Midwestern

Construction begins for new Bayfield Tim Hortons and gas bar

There are mixed feelings from the Bayfield community as work begins on a new Tim Hortons

Webhead Developments Inc. is building a Tim Hortons, gas station and convenience store on Highway 21 at the south end of the village.

Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel said the site has long been zoned for exactly that kind of business.

"That property was zoned commercial back in the village of Bayfield, and after the better part of 30 years that it has been zoned that way someone has decided to do something with it, so that's a good thing," Hessel explained. "We need to look at everything as we grow and there will be opportunities for businesses to come and go, and then, hopefully, the ones that are in our heritage core will maintain, stay strong, and the ones that are there now have done a great job and I'm sure they will continue doing that."

A 700 name petition opposed the development as they worried about the impact on businesses on the main street, while environmental activists worry the new business will create more pollutants from litter, and cars idling in the drive-thru.

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