Delegation regarding Shell/Tim's at Commerce Park Drive and IBR
by Michelle Minnoch

Barrister Marvin Geist and Kim Nystrom of Cole Engineering Group made a delegation to council Wednesday night on behalf of Shell Canada in regards to a Shell Station and a Tim Horton's at 2098 Commerce Park Drive, on the southwest corner of Commerce Park and Innisfil Beach Road.

The main issue regarding the new business and a concern of council is the flow of traffic, particularly from Innisfil Beach Road. The station would have a right turn only onto Innisfil Beach Road and full access to Commerce Park Drive. The east driveway cased the most concern for members of council.

"The east access is crucial to the operation of the gas station," stated Nystrom. "Eliminating it would leave only one access to the site." He said any blockage, which could be in the form of an accident at the driveway, would render the site un-functional.

Prior to the delegation, Sandra Jackson of the Innisfil Heights Ratepayers Association stated concerns regarding the traffic in the area.

"Why was there a traffic count on Commerce Park Drive when the potential problem will be Innisfil Heights Crescent," she said.

Nystrom said he has noted residents' concerns and he concurs with traffic monitoring in the area. He said the applicant has agreed to pay for all signage, signals, and upgrades for the project.

Nystrom said the site plans needed council approval. "Should council

deny our request, I cannot recommend to Shell, as a transit expert, that they should move forward with the site."

Geist said the site would be conveniently accessed to and from Innisfil Beach Road. He said with an advanced green for cars turning onto Innisfil Beach Road with help alleviate traffic congestion.

Deputy Mayor Wauchope said he was concerned with the traffic backed up to turn onto Innisfil Beach Road. Nystrom said he had already discussed the signal timing issue with the County of Simcoe. "The County agrees with our assessment," he said. "It's an ongoing process the county would monitor."

The deputy mayor said he would want to see something in writing. "If it became a problem, I would like the exit removed. I would like a traffic count done during construction and after it's opened."

Nystrom said he could not commit to that.

"By instructions from Shell, there has to be three exits," added Geist.

While the issue of people getting off of the 400 for coffee and gas was raised, Nystrom said it was basically a re-distribution of traffic, as people don't go out of their way for coffee or gas.

Councilor Lynn Dollin said if there is signage on Hwy. 400 indicating people can turn off for a coffee and gas, some traffic will get off onto Innisfil Beach Road.

"No doubt," agreed Nystrom.

Mayor Jackson remarked that there is already an excess of 20,000 cars on Innisfil Beach Road per day.

Nystrom said the cue at the proposed Tim Horton's, able to fit about 27 vehicles, was "one of the longest cueing reservoirs I've seen."

Councilor Bill Pring asked about the possible back up of tractor trailers, who would also need to be considered in the proposed advanced green.

Nystrom said there additions to the intersection would make it more effective.

Councilor Paul Wardlaw inquired about a traffic count at Innisfil Heights Drive and Rob McAuley, Director of Planning, said the town is getting ready to take those counts.

Deputy Mayor Wauchope said he would like to see "No Stopping" signs along the road. "My concern is when the trucks stop, park, and run in to get a coffee."

Geist said they would consent to that request.

Councilor Dollin said they could put up all the 'No Stopping' signs they wanted - the trucks would not adhere and run them over. She inquired about parking on site for trucks and Geist said there would be none.