Tonight you have a very hard decision to make with regards to 6 and 7’s application of expansion which includes Wal-Mart’s request for another 65,000 feet to become a regional superstore. We are asking council to refuse this applicant’s request, for the following reasons.
When you start with a flawed premise, such as the ill conceived Commercial Policy that was passed by the previous council you are bound to make the wrong conclusion such as allowing the expansion of more commercial development at the corner of Woodlawn and Woolwich. The flawed Commercial Policy was based on the economic conditions of 2003 and is even more out of touch with the current conditions we are facing in 2008. Policies and conditions for the future, such as Places to Grow, the Provincial Policy Statement, transportation of goods, cost to operate private vehicles, air quality, global warming and the new intensification targets required by the province will also enhance the weaknesses of the current Commercial Policy.
This proposal by 6 and 7 does not achieve nor does it address Places to Grow which wants to see density targets for all new development and proper phasing of all developments.
The corner of Woolwich and Woodlawn has already become congested by the addition of Wal-Mart. It is not pedestrian friendly, nor is it bike friendly. It is not really even car friendly as the accesses on and off site are so close to the intersection, it causes stop and go traffic which causes frustration for people traveling on these roads. The congestion at this corner has become ridiculous and would not have occurred had this development not been built here.
We have a garden plot out at the Jesuit Centre and many of the workers and plot owners cycle out to the centre. It has become very dangerous and congested with traffic at all times of the day because of this development. What will it be like when you add another 155,000 sq. ft. There is nothing in this proposal to address the concerns of cyclists or pedestrians, such as bike lanes, curb extensions at crosswalks, centre island medians at crosswalks or longer walk times for pedestrians. This monstrosity is being designed for car travel not for “compact pedestrian friendly development”. The added proposal of having yet another drive thru is utterly ridiculous given current concerns for air quality.
There needs to be a commercial development priority plan to control where, how and when commercial growth should take place and we really need to re-evaluate our current Commercial Policy. Large commercial nodes such a 6 and 7 are requesting are not sustainable for our future and they do not reflect the goals of the Places to Grow requirements nor the Provincial Policy targets. We need to be looking at smaller community nodes and strengthen them. We need to focus on our downtown. These are the types of commercial activities that will help our city to reduce car use and all the other issues that evolve around the car.
What will happen to Community Commercial Plazas such as Speedvale and Stevenson, which has served the community well since the 1950’s. There are many seniors living in this area including my parents who can walk, take a cab or a small drive to get their necessities. 6 and 7 will have a negative impact on small community centers like this.
6 and 7’s plans for expansion on this site is not sound sustainable planning for our future and our children’s future. We need to allow other already planned commercial development to come on board. Neighbourhoods such as the new east end have been waiting patiently for a grocery store. We also need human scale, commercial development that allows for pedestrian and cyclists to be welcomed not a development that still believes that S U V’s are king and that there is no such thing as a shortage of fossil fuel and that global warming and air quality concerns are just a myth.
Please refuse this application. LP
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I am writing to express my concern and disappointment re: the new proposed Wal-mart expansion.
I am concerned that the expansion of Wal-mart will exacerbate problems that are already occurring in the community. Wal-mart’s very existence in Guelph is a threat to the downtown core, particularly on small businesses and priorities for expansion. If Wal-mart’s expansion is given priority over commercial intensification in the downtown, Guelph’s vibrant downtown will be stultified while this big-box periphery of Guelph will be encouraged to prosper. I am shocked that Guelph, a leader in sustainability and strong citizenship, would demonstrate such poor city planning by allowing Wal-mart to expand.
I would rather see support go to the downtown core, where millions of dollars has already been wisely invested. This will support local businesses and improve the core of the city overall.
Furthermore, it appears that Wal-mart’s proposed expansion does not meet the density requirements under the Places to Grow legislation. Development in the downtown area is emphasized in both Places to Grow and the Provincial Policy Statement; Council should heed these guidelines. The Provincial Policy Statment also declares that the intensification decided on by the previous Council will be given priority over new developments. I expect Council’s decision to follow these mandates by focusing on downtown development.
As trends towards community values, ethical consumerism and “glocalization” awareness flourish, I hope Guelph will continue to demonstrate leadership in these areas. VR