Lori Young’s long-held dream has finally come true.
The Nipissing First Nation entrepreneur, now the proud owner of a Tim Hortons and Wolves Den Gas Bar on Highway 17 West at Beaucage Road, celebrated the grand opening of her new venture on Wednesday morning.
Young’s journey began in 2006, when she first envisioned opening a Tim Hortons after frequently visiting the busy chain.
Despite several application rejections over the years, Young remained determined.
The project gained momentum after a key meeting with former NHL coach Ted Nolan, which gave Young the confidence to move forward. “Ted Nolan’s support was instrumental,” Young said. Nolan, whose daughter Melanie played for him at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Mississauga in 2012, asked about the possibility of opening a location. Young and her team recognized the potential of the busy Highway 17 corridor, which prompted them to proceed with the project.
Construction began in May of last year, and the doors officially opened to the public in July 2024. The new Tim Hortons location employs 35 people, while the gas bar adds another 15 jobs. It features distinctive totem poles and photographs of community members to showcase Nipissing First Nation’s heritage and achievements.
“I’m incredibly proud of Nipissing First Nation and how we are recognized nationally,” Young stated. “I wanted to give back to the community and ensure that people outside the First Nation understand its significance.”
The new Tim Hortons has received positive feedback, particularly from residents in North Bay and Sturgeon Falls. “I’ve heard that the Tim Hortons locations in Sturgeon Falls are very busy, so this new spot offers a convenient alternative,” Young noted. The location includes a double-lane drive-through, designed to streamline service for commuters and hockey travelers.
The Tim Hortons is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., providing accessible service for the community and travelers alike.