Local gas wars set to resume as two new gas stations near completion in Southern Ontario

Motorists should have no trouble finding a spot to refuel. A new development just north of Strathroy, Ont., at the intersection of Second Street and Hwy 81 (Adelaide Metcalfe township) will feature yet another gas station/convenience store combo.

Township CAO Morgan Calvert says the ESSO station with an attached car wash will also include a Pita Pit restaurant and a third business, to be determined. A few hundred yards north, the Holiday Inn Express development continues next to the Tim Hortons. It includes - you guessed it - another gas station/convenience store combo as well as a Wendy's restaurant.

Calvert notes that these developments were approved by council prior to passing an Official Plan Amendment to prevent future gas stations from developing along Hwy. 81, and no additional fuel stations are anticipated in Adelaide Metcalfe. These two current developments will bring that stretch of Hwy. 81 up to five gas stations spanning about 1.9 km.

Noticeably absent in the gas station landscape is Strathroy's West End, perhaps on Albert Street by Strathmere Lodge, or out toward Fairgrounds Park on Metcalfe Street.

The growing town of Mount Brydges has only one small gas station.

Strathroy-Caradoc's director of building & planning, Jennifer Huff, is not aware of any current applications or developments for gas stations in the township.