A long-awaited commercial development is taking shape along Highway 11 in Smooth Rock Falls, with the construction of a new truck stop and service centre. The development, led by R-J Construction, will include a Tim Hortons, a gas station and a range of services for motorists and commercial truck drivers. “Tim Hortons has been a rumoured restaurant chain talked about for decades. So it’s nice to finally tell the residents that it’s not a rumour anymore. We’re actually getting a Tim Hortons,” said Shannon Piper, the town’s economic development officer. “Thanks to the investment confidence of Ranbir RJ Construction.” Ranbir Dhaliwal of R-J Construction said the project will address a long-standing need for highway travellers, particularly during winter months. “They really do need the gas station or truck stop here due to the hard winter,” Dhaliwal said. The development is also expected to feature EV charging stations, car washes, propane filling and an RV dumping station. A 24-hour truck stop will be another key part of the project, providing a safe place for motorists when Highway 11 is closed. Dhaliwal said parking will be available for about 50 transport trucks. Highway maintenance made easier “So if the highway is closed, the motel is nearby, and they can park all the trucks off the highway,” said Dhaliwal. “So then (it’s) easy for the municipality or the MTO to clean the highway, keep the highway clean.” Piper said the project has been about a year and a half in the making. “It required the town to declare the property surplus and go through an expression of interest process, and with that, Ranbir was the successful candidate,” said Piper. The municipality said it is also working to attract additional investment through its Near North Industrial Centre. In the meantime, construction is underway, with completion of the development targeted for fall 2027.
