As a citizen's action group concerned about a(nother) major retail site at Laird & Wicksteed, we have joined forces with the Leaside Property Owners Association (LPOA) to oppose this development as proposed and have jointly called on city officials to take action. FULL TEXT:
More mega-retail on Laird? SmartCentres, a major retail developer in Ontario, has applied to the City of Toronto to amend
a zoning by-law to permit the construction of a major retail site at Laird & Wicksteed. A department-type store of approximately 89,000 square feet would anchor this development. In addition to the existing and upcoming approved retail (down the street), this would bring the total square footage of retail from already half a million sq. to approximately 640,000 sq. The proposal features a design that includes underground parking, much higher density than normal developments and other features which raise serious concerns about neighbourhood safety. If approved, this development will potentially cause serious damage to local business and residential communities. It will threaten the strength and economic health of the main-street small businesses on Bayview, which help define Leaside as a “walkable family neighbourhood”, and will worsen traffic congestion. Although the developer has not disclosed the identity of the preferred anchor tenant, there is reason to believe that the occupant is intended to be Wal-Mart. A new store design referred to in the media as "Urban 90" is consistent with this site size, and a similar Wal-Mart is in development near the Lakeshore in Mississauga. Another store was recently completed in Scarborough (Eglinton & Markham Road). As this would be the newest, closest Wal-Mart power centre for over 250,000 people, our concerns regarding density, traffic and economic impact would be heightened to an even greater extent. The Leaside Property Owners Association (LPOA) and a citizens' action group called Leaside Unite have joined forces to oppose this development as proposed and have jointly called on city officials to take action - including a request for an interim moratorium on this and future applications for the conversion of employment lands to retail in our community. A copy of the demand letter addressed to Councillor John Parker is posted. As a concerned member of the community, you too can make your concerns heard! Here is how you can help ensure that we continue to enjoy a safe neighbourhood and a vibrant local business scene:
Make sure your voice is heard:
- Write to Councillor John Parker at [email protected] or, if you live in a neighbouring ward which would also be impacted, to your ward councillor;
- Give your feedback to the Senior Planner at the City of Toronto, Mr. Steve Forrester, at [email protected];
Stay informed and support the efforts to positively influence this process:
- Join the Leaside Property Owners Association: www.lpoa.ca;
- Send your name, e-mail, and address to [email protected];
- Follow (like, join) Leaside Unite on its page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leaside-Unite-Information-Page/316466481755111;
- Follow Leaside Unite at Google Groups: http://groups.google.com/group/leasideunite;
- Pass this information along to other citizens who may be affected by this proposal and encourage them to do the same
Some background information:
- the rezoning (re)submission can be found on the SmartCentres website, here: http://www.smartcentres.com/20120411_Toronto_70_Wicksteed_Ave_ON/01%20Site%20Plan%20and%20Renderings/Wicksteed%20Concept%20Plans.pdf;
- a renderings and material palette can be found on the SmartCentres website, here: http://www.smartcentres.com/20120411_Toronto_70_Wicksteed_Ave_ON/01%20Site%20Plan%20and%20Renderings/Compiled%20Renderings%20and%20Material%20Palette%20-%20March%2027,%202012.pdf;
- the developer’s traffic impact study can be found on the SmartCentres website, here: http://www.smartcentres.com/20120411_Toronto_70_Wicksteed_Ave_ON/02%20TIS%20-%20March%202012/Laird%20Dr%20at%20Wicksteed%20Ave%20-%20Traffic%20Impact%20Study%20Update.pdf;
- the developer’s retail market demand and impact analysis can be found on the SmartCentres website, here: http://www.smartcentres.com/20120411_Toronto_70_Wicksteed_Ave_ON/03%20Retail%20Market%20Demand/Wicksteed%20Developments%20-%20Retail%20Market%20Demand%20and%20Impact%20Ana.pdf;
- the developer’s economic impact assessment can be found on the SmartCentres website, here: http://www.smartcentres.com/20120411_Toronto_70_Wicksteed_Ave_ON/04%20Economic%20Impact/Wicksteed%20Developments%20-%20Economic%20Impact%20Assessment%20-%20August.pdf. Leaside Unite!
