For many people it's part of the daily routine – pull up to a drive through window, get your order and continue with your day.
In Verdun, there are only three drive-throughs where people can get something to eat or drink, and that's the way it's going to stay.
Verdun is banning all future drive-through windows. The issue came up late last year when a Starbucks wanted to open in this Nuns' Island mall. At first the council was divided on the issue but this week the ban on new drive-throughs was supported unanimously. It's expected to be in force by April.
The few that currently exist will be allowed to continue operating.
“It's a message we want to give to the population at the same moment too. we want to be sure the people realize we change the focus on the people, not on the car,” said Verdun borough mayor Jean-Francois Parenteau.
It's part of a growing trend toward a healthier city and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
“You're thinking about all these cars idling, everywhere on the island – every morning, every afternoon in rush hour and all that. Are we really trying to do anything to reduce our carbon footprint?” said city councillor Sterling Downey.
The move away from drive-throughs started in places like the Plateau and St. Laurent. Cote des Neiges–NDG is implementing a ban of its own by mid-February, though it will still allow new drive-throughs to be built on some major commercial streets.
“The time has come. I think the era of drive-through restaurants in the heart of Montreal is long since passed. We’re trying to encourage commercial streets that are dense, that are pedestrian friendly,” said Cote des Neiges–NDG Peter McQueen.
