Sunday, February 16th, 2025

A redeveloped Cashtown Corners could include a Tim Hortons and Esso gas bar, if approved.

A meeting was held at town hall in Stayner Monday, Jan. 26 to hear public input on the proposed redevelopment of the existing gas station and coffee shop.

Architect Lloyd Hunt presented plans for a Tim Hortons with eight seats and convenience store, gas bar and garden market.

Hunt showed plans for a drive-through that would have room for 15 vehicles in the queue and more than 30 parking spaces.

The property is owned by Richview Orchard but the Tim Hortons would be owned by Ann Murphy, who owns the Stayner location.

She said she hopes the Cashtown Corners location would help to alleviate some of the traffic congestion at the intersection of Highway 26 and County Road 91 caused by vehicles waiting to enter the drive-through.

Creemore BIA president Rick Burek said some members have expressed concern about directing traffic away from Creemore. Past president Corey Finkelstein said the BIA is showing support for the project through an agreement with Murphy to promote the village.

Murphy said she has agreed to incorporate some type of gateway sign in the form of a map or kiosk to direct travellers to Creemore.

“I see this as a positive development because it is an eyesore right now,” said Murphy.

Hunt outlined plans to possibly renovate an existing barn on the property to house the market, replacing the tent structure that is set up each summer as a satellite for Giffen’s. Other vendors could be represented at the market as well.

“It will be an important landmark,” said Hunt.

Lifelong Cashtown Corners resident Robert McArthur spoke in favour of the development, saying he is in full support of the plans and hasn’t liked seeing the property left derelict for many years.

Dunedin resident Donna Baylis asked if consideration could be given to snowmobile traffic as it is close to the trails.

Hunt said he would plan for snowmobile parking.

The developer is looking to rezone the property, located at the corner of Airport Road and County Road 9, from highway commercial and hazard land to highway commercial exception and hazard land.  The exception is required to allow for a full-fledged convenience store, a restaurant with indoor seating and the outdoor market, which is not currently a permitted use.

Hunt said all parties are hoping to get the development going in the spring.

The BIA was denied permission to close Mill Street on the night of Feb. 14, during the Creemore Big Heart Days event.

The organization was given permission to close the street throughout the day until 5 p.m.

Councillor Connie Leishman suggested maybe there is another location for the evening portion of the event, adding she is not in favour of the nighttime road closure.

CAO Steve Sage said closing the road after dark would require the rental of special equipment – standards with flashing lights – and the presence of a staff person, which could cost more than $300.

The cost could have been passed on to the event organizers.

There was also a concern about timing as the request for a road closure should be made 60 days in advance of an event.

New members of the BIA – the business improvement area – committee were appointed in January and are working within a tight timeframe to pull off the event.

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