Thorold city staff are looking into a potential plan amendment that would cut red tape for a developer hoping to create new lots at an oversized industrial property just off Old Thorold Stone Road/Hwy 57.
The 26-acre property, known as 1071 Old Thorold Stone Road, is currently vacant and allows for rural industrial use. The proposal to essentially divide the property to allow for multiple industries to establish on the lot was brought before city council on Tuesday night.
While councillors did not appear to harbor any greater concerns about potentially opening the door for a plan amendment, a neighboring landowner and business operator said he was worried the change could lead to even more competition moving in next door.
"We are extremely nervous that there could be a possibility that once these lands get divided into three parcels, the developer could decide to open a gas station," said Nitin Malhotra to councilors.
The GTA-based businessman owns and operates both a gas station as well as a Tim Hortons in the area, and said his stores are constantly in a tug of war with competitors nearby.
"It's a dog-eat-dog kind of a business to run a gas station."
While hearing that the lands would not permit for a gas station in its current zoning, it could allow for an auto repair business that, in return, might include a service station.
Malhotra said he welcomes new establishment- and employment opportunities coming to the area, but said he hoped to receive some assurance in the official plan that competitors would not be able to establish on the lot.
Staff will be returning with their recommendations at a later date. It is not clear what industries are looking to settle on the lots.
