I am writing to express my disagreement with the new proposed Wal-mart expansion.
I am particularly concerned about the impact on the downtown if the expansion is given priority over commercial intensification in the downtown. We are currently investing millions of dollars in our downtown core, a sound investment that I believe supports local businesses and community interests, and I believe that investment needs to be protected and given priority. That support will be eroded by any expansion on the Wal-Mart site.
I also do not believe that the sprawling site plan proposed for Wal-mart meets the new density requirements under the Places to Grow legislation. I expect Council to use the Provincial planning tools at its disposal to protect taxpayer investment in the downtown. Downtown development is prioritized in both the Provincial Policy Statement and Places to Grow. In fact the PPS mandates that the intensification allocated by the previous Council will take place before new development. The Places to Grow Growth Plan sets out guidelines for General Intensification which the Wal-mart expansion does not follow.
I urge Council not to prejudice the viability of the downtown development by handing priority to expansion of the Woodlawn-Woolwich node. GR