The spectre of an 80 to 90,000 square foot Walmart store on Wicksteed Ave. has been raised in material published by Councillor Parker based on his discussion with the owners of SmartCentres. Link at johnparker.ca Mr Parker makes it clear that he does not know to whom the largest space in the so-called Wicksteed Salamander site will be leased. The operative words, as we read it in his remarks, are as follows: “What we do know for sure is that the largest building proposed for the project is 80,000 sq ft. (It could well turn out to be smaller if we manage the application strategically.) Meanwhile, as far as I know, the smallest store operated by the celebrated retailer from Bentonville Arkansas whose name starts with W is 90,000 sq ft” Mr. Parker goes on to state his opposition to big box retail in Leaside and gives a brief history of zoning concessions which encourage such businesses. Walmart will be facing competition in Canada from Target, which will open a store in the East York Town Centre in 2013.
