A proposed Tim Hortons in East Ladner is a step closer to reality after more than two years in the planning stages.
Delta council gave preliminary approval Monday to an application to build a restaurant on a vacant lot adjacent to the Otter Co-Op gas station on Ladner Trunk Road at 64th Street. It will now go to a public hearing.
Southborough Investments Ltd. submitted the proposal in late 2014 but it had to go through several refinements after initially getting the cold shoulder at the civic advisory committee level.
The application aims to rezone the site to allow construction of “a modest commercial building” with a 24-hour drive-thru, but indoor seating for just eight customers. The original proposal did not include seating.
Several residents have expressed opposition, noting the potential for increased traffic, crime, litter and noise, as well as the potential for traffic safety issues.
The owner provided a traffic impact assessment that concludes vehicle queuing can be adequately accommodated.
Mayor Lois Jackson expressed reservation, saying Delta should be moving away from allowing unnecessary car idling.
Coun. Jeannie Kanakos was opposed, saying drive-thru restaurants shouldn’t be allowed to back onto residential properties, pointing out a back yard is right next door.
Saying he wants to hear what people have to say, Coun. Ian Paton pointed out the existing gas station, car wash and nearby Harris Nurseryland are already next to residences without complaints, while Coun. Bruce McDonald noted a Tim Hortons at 64th Avenue and Scott Road in North Delta also isn’t drawing complaints from the homes right next door.
The engineering department noted a raised median island, several metres in length, would be required along the property’s frontage to prevent left turns. Traffic patterns would be studied during the first six months of business, if approved, to determine if signage and pavement markers are required.
Delta does not have a policy pertaining to drive-thru services but many exist in the municipality, each application reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Council agreed to have staff come back with a report on what other municipalities are doing as far as policies and what Delta might consider.
