The village of Bayfield could have a Tim Hortons by the end of next summer.
Bluewater council approved the site plan for the Tim Hortons, a gas station and a convenience store at Monday night's council meeting.
Webhead Developments Inc. representative Steve Webster said after the vote he was happy to see the site plan approved and noted he had purchased the land on Hwy. 21 at the south end of Bayfield a year and a half ago with the understanding it was zoned for what he was proposing.
One of the concerns of over 700 Bayfield residents who signed a petition opposing the development was that it would be competing with businesses in the village, but Webster believes the village offers a unique shopping experience for people on the main street and his development will appeal to traffic on Hwy. 21, so he believes they're appealing to different markets.
Webster says they hope to start work on the project next spring and be up and running towards the end of next summer.
"I think the downtown market that Bayfield provides is unique in its offering and people will look to that type of destination," he says. "I think the Tim Hortons and Esso convenience store more relates to the highway traffic and what's happening out there."
Bluewater Council meets November 20 for a final vote.
The proposed site for the Bayfield Tim Horton's. (Photo by Bob Montgomery)
