When the green and white Dollarama sign finally goes up on South Bayview over the premises previously occupied by Shoppers Drug Mart, the space will have been vacant for close to a year. The big dollar store let it leak out some weeks ago that it had definitely taken the lease. It was the neighborhood’s worst kept secret. But for many a mystery remains that the place is still vacant. Most everyone will understand that a company with more than 600 stores has lots to do. But a year? It’s been speculated that the vacant triple store continued under leasse to the drugstore well after Shoppers moved out last Spring,. This would mean the landlord simply collected rent even though he had the next lease from Dollarama in his pocket. Then late last year, “Leased” signs went up on the papered-over windows. It was amusing because there had never been “For Lease” signs. Most thought that the signs indicated that the arrival of Dollarama was nigh. Apparently not. With March upon us there is no sign that the compamy plans to enter the premises any time soon. A peek through the cracks in the paper reveals a flat, uncluttered, moonscape of a space. When will Dollarama finally grace South Bayview?
