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12 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 14, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Town orders freeze on new drive-thrus By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Over the last several decades the popularity of drive-thru services has boomed, as consumers have voted with their wheels for the convenience of doing business through their car windows. But that boom has also brought drive-thru operations into increasing conflict with residents, who complain about traffic, noise, litter and pollution arising from the sites. Over the next year, Oakville will attempt to develop rules that balance developer desire for drivethrus with citizen concerns over their location. And while that study is underway, the Town has frozen the development of any new drive-through operations on most commercial and employment lands across the town. (For complete maps showing included properties, see the Nov. 10 agenda of the Planning and Development committee at www.oakville.ca) On Monday night, Town councillors voted to pass an Interim Control Bylaw (ICB) that will give Town staff time to deal with the often-contentious issue. Dana Anderson, the Town's planning director, said staff will Please Join Us for a FREE Seminar look at issues relating to drive-thru impacts and suitable sites, as well as research studies conducted by other municipalities. If the study, which Anderson expects will result in new zoning regulations, isn't completed within a year, the Town has the option of renewing the ICB for an additional year. The ICB was happily endorsed by residents living near Hopedale Mall, where the possibility of establishing a new Tim Hortons drivethru has been hotly contested. "This is precisely the right tool we're looking for," said one man. "Nobody should be subject to a drive-thru next to their home. We have a very, very specific stake in this by virtue of living right next to "I think you'll find the concern is all across the town. Please don't believe it's only for this. I don't think it's time to be afraid, I think it's time to be courageous." Mayor Rob Burton Hopedale Mall." Added resident Mark Gamus, "Drive-thrus, any drive-thrus, should be looked at as a negative impact to the town and the environment." While a number of residents from the Coronation Park neighbourhood near the southeast corner of Hopedale Mall spoke at the meeting, Mayor Rob Burton noted that the bylaw is not specifically How to Pay Off Your Mortgage In Half the Time Come Join noted Financial Expert Bruce McDougall and friends for a FREE Seminar not to be missed. Learn the secrets to paying off your mortgage in half the time. Seating is limited so reserve your seat today! aimed at preventing that development. "I think you'll find the concern is all across the town," he said. "Please don't believe it's only for this." One man replied by telling the mayor, "I'm happy to be the straw that broke the camel's back." He urged the Town to be proactive in adopting green thinking, saying, "I don't think it's time to be afraid, I think it's time to be courageous." Ward 2 Councillor Cathy Duddeck said she believes the issue needs a thorough study. "We're finally going to be targeting an issue where we can say to the public that we're actually going to be looking at it in its entirety," she said. "And hopefully we can get it right and put it to bed." While the ICB takes effect immediately, it may be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) at any time over the next 60 days. Developers may also make application to the Town's Committee of Adjustment for an exemption from the ICB. Wednesday, Nov. 19th 7:00 - 8:00 pm Holiday Inn 590 Argus Road Oakville Call Now to Register Armstrong book launch for new school Renowned author and journalist, Sally Armstrong, will speak about her newest book, Bitter Roots, Tender Shoots: The Uncertain Fate of Afghanistan's Women on Sunday, Nov. 23. Armstrong will take to the podium at 2 p.m. at St. John's United Church, 262 Randall St. Tickets cost $25 and a tax receipt will be provided for $20. The book will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go directly towards the building of a school in Sheikh Mistry, Afghanistan which will replace the present tent school, where children are not adequately protected from frequent dust storms and winter cold. Sponsoring the event are Canadians in Support of Afghan Women (CSAW) and St. John's Power of One Committee. For tickets, contact Daniela at 289242-4135. 905.632.9805 or on the web at MyMortgageInHalfTheTime.com Receive a FREE CD from Bruce just for coming out. 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