Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – At the September 17 meeting, councillors approved a request to formally separate the property at the corner of Richmond Street and Saintsbury Line, home to the Tim Hortons drive-thru and a chiropractic office.
The decision means each of the two businesses will now stand on its own legally recognized parcel of land. While the businesses have long operated independently, they were technically located on a single lot. Planning staff explained that granting the severance simply reflects the way the properties already function, with their own parking areas and access points.
Council also approved an easement to ensure stormwater continues to drain across the property as it does today. Staff emphasized that keeping this flow pattern intact is important to avoid any negative impact on nearby landowners.
Because the new lots did not fully meet the township’s zoning standards, council granted a minor variance. This allows slightly smaller lot sizes, a reduced frontage for the chiropractic office, and a narrower side yard for the Tim Hortons site. Staff described these changes as “minor” and noted that they would not affect the safe or efficient use of the land.
The approval came with a number of conditions to protect the public interest. These include payment of municipal fees, a contribution to the township’s parkland fund, the preparation of a new survey, and confirmation that water and sewer connections are properly located. Council also required a site plan showing fire routes and parking, dedication of land along Saintsbury Line for possible future road widening, and compliance with any Ministry of Transportation requirements for the busy intersection.
Emergency Services requested that both properties keep visible 911 addresses so first responders can quickly locate them. The Building Department asked for a detailed site plan, Public Works stressed the need to maintain drainage routes, and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority raised no concerns. Notice was circulated to neighbours, but no public objections were received.
This decision concludes a process that planning staff say has been underway for more than two years and included consultations with provincial officials about access and traffic safety. For the community, it means two familiar businesses will continue operating as before, but with the added clarity that comes from each having its own property title. Council members highlighted that the change supports orderly growth along one of Lucan’s busiest corners, balancing business needs with long-term infrastructure planning.
