Canada's first sustainable Tim Hortons location to open in Regina this weekend

Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. The restaurant, located in the city’s east end, features design and operating features that minimize environmental impact.

The one-of-a-kind concept was created by Regina restaurant owners, the De Stasi family.

"We thought how great it would be to have a landmark corner in The Greens that also has some sustainable elements to it,” Mike Di Stasi explained.

Restaurant patrons will notice the difference when they walk through the door.

“We've got a really unique wall here. This is a moss wall. It may look fake just based on the colour but it is real moss. We have this beautiful Tims leaf that we have here centred in the space. It was designed by Tim's and JR's Welding in Regina actually put it together and used some scrap metal that they had on site so we were able to repurpose that,” De Stasi said.

Canada’s first sustainable Tim Hortons opens in Regina this weekend. (Wayne Mantyka / CTV News)

Other environmental features aren't as obvious, from the low carbon concrete used in construction to a green roof and a rainwater storage system for outdoor irrigation.

“In addition to that, we have EV chargers that are going to be going live in the new year. FLO is putting those in for us so we're super excited to get those on site. They are super fast EV chargers so it allows people to come in, grab a coffee and 30 minutes later, their vehicles can be charged up,” Di Stasi said.

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Design features highlight a hockey theme in tribute to founder Tim Horton who played for the Leafs in the 1960s. To celebrate the Saturday restaurant opening, the company has donated the proceeds of this year's Holiday Smile Cookie campaign to a local charity that creates sporting opportunities for kids.

"So, everything is provided for kids. We know that sport can be very expensive so by removing those barriers, it's about, you know, just having the courage to come and to try something new,” said Gloria Patrick with Ehrlo Sport Ventures.

The Tim Hortons head office was closely involved in the design of this one of a kind location. It will now monitor the various environmental features to determine which could be incorporated in future Tim Hortons locations countrywide.