Copyright vernonmorningstar
Another iconic golden arch appears headed for Penticton. On Nov. 4, following a public hearing, Penticton City Council green-lit a proposed development that would see the construction of a McDonald’s restaurant with two drive-thru lanes at 698 Eckhardt Ave. West. Mayor Julius Bloomfield was joined by Couns. Jason Reynen, Campbell Watt, Ryan Graham and Shannon Stewart in giving the project its second and third readings. Coun. Isaac Gilbert was opposed. Concerns from the public related to traffic congestion, vehicle emissions and pedestrian safety were echoed at the nearly 30-minute public hearing. Some residents also shared worries over having a large fast-food chain joint take over the 0.3-hectare lot, instead of redeveloping the site to accommodate an independent, local business. A McDonald’s Canada spokesperson said near the conclusion of the public hearing that the restaurant will be locally owned and operated. The site in question is located across from a Chevron gas station, at the corner of Eckhardt and Railway Street (Highway 97). With council’s support on Tuesday, the property can rezone from General Industrial to General Commercial to allow for the development to proceed. Planned access to the restaurant for vehicles would be off Eckhardt and Pacific Crescent, according to the city. A traffic assessment study found that “there are no significant impacts to the surrounding site,” said Lilit Houlder, a planner with Arcadis, a design firm that worked with the developer. “(The Ministry of Transportation and Transit) came back with an email saying they don’t have great concerns,” Houlder added. “They just want us to consider the right-in and right-out towards Eckhardt Avenue, and that’s something we’ve done.” Development plans also show that a raised curb will be installed to prevent access to and from Highway 97. Along with its two drive-thru lanes and 29 parking spots, the new McDonald’s will feature “pull-forward spaces” for vehicles to wait for their food, if necessary. In total, the restaurant will be 376 square metres in size. This will mark the third McDonald’s in Penticton. The fast-food giant has other locations at 1804 Main St. and 275 Green Ave. inside a Walmart store. McDonald’s Canada’s push into Penticton comes as the iconic chain opens its third location in Vernon. The North Okanagan welcomed another golden arch on Oct. 30.
