The renewed proposal from SmartCentres REIT for property known as Lake Leaside seems to show that the big box dream is not yet dead. Plans put forward more than a decade ago for the property envisioned large stores such a Walmart on the site. The onslaught of the Amazon revolution seemed to put frost on that business plan. But SmartCentres latest proposal calls for a “commercial centre comprising a series of new buildings ranging in size from 616 square metres up to 18,059 square metres with a total gross floor area of 20,184 square metres. The proposal includes a total of 403 vehicle and 138 bicycle parking spaces.” It was submitted to the City late in February.
Canadian Tire store
The proposal names Canadian Tire Corp as a tenant. It store would be approximately 185,000 sqft in size, along with three standalone retail buildings ranging between approximately 6,500-9,300 sqft. The submission states: “The proposed Canadian Tire store includes a mezzanine racking storage system. This racking storage system is specific to Canadian Tire and allows for an efficient warehousing solution within an urban retail store setting.”
Vaughan St, Parkhurst Blvd would be extended to Wicksteed
The draft plan of subdivision would extend little known Vaughan St and Parkhurst Blvd to connect with Wicksteed Avenue. Right now the streets are stubs off Vanderhoof Ave and Laird Dr. Parkhurst will perhaps take a sharp turn to the right and run behind the boarded-up ruins of the former Four Seasons Auto Repair on the corner of Laird and Wicksteed. That property is owned separately and continues its unsightly wait for redevelopment. Just when that might happen is unknown. Perhaps this century (or not).
