Mabel’s Fables children’s bookstore, 662 Mt Pleasant Rd at Hillsdale Ave., is facing a staggering 70 percent rent increase from developer Maple Venture Properties. It appears to be an attempt to drive out the long-standing business, a landmark for Midtown shoppers. Mabel’s has been at the location for 31 years. A Facebook post indicates the rent increase is being called a final offer. Maple Ventures already owns buildings on the west side of the block north of Hillsdale and is apparently consolidating property for redevelopment. Councillor Josh Matlow is urging people to sign a petition in support of Mabel’s Fables. He urges residents to share the news with neighbors and friends. He has also organized a public meeting for March 10 at 7 p.m. at Eglinton Public School.
This bookstore is irreplaceable. It has brought joy, and education, to hundreds of children over the years. To see it obliterated by a greedy developer is totally disgusting!