New Thunder Bay Flying J still grounded

THUNDER BAY, Ont. — A proposal for a brand new Flying J truckstop in Thunder Bay continues to get tied up because of local residents opposing its construction.

An Ontario Municipal Board hearing concerning the Flying J travel plaza proposed for the corner of Oliver Road and the Thunder Bay Expressway should go ahead by October, reports the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal.

The $7-million truck stop approved by Thunder Bay city council two years ago is being procedural delayed by neighbours’ appeals against the project.

A three-week hearing was originally scheduled for this past October, sates the newspaper, but the proceedings were delayed because Flying J revised its site plan, and needed more time to complete necessary traffic, noise and air pollution studies.

There are other challenges to the truckstop’s construction, however. The Ministry of Transportation has imposed a “no entranceway” restriction anywhere near the Thunder Bay Expressway, which if enforced, would leave Flying J with little choice but to use narrow Burwood Rd. for an entrance.

Opponents have suggested Flying J build at the corner of the Harbour Expressway extension instead. The MTO, however, says no new business expansion will be allowed along that new highway.

Despite those issues, Flying J spokesman Terrence Bride told the Jornal the company has not given up on its plans to build at the preferred site.

— from the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal