Thanks to the approval of a new variance request, L’Anse may be getting a Circle K gas station before long. 

During a meeting Monday, L’Anse village council members approved a dimensional variance request, which reduces property line setbacks that are normally required. This will make it easier for Circle K to come to L’Anse, since they won’t have to grapple with the original odd shape of the property. 

The Canadian convenience store chain has been growing in popularity, especially in the Midwest. With over 16,000 locations in 31 countries and almost 150,000 employees, the chain has seen massive success since it began in 1951. 

Circle K is seeking to build along US-41, near the Broad Street intersection. The property was previously occupied by Kissel Chevrolet. The new Circle K would replace the destroyed Holiday Station. 

The Holiday was struck by an intoxicated semi-truck driver two years ago. The driver struck the station’s gas pumps and crashed into the front of the store, killing one person and injuring another. 

Several Holiday stores were bought by Circle K’s parent company, Alimentation Couche-Tard of Canada, in 2017. Since the purchase, the parent company has been working to rebrand the former-Holiday stores. 

Despite original excitement about Circle K’s arrival, many residents who live near the site are concerned about noise and light disruptions around their homes. Christian Cabrera, a Circle K representative who attended the Monday meeting over the phone, assured residents there would be an eight-foot fence installed between the property and homes, in order to prevent these issues. 

Cabrera added that a select portion of the property that’s used for parking and snow storage will remain available. 

Next, a full site plan must be submitted for approval. Circle K hopes to begin construction in the spring. 

Circle K offers a wide variety of food, drinks, first aid supplies and other necessities, along with serving as a gas station. They also aim to be environmentally conscious with their products. 

“We firmly believe sustainability is integral to our business and an important part of our values as a responsible retailer to create positive impacts on our economy, society and global climate.” the company writes.