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Owen Sound council won’t be banning the development of new drive-thrus in the city yet, but will consider the potential move further through policy review processes this year.
Council decided at a recent meeting against enacting an interim control measure to bar the development of new drive-thru businesses in the city.
But council could still attempt to outlaw or limit drive-thru developments through the city’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law updates, due to be completed this year.
“Those processes will include public input, and really doesn’t double up on staff and consultants effort,” Owen Sound’s Director of Community Services Pam Coulter told councillors. “But utilizes a process currently underway.”
Last year, council passed a motion from Deputy Mayor Scott Greig to ask staff for a report to “evaluate an interim control bylaw prohibiting the development of any further drive-thrus.” An interim control bylaw puts a temporary freeze on some land uses while a municipality is studying or reviewing its policies.
Currently, the city’s official plan prohibits the development of new drive-thru restaurants in the River District (downtown).
