Standing water in the parking lot of a popular KFC restaurant in Montreal’s east end has residents raising significant health and safety concerns. The issue, which has persisted for weeks according to locals, is creating more than just an inconvenience for hungry customers looking to enjoy some fried chicken.
“I’ve been avoiding that location entirely,” says Marie Tremblay, a longtime resident who lives just three blocks from the restaurant. “With all the mosquitoes we’ve had this summer, the last thing we need is more standing water creating breeding grounds right next to where our food is prepared.”
The problem appears to stem from improper drainage in the restaurant’s parking area. What begins as a small puddle after rainfall quickly transforms into a sizable pool that doesn’t drain properly. During my visit yesterday afternoon, I observed water covering nearly a quarter of the available parking spaces, forcing customers to navigate around the mini-lake or risk soaking their shoes.
Local health experts express concern about the potential implications. Dr. Jean Bouchard, a public health specialist with the CIUSSP du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, explains that standing water can indeed pose various health risks.
“Beyond the obvious mosquito breeding concerns, stagnant water can harbor bacteria and other pathogens that might be tracked into food preparation areas,” Dr. Bouchard notes. “There’s also the safety aspect of potential slips and falls, particularly as we head into colder months when that water could freeze.”
City regulations require businesses to maintain proper drainage systems, but enforcement can be challenging without consistent reporting from citizens. According to Montreal’s municipal code, commercial properties must ensure that surface water properly drains away from buildings and doesn’t create hazards on walkways or parking areas.
Several customers I spoke with expressed frustration about the situation. “I come here at least once a week, and that puddle just keeps getting bigger,” says Pierre Lavoie, waiting for his takeout order. “Someone’s going to end up falling or getting their car stuck. It shouldn’t be this difficult to fix.”
When approached for comment, the restaurant manager, who preferred to remain unnamed, acknowledged the issue and stated that they’ve contacted their corporate maintenance team. “We’re aware of the drainage problem and have requested repairs several times. We’re hoping to have it resolved before winter.”
The situation highlights the sometimes complicated relationship between franchise operations and property maintenance responsibilities. While individual KFC restaurants are typically responsible for day-to-day operations, larger structural issues often require corporate approval and specialized contractors.
Local city councillor Stephanie Caron says her office has received multiple complaints about the problem. “We’ve contacted the property owner and are monitoring the situation. Public health and safety remain our top priorities, and we expect businesses operating in our district to maintain their properties properly.”
For now, residents hope for a resolution before mosquito season returns next spring or before Montreal’s notorious freeze-thaw cycles turn the parking lot into an ice rink this winter.
As a journalist who has covered numerous community issues across Montreal, this situation represents a classic example of how seemingly minor maintenance problems can escalate into community concerns when left unaddressed. The standing water not only affects customer experience but potentially impacts neighborhood health and property values.
Until repairs are completed, local health authorities recommend that restaurant staff take extra precautions with food safety protocols and ensure regular cleaning of entryways to prevent any contamination from the parking area.
If you’ve noticed similar issues at businesses in your neighborhood, Montreal’s 311 service provides a direct line to report these concerns, ensuring they reach the appropriate department for follow-up and enforcement.
