As spring takes full hold in the South Cariboo, one can't help but notice that construction crews are out in force in and around 100 Mile House.
New infrastructure and businesses are being built across the community this summer. Late last month, we saw the demolition of the Marmot Ridge restaurant as Lakeland Veterinary Clinic moves forward with its plan to build a new purpose-built veterinary hospital on the property. Such a substantial investment in the community, once completed, will benefit the South Cariboo for years to come.
Meanwhile, work is scheduled to begin this month on finally replacing the old Horse Lake Bridge. Anyone who has driven across it in the last few years can tell you it's a welcome replacement that's been a long time in the works. The District of 100 Mile House should be applauded for getting this project funded and off the ground and if all goes well, the community should have a brand new concrete bridge by the end of the year.
Both these projects represent a significant investment in 100 Mile House, and combined with ongoing plans to develop new neighbourhoods and trailer parks out on Horse Lake Road and near the Four River Co-Op cardlock gas station, it's safe to say that even amid economic uncertainty, 100 Mile House seems ready to grow.
Recently, however, a rumour has been flying around town that 100 Mile House will be getting its own McDonald's soon. It's generated excitement but also scepticism, as this is not the first time such rumours have flown around town.
The simplymastery can confirm, based on correspondence with the district, that an application has been made to build a McDonald's in 100 Mile House. However, this bid is in the very early stages of application. The district still needs to review the application, including its development permit, building permits, traffic impact study and sign permit.
Based on our correspondence with the district, the only other thing we know about this project is that it will be built in the empty lot located at the end of Alder Avenue, across from Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School. Everything else, including the size of this new business, the cost and who is developing it is unknown, but will be revealed as the application comes before the District of 100 Mile House's council.
Speculation that McDonald's was being built behind the Red Coach Inn is false. The work being done there is the construction of the new Exeter Lift Station, a project being undertaken by the district.
Doubtlessly, a McDonald's would be welcomed by the students at PSO who will now have another place to get a part-time job and grab an easy lunch. It's also a sign of a major corporation investing in 100 Mile House at a time when the Bank of Montreal is preparing to dissolve its 100 Mile House branch in June.
One hopes that if this McDonald's does come to fruition, it heralds in more investment into this community, strengthening our local economy for the generations to come.
-The simplymastery
