Delta council gave preliminary approval this week to an amendment to the Tsawwassen Springs development to allow a drive-thru food establishment.
Located on the new Springs Boulevard near Highway 17 and 52nd Street, the golf course-housing development had a commercial component that originally didn't include a drive-thru restaurant.
A report to council notes the applicant has found it difficult to attract eating and drinking establishments unless they include drivethrus.
It's believed the proposed drive-thru would have little or no impact on the Tsawwassen Springs development as the commercial site is located near the main entrance.
Council was also told the drive-thru queue would be fully contained within the commercial site.
Local businessman Ron Toigo, whose company Shato Holdings is behind Tsawwassen Springs, told the Optimist they're looking at a "high-end" coffee establishment to locate there.
He said they talked to a number of operators, including Starbucks. Toigo said Starbucks indicated it doesn't want to open any more franchises unless they also have a drive-thru.
"If we don't get a drive-thru, they told us, they're not interested. Starbucks would want one and they could easily get one across the street at the TFN," he said.
"They don't have the queuing issues that Tim Hortons does. Tim Hortons gave drive-thrus a bad name," Toigo said. "We don't expect to be queuing more than two or three cars at a time."
The issue of cars idling was discussed at length during the council debate on the application.
Coun. Bruce McDonald said what's been found is that idling vehicle is something practically impossible to police.
Coun. Jeannie Kanakos, who said she thought Delta has a policy against allowing more drive-thru businesses, was the only councillor to vote against the proposal.
It will now go to a public hearing before being considered by council for final approval.
