At the February 24 public meeting of planning, North Glengarry council received a report from municipal planning staff that H & I Enterprises, owner and operator of Herb’s Travel Plaza near the Highway 417 and Highway 34 interchange, is purchasing 28.8 acres of neighbouring land for an expansion project. A Zoning Bylaw Amendment (ZBA) will be required by council to rezone the land to begin construction and redevelopment.
Currently, the property is being used as a crop field. H & I Enterprises received conditional approval from Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry counties council on August 27, 2024, to sever the land.
Herb’s Travel Plaza is located at 21160 Service Road, and consists of an auto service centre, gas and diesel fueling stations, a restaurant, convenience store, commercial garage, secure storage compound, and parking. It already provides local employment opportunities and necessary services, being located strategically beside Highway 417 between Ottawa and Montréal.
Plans for the expansion are still in the early stages, however, potential additions may include electric vehicle charging stations, car and truck wash facilities, additional parking, and hotel and tourist lodging. The project does not require new entrances to the development, but if required in the future, owners would need to apply with the Public Works department.
Council was also informed that the expansion project requires the replacement and installation of a new private sewage treatment system in the near future.
Lastly, a report to council stated that the property would not be constrained by any natural hazards or features, woodlands, source water protection, or natural heritage systems.
Mayor Jamie MacDonald asked staff, “Are there any timelines available for the proposed development project?”
Staff told council that once the new septic system is installed in approximately 12-24 months, a timeline will be made available.
