A proposal to build an eight-hectare shopping and office complex in Leslieville has attracted loud opposition that seems out of proportion. Critics, foremost among them Councillor Paula Fletcher, have railed against the prospect of a "big-box" store locating there. Many seem especially outraged that a likely tenant would be Wal-Mart.
However, the official site plans, filed by the developer SmartCentres with the city on Friday, indicate that what is planned is far from the suburban big-box outlets that Fletcher has deemed an "anathema." The proposal features retail outlets that resemble traditional storefronts lining Eastern Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. plus a central pedestrian area. Parking would be hidden from the street, and the complex is expected to provide about 2,000 full-time retail jobs.
But that's the problem, according to Fletcher. The city's official plan designates this area as a special employment zone, reserved for high-quality jobs. The site's existing warehouse-style buildings were devoted to film production until moviemakers left for Filmport, an enormous studio complex a short distance away in the Portlands.
Toronto officials, backed by Fletcher, maintain that this property should be held for similar "high-value" occupations, not lowly retail jobs. Backers of the shopping complex are going to the Ontario Municipal Board next month in an effort to reverse that ruling.
There seems some room for compromise here. The proposed shopping complex is a mixed-use development with upper-floor offices suitable for medical practices, smaller law firms, accountants, architects, and other professions. By any standard, those are "high-value" jobs. Proponents of the development say they are willing to suspend their OMB challenge and open discussions with the city if there were any indication that some mutual agreement could be found.
That, rather than more protests, seems the best way to proceed.
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