It wouldn't be newsworthy somewhere like Richmond or Surrey, but it certainly resonates in these parts.
When a fast food chain looks to open franchise No. 4,723, the process has ceased to be a novelty long ago and the news value is virtually non-existent. That is, however, unless you're talking about the possibility of Tim Hortons setting up shop in Ladner. If that's the case, then it's big news.
There's a proposal, which is still in the early stages at municipal hall, that would see the Canadian coffee giant open a location just east of 64th Street on Ladner Trunk Road. The project must still clear some civic hurdles, but if traffic on our website is any indication, the community is ready for it to open tomorrow.
When you see those signs on the side of the highway that provide the food choices at the next exit, I figure if there isn't a Tim Hortons listed it's only because everyone assumes there is one, so signage is kind of redundant.
That's because they're absolutely everywhere - except in Ladner, which is odd given the community - a middle class, hockey-lovin' place - would appear to be fertile ground for the iconic chain. They're popping up so quickly it seems these days that it's news when a new strip mall doesn't include a Tim Hortons.
The chain has franchises in all kinds of small towns across this province, everywhere from Vanderhoof and 100 Mile House to Summerland and Creston, which combined don't have the population of Ladner. Yet those of us in Ladner are forced to travel to Tsawwassen, East Delta or Ironwood to get our doubledoubles and Timbits.
My teenage son, who is learning to drive, will often use a Tim's run as an excuse to get more time behind the wheel. He's been told that aimless driving is just wasting his old man's gas, but when there's a steeped tea and a maple dip at some point along the way, he knows his chances increase greatly.
If my math is correct, there's roughly one Tim Hortons outlet for every 10,000 Canadians, which means Ladner's not short just one location, it's actually down two. The obvious problem to this point has been finding a suitable site in a commercial core that's already built out, a situation that's been addressed by looking to East Ladner for a potential home.
It's not ideal for those of us on the west side of the highway, but it will be a welcome sight to have one in town.
Tim's is finally coming, which, if you haven't heard, is big news.
