Proposed Franchise not Whetting Everyone's Appetite

Date AddedMay 26, 2010 02:29:40 AM

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There's controversy cooking in the small town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

A proposed drive-thru to be attached to a renovated gas station has some residents up in arms. The thought of a fast food franchise chain such as rumored McDonalds, isn't something that some think fits in the heritage town.

Old Town Lunenburg was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The town of roughly 2,300 is divided into New and Old Town, with Old Town being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The classification of being a World Heritage site ensures that much of the towns unique architecture and civic designed will be protected.

While the proposed site is not inside the designated Old Town limits, it is at a point where many residents and tourists enter the town.

Former resident Josh Powers has moved away to attend university but still holds strong ties to the town. He believes the proposed drive-thru contradicts what the town is all about.

"There is a place for fast food restaurants such as McDonalds in this world but it is not in a UNESCO world heritage site," said Powers. "It will do nothing positive for our small town."

Powers has started a Facebook group in order to rally members of the town in an attempt to stop the proposed drive-thru from being constructed.

"To me it feels like not enough people know about this and it could become a reality much faster than we think," said Powers. "I need

Josh Powers hopes an online Facebook group can rally members of the town to prevent a drive-thru from being built. Photo Courtesy Josh Powers

to get as many people involved with this group as I can. For starters we need to get people talking and then establish contact with the mayor and our councillors."

Wilson's Gas Stop has been applying for two amendments to the land-use bylaw to ensure their renovations would allow for the design of an added drive-thru.

By right, Wilson's have the ability to put a drive-thru on the property as the current building site is close but not directly inside the heritage district in the town.

The proposed building has been designed by an architect whos design will allow the new structure blend in with the town.

What the building houses and its appearance aren't the only concerns for the over 470 members of the Power's created facebook group, appropriately named "Lunenburg does not want a drive-thru."

"Part of the plan (creates) an environmental issue with idling car emissions as it is located right next to a daycare and preschool playground," said an unnamed poster.

Amanda Jewers added that, "the traffic, environment problems (as well as) setting a bad example for the kids at the daycare," are all issues she thinks should stop the proposal from happening.

Tofino, B.C. a tourist town of roughly the same population of Lunenburg, are exploring passing a bill that would ban fast-food establishments from its community. Powers hopes to use that example as a precedent for his town.

"We need to act quickly to halt this attempt as well as future attempts to bring these franchises to our town. I want to put forth a motion for a bylaw to stop this from becoming a reality."

Deputy Mayor Jamie Myra acknowledges that there are some minor negatives with the proposal but feels the positives greatly outweigh them.

"There would be a new revitalized building at the entrance of Town, opposed to a boarded up old garage. New jobs (will be created) and an increased tax base," said Myra about the positives. "If you are opposed to fast-food just don't eat there and don't take your kids there."

Myra also touched on one of the Facebook group's main arguments, that a drive-thru has no place in a UNESCO world heritage site.

"We became a UNESCO Town because we were a living; working and active community and not a museum, but unfortunately there are a number of individuals who would like to see us as just that."

Lunenburg's historic waterfront. Photo courtesy Wikimedia.
As a tourist town, a number of the businesses operate as seasonal which makes it difficult to bring in new businesses.

"I can say that we have been scrutinized for many years in this town for not being business friendly and now when we are trying to have a new business come to town we are getting criticized by those same people," said Myra.

Powers says he isn't opposed to bringing new business into the town but just not a fast food establishment.

"My stance is that I want more business in Lunenburg and I want these people to have their jobs but I do not want a fast food franchise such as McDonalds coming."

The fate of the proposed renovations and drive-thru will be settled by vote this upcoming Tuesday. The vote will go to council as two amendments to the land use bylaw must be approved. The six councillors have the final say and if it's tied, the mayor will cast the deciding vote.

Myra said despite the group and some people responding negative towards the proposal, he believes the majority want this project.

"I can guarantee that the support for this project far outweighs those opposed, but like anything it is always the vocal minority that gets themselves heard."