TORONTO – Five years after Leslieville rallied against “big box” development, the same company is trying to develop an 18-acre shopping centre in the city’s east end.
Smartcentres is hoping to expand in an area of Toronto that was once a hub for movie-making, developing 18 acres for movie production, office and retail space along Eastern Avenue.
“It’s important to provide a mix of all the uses, not only for the community, but for the centre and for it’s overall success,” said Ornella Richichi, an Executive Vice President at SmartCentres.
Five years ago, the neighbourhood fought “big box” development from the same company with large rallies in support of the area’s small businesses.
The difference now however, the company is planning to take old building and create spaces for bistros or common area next to what would be new retail stores.
A new hotel on Lakeshore Boulevard and bike paths through vacant land are also being proposed.
Area residents are getting their first look at the hypothetical plans at a gallery that has been set up.
But no formal application has yet to be submitted to city hall.
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