A new gas station is set to open in Caledonia July 12 and the North Queens Board of Trade believes a new business is a moral boost for the community.

“It will help other businesses in the area, for one thing it will allow people to stop in Caledonia instead of whipping through it as fast as possible,” said North Queens Board of Trade President, Mary Keirstead.

In September 2006 Irving Oil announced the closure of their gas station in Caledonia, the same day the North Queens school burnt down, she explained.

“It was a blow to the communities morale,” stated Keirstead.

Irving Oil closed the gas station the following winter, tearing down the building and leaving a vacant lot.

The closest gas station for residents in Caledonia is in North Brookfield.

There is a gas station in Kempt, but Keirstead said it is only open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Noah’s Convenience is the name of the new gas station.

The Shell station is owned by Willis Fancy.

Keirstead believes it will allow tourists to spend more time in the community.

She also commented on how nice the new gas station looks.

“What a community looks like when you drive through it, is really important,” she added.