A Flesherton-based gas bar operation is looking at expanding to the village.
Colleen Newell, president of Colpepper’s Ltd., was at Wellington North Council Monday evening to hear about efforts to rezone a property at the north end of Arthur and turn it into a gas bar, small store and drive-thru sandwich and coffee shop. The intent of the company’s application was to rezone the property next to the Lions Park from residential to highway commercial.
Newell told council the sale of the 1.85 acre property on Highway 6 is pending the rezoning and a favourable environmental study to determine whether there is any soil contamination. The plan would be to demolish the existing delapitated building and put up a new building.
“We would demolish the existing building, remove the foundation so we’re looking at a new site,” she said.
Planner Mark Van Patter noted the building has, until recently, been used for automotive repairs and service. Van Patter said he believes the use has been ongoing for years and was in place prior to the residential zoning being put in place.
“However, within the 12-month period, there would be nothing to stop the auto repair/auto body operation from continuing should a new owner wish to carry on,” the planner said in a report to council. “Council’s task is to consider the merits of allowing a similar or more compatible use.”
He said he didn’t believe the new business would impact nearby homes, but without any indication of hours of operation Van Patter was not certain about “the potential for increased noise and lighting impacts in the evening.”
Councillor Andy Lennox raised a concern about the possible impact of increased traffic to the location and children using the sidewalk to go to the park.
The township, along with the local Lions Club, recently put in over $50,000 to improve the park, including putting up a fence around it.
“The property to the north is a playground. The conflict between traffic and children is a concern,” Lennox said. “It’s children walking in the front of the property that I’m concerned about. We’ve invested a significant amount of money in that park.”
Newell said the company has already conducted a traffic study and those results could be made available to the planner and council to consider what risk there might be. And, she added, the company would ensure the fence is maintained.
Colpepper’s operates similar stations in Durham, Markdale, Singhampton and Midhurst. At the Durham location, Newell added, there is a school crossing to the south of the building and there have been no difficulties with traffic.
Mayor Ray Tout welcomed the plan.
“I think it would be a great asset to our community in the north end,” he said.
Council approved moving ahead with the rezoning.
