A situation of sorts is developing in Renfrew at the corner of Stewart and Bruce Streets, a location shared by two fast-food franchises, Tim Hortons and Wendy’s.
At its beginning, things started slowly enough with a green van positioning itself in the Tim’s/Wendy’s parking lot that runs adjacent to Stewart Street as it approaches the intersection with Bruce Street. The van, displaying at least two Canadian flags, became noteworthy as it was to be found in the same spot, all day, every day. As the days passed, this vehicle was joined by other vehicles, also sporting Canadian flags in various stages of distress. Outdoor furniture made an appearance amidst the vehicles and along the space that runs parallel to the sidewalk. Then a guitar showed up, and before long we had what appeared to be a minor cell of anti-government types encamped right next to the drive-thru of these two businesses. All that was missing were some jugglers, a sword-swallower and maybe an organ-grinder with his monkey.
I would assume that, since moving in, the people that are part of this little pop-up community make use of the facilities of the two businesses, facilities that are busy enough with regular paying customers I’d imagine. Admittedly, it’s really none of my affair how one administers their washrooms, but still, It doesn’t look like these folks purchase a lot from these restaurants outside of coffee, something suggested by the presence of coolers in and around their vehicles and lawn chairs.
The drive-thru passes right by this little slice of “Canada,” as does all traffic entering the lot from Stewart Street. So, with everyone so angry these days, it might not take a lot for some sort of non-positive interaction to develop along the contact point between mobile customers and the new tenants in the south corner. Interactions like these would be unfortunate for just about everyone involved, but to have it happen in a business parking lot seems to me to be something that could and should be avoided.
There’s a chance I may be totally off-base with respect to these folks and their intentions. Could be they’re just people hanging out with friends, sharing a few laughs, enjoying the weather (some days) and just basically sight-seeing and being seen. Nothing sinister at all. The only thing I can add to that, though, is that if I got them all wrong, maybe others will as well.
FEATURE PHOTO WAS AI-GENERATED
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zFRMmRst1F4Jtqni8
Vehicles pictured are NOT the vehicles referred to in letter.
NEWSMAGRENFREW 