The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) committee has rejected a proposal from a developer to construct a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant on a flood plain in northeast London. The proposed location is at 1310 Adelaide St. N. and 795 Windermere Rd. near the Thames River.
During the committee meeting, UTRCA staff pointed out that the development would go against the organization’s riverway and flood hazards policy. They also highlighted that the project could block access for people and vehicles during floods, posing risks to public health and safety as well as property damage.
The developer, Royal Premier Development, had previously received approval from the city council to build two one-storey commercial buildings with parking spaces. However, the UTRCA and city planners expressed concerns about the safety risks associated with the location’s proximity to the flood-prone area.
In response to these concerns, the developer’s president, Farhad Noory, emphasized that they had taken extensive measures to meet UTRCA’s requirements. Noory stated that the site would be flood-proofed and safe for the public, despite the potential risks identified by the conservation authority.
To address the flood risks, the developer hired a consulting firm to conduct an impact assessment study. The proposed flood mitigation strategies included raising the area above flood elevation and implementing flood drainage around the property’s perimeter to redirect flows.
UTRCA’s regulation coordinator, Joe Gordon, acknowledged the developer’s efforts to improve the site’s conditions but indicated that the proposed development could still be isolated within a high-risk flooding area. The conservation authority highlighted past flood events in the vicinity of Adelaide and Windermere, underscoring the potential dangers of building in such a location.
The developer’s planning consultant, Nick Dyjach, argued that converting the site from residential to commercial use could reduce risks, despite the expected increase in visitors. Dyjach also noted that the developer could not control the restaurant’s operating hours, which might impact traffic flow and access during flooding incidents.
Farhad Noory has the option to appeal UTRCA’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal within 90 days. It remains to be seen what steps the developer will take following the rejection of the proposal.
In conclusion, the decision to reject the McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant project on the flood plain underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety and environmental considerations in urban development planning. The clash between commercial interests and conservation efforts highlights the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural hazards and protect communities from potential risks.