Costco was high on the agenda at the Ward 26 candidates debate Tuesday night. Chairman Brian Athey asked the four contenders where they stood on the plan to build a Costco store and gas bar on Overlea Blvd. Ishrath Velshi and David Sparrow gave unequivocal answers. Ms. Velshi offered concerns about traffic but in the end she said: “I do support the Costco project.” She noted the “poverty level of 40%” in Thorncliffe Park and echoed that community’s interest in the good-paying jobs that would be created. Mr. Sparrow spoke from his base when he expressed clear opposition. He cited studies which suggest the store and gas bar would draw some 300,000 vehicles a month to Overlea Blvd. Traffic has become the rallying cry of those opposed to the development. John Parker, the two-term incumbent, said traffic seemed the most critical test the development would face. “I don’t see it passing the traffic test,” he said. Jon Burnside noted both the poverty in Thorncliffe and the need for development. He said he would like to “sever off the gas bar” from the project as it drew the most vehicles. Nonetheless, he seemed to follow the position of the current council — to wait until traffic studies are done before deciding to support the project. The expansion of Toronto Island Airport also drew a mix of answers with Ms Velshi leaving the door open. “We do not have the information.” John Parker and Dave Sparrow were unlikely island parkland soul mates in firmly opposing an enlarged airport with jets. Mr. Burnside answered briefly by saying that he was “against the position as it stands.” He supported Parker and Sparrow. The near standing-room-only crowd at the William Lea Room heard Parker and Burnside spar throughout the evening. Burnside ticked off Parker for his 2010 support of Rob Ford. Burnside noted that he had been endorsed by John Tory. Mr. Parker said he had supported David Soknacki but was prepared to work with John Tory even though he had “paid a price” for telling Tory about concerns with the SmartTrack plan. There was a stand-alone question to Burnside on how he would be a full-time member of council with a business to run. He suggested the ready-made meals business will be sold. Responses to a question about traffic on Laird Drive saw a heated response to Mr. Parker’s observation that there was going to be traffic on Laird no matter what was done. There were shouts from the audience and one man was heard to say “insulting.” The debate ranged across air traffic noise, conservation and heritage legislation, bicycle lanes and the future of the business park. The debate was sponsored by the Leaside Property Owners Association. Photo l-r Jon Burnside, John Parker, David Sparrow, Ishrath Velshi. (Courtesy Rudy Limeback)
