Renfrew’s O’Brien Road about to get busier with multiplex featuring new restaurants

The potential arrival of a new Starbucks and two unnamed eateries in a soon-to-be-built multiplex building on O’Brien Road has some residents wondering if the quiet, slow lifestyle that the Town of Renfrew has become known for during its first 150 years will soon be a distant memory.

At its most recent meeting, members of Renfrew town council approved a site plan for a future restaurant complex on what is already the town's busiest road.

The new complex, located a 785 O’Brien Rd., will occupy the site currently used by a local taxi company.

Eric Withers, the town planner who is managing this project scheduled to begin this fall, said although it may sound complicated, the finished project will include two drive-thru lanes and will be augmented by professional landscaping and amenities. A similar clause outlining beautification measures can be seen at the Shell gas station at the corner of Hall Avenue and Raglan Street South.

“I know as soon as you say more development, some people just shake their heads and grumble,” Withers said. “It will be busier before and it will likely be a little busier once construction is completed.”

Like all unmarked construction projects in small towns, speculation as to which fast food chains would be moving in began as soon as the project was announced. 

“You have no idea how many times I am asked to reveal the identity of potential occupants,” Withers said. “But I do have strict confidentiality rules under the Planning Act and even if I could share information about the upcoming occupants I am not allowed.”

Withers said the town has been working with the developer Trivirtus Group on this upcoming project, and among the scheduled costs are a $33,000 deferred benefit charge for previously extending the sanitary sewer to the property.

Renfrew Mayor Don Eady is well aware of how quickly traffic can get bogged down on the roadway, but he says it is a good problem to have.

“I understand and appreciate that sometimes it does get congested and people can get frustrated,” he said. “But it will only be temporary and in the meantime that is three new businesses opening up and that means more employment opportunities. It is always a good sign when a company comes to town because that means jobs for the good folks who will benefit the most.”

In addition to the new restaurant complex, Withers explained the site of the current “park & ride” lot will be expanded to include more parking spots, the CP Caboose will be moved and there will be new public washrooms that will deal with several inquiries asking that accessible washroom be installed.

“One of the conditions of permitting more preparatory work to be done by Trivitus is their commitment to dedicate an easement for the future expansion of sanitary services along that road,” Withers said. “He informed council that construction is scheduled to begin in 2022 to meet reporting and financial deadlines set down by the province.”