Some Canyon Meadow community members have recently taken to social media with concerns about the proposed development of a McDonald’s in their neighbourhood, with one group starting a petition against it.
Many residents have concerns about the increase in traffic that will result from the 24/7 drive-thru, as well as potential effects on existing strip mall businesses and their contribution to unhealthy eating habits.
Video: Calgary Journal reporter Cayley Carmichael reports on the proposed McDonald’s in Canyon Meadows
The intersection at the corner of Elbow and Canterbury Drive S.W. is busy between 8-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. due to the high school up the road and two daycare centres.
About 12 buses drop off and pick up kids during those hours, which causes traffic congestion.
Some community members are excited about the possibility of a new restaurant being built in their community, noting that it will create new jobs, offer more food options, and give nearby high school students a place to gather and socialize.
A group of Canyon Meadows residents got together and created a petition to stop the development of the McDonald’s.
The petition currently has 1,000 signatures, which is about 14 per cent of the population in Canyon Meadows.
Dan McLean, councillor for Ward 13, met with city administrators to force a review of the proposal, meaning the applicant must revise the development plan and address the community’s concerns before proceeding.