to be confirmed,” Manser noted.
He said a future use of the existing store has yet to be determined, but the company will still have time remaining on its lease when the new store is completed, which is expected to be within a year – if the project goes ahead. Currently the company has a conditional agreement to purchase the property.
Council approved the site plan subject to the execution of a development agreement with the town requiring completion of the work within two years and final servicing, grading and drainage, entrance design and environmental monitoring program details being provided to the town’s satisfaction.
