Montreal borough approves McDonald’s plan despite resident concerns

Residents in PointeauxTrembles are objecting to a planned McDonald's restaurant near homes in Montreal's east end after the borough reversed earlier restrictions on the project. The site on Sherbrooke Street East near 36th Avenue will include a drivethru and a parking lot exit onto a residential street without a sidewalk. Neighbours say the project could bring more noise, traffic, vehicle idling and odours, while also creating safety risks for children and transit riders. Borough officials said they initially tried to limit the project, but later concluded they faced a weak legal position and potential financial risk if they kept their restrictions in place. They said they will now try to reduce the impact through mitigation measures such as noise barriers, landscape screens, ventilation systems and traffic controls. The developer said the restaurant would have a limited impact compared with other commercial uses.