Civic
03-04-2009, 10:36 PM
The following decision in Toronto may have some bearing on the Lowe's Canada, Gardiners Road, OMB land appeal here in Kingston.
OMB sides with city and blocks big-box project
Toronto Star March 4, 2009
VANESSA LU, STAFF REPORTER
Toronto is declaring victory after the Ontario Municipal Board sided with the city, blocking a big box retail complex in Leslieville.
In a 56-page ruling, released today, vice-chair James McKenzie said the proposals "do not constitute good planning" and "will very likely destabilize" the area known as the South of Eastern Employment District near the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd. E. and Leslie St.
The SmartCentres proposal called for multi-level retail, service, commercial, office and entertainment uses, covering nearly 700,000 square feet.
It included a variety of sizes of retail stores including the possibility of two large-scale units, with the largest being up to 180,000 square feet. Parking was set aside for more than 1,700 vehicles, but it would have been tucked in behind the buildings, not visible from the street or nearby residences.
No specific tenants were ever announced, but Wal-Mart was being courted to be an anchor tenant.
Residents in the neighbourhood were divided on the project, though a vocal opposition group emerged in the East Toronto Community Coalition, which appeared before the board hearing.
The city had argued the low-wage retail jobs were not what Toronto wanted, but rather higher-paying "creative industry" jobs in film or media.
SmartCentres said 2,000 permanent retail jobs would have been created through the development.
Mayor David Miller also praised the decision in a news release
"Preserving and protecting employment lands is an important part of Toronto's Official Plan," he said. "This decision recognizes that position and strengthens our ability to ensure Toronto can prosper now and in the future."
OMB sides with city and blocks big-box project
Toronto Star March 4, 2009
VANESSA LU, STAFF REPORTER
Toronto is declaring victory after the Ontario Municipal Board sided with the city, blocking a big box retail complex in Leslieville.
In a 56-page ruling, released today, vice-chair James McKenzie said the proposals "do not constitute good planning" and "will very likely destabilize" the area known as the South of Eastern Employment District near the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd. E. and Leslie St.
The SmartCentres proposal called for multi-level retail, service, commercial, office and entertainment uses, covering nearly 700,000 square feet.
It included a variety of sizes of retail stores including the possibility of two large-scale units, with the largest being up to 180,000 square feet. Parking was set aside for more than 1,700 vehicles, but it would have been tucked in behind the buildings, not visible from the street or nearby residences.
No specific tenants were ever announced, but Wal-Mart was being courted to be an anchor tenant.
Residents in the neighbourhood were divided on the project, though a vocal opposition group emerged in the East Toronto Community Coalition, which appeared before the board hearing.
The city had argued the low-wage retail jobs were not what Toronto wanted, but rather higher-paying "creative industry" jobs in film or media.
SmartCentres said 2,000 permanent retail jobs would have been created through the development.
Mayor David Miller also praised the decision in a news release
"Preserving and protecting employment lands is an important part of Toronto's Official Plan," he said. "This decision recognizes that position and strengthens our ability to ensure Toronto can prosper now and in the future."