MOUNT FOREST – The Wellington North council has voted to limit traffic flow at a Tim Hortons during a reconstruction project, responding to concerns from local residents.
The township is seeking further input from residents on updated designs for the John Street and Fergus Street North reconstruction projects. A report detailing these modifications was approved at a council meeting on Monday. Key changes include reducing tree removals along Fergus Street North and restricting access to Tim Hortons to right turns only onto John Street. This decision came after residents expressed concerns at a public meeting last fall.
During the meeting, the council reviewed six design options for the John Street update. Staff recommended option three, which is expected to address local concerns while balancing the interests of all stakeholders. An additional traffic count will be conducted while access to Tim Hortons is closed during construction to assess impacts on traffic movement and volume on Main Street South.
A traffic study conducted in April indicated that most traffic on John Street is linked to Tim Hortons, particularly southbound traffic between Queen Street West and the access point on John Street. This congestion has raised concerns among residents.
“This alternative will limit traffic exiting Tim Hortons to northbound only,” staff stated in their report. “The goal is to prevent drive-thru overflow from blocking John Street.”
Councillors supported option three, with Mayor Andy Lennox emphasizing the council’s duty to ensure township streets serve their intended purpose rather than accommodating drive-thru overflow.
“Just because Tim Hortons has had customers lining up doesn’t mean they have a right to do so on our roads,” Lennox remarked.
Regarding the Fergus Street North project, staff noted that minimizing tree removals will require sanitary services to navigate around trees, which could lead to blockages. Homeowners were advised about this trade-off and encouraged to consider installing clean-out access for their plumbing if it doesn’t already exist.
The revised design will involve significant excavation and restoration work on private property, which may increase costs. A new survey will be available for residents to provide feedback and confirm the placement of municipal services along John Street and Fergus Street North, open until October 9. After collecting comments, the council will finalize a preferred design for the John Street reconstruction.
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