Vernon, B.C. chamber of commerce pleased city not pursuing drive-thru prohibition – Okanagan [Video]

The general manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce says the business organization is pleased the city decided not to move forward with a bylaw change to prohibit new drive-thrus in Vernon’s core.

Earlier this week, city council passed a motion that effectively killed the proposal for now.

The proposed bylaw change would have seen new drive-thru businesses, everything from fast food to car washes, prohibited in the city centre. However, existing drive-thrus would have been allowed to remain.

“It would be a symbolic gesture to reduce emissions with real consequences to business,” said chamber general manager Dan Proulx.

Proulx points out that the proposed drive-thru restrictions wouldn’t stop people from crowding the drive-thrus that are grandfathered in or using delivery services.

A city staff report included a variety of reasons staff was suggesting the new drive-thru prohibition including the city’s Climate Action Plan goal of promoting active transportation and transit.

“It is well known that transportation is the leading …