Proposed Tim Hortons drive-thru worrying parents in Paradise

Parents in Paradise are concerned about an application before town council to approve a Tim Hortonswith a drive-thru near an elementary school.

The proposed location is at the corner of Sgt. Donald Lucas Drive and Topsail Road, near Octagon Elementary. It would require drivers to make a left-hand turn onto busy Topsail Road something parents say will force drivers to turn around near the school.

"Toturn left is going to be very difficult, so what are they going to do? They're going to turn right, go up to the school, possibly, make the turnaround in the school creating more traffic in the school," saidCurtis Beazley, whose child just finished kindergarten.

"We do know school zone safety is a priority. The entrance to this new Tim Hortons is only metres from Topsail Road. It doesn't fit the area at all."

Concerns 'valid,' says mayor

Susan Sweeney Pennell has one child finishing kindergarten and the other about to graduate from Grade 3. She said the area is dangerous enough as it is for children, let alone with a busy Tim Hortons.

"Many parents have opted to drive their children to school so that they don't have to cross Topsail Road because it's dangerous," Sweeney Pennell said on CBC Radio's On The Go.

"We had a number of children almost get hit because people speed through that light without noticing it's red."

Both parents say the residential zone is known for having children walking to and from school in the morning and afternoon.

Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett said parents'concerns are valid.

"Topsail Road is residential and commercial," Bobbett said, adding the town is obligated to take the application.

"The residents have an opportunity to voice their concernsand they have. I've been responding to many emails."

Bobbett said what residents say will help inform the decision, which will not be made for weeks.

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