http://www.mississauga.com/news/article/1254642--residents-urged-to-fight-big-box-stores
Residents urged to fight big box stores
Port Credit residents must fight to keep their community an "urban village" that doesn't get destroyed by big box and franchise stores, a panel of architectural and design experts told a gathering this evening.
The Town of Port Credit Association (TOPCA) held its annual general meeting tonight at Clarke Memorial Hall, bringing in a panel to discuss the theme "Whither Mainstreet Retail."
Oakville architect Alexander Temporale, who has a long history of helping communities with downtown revitalization and urban design, spoke to the crowd of more than 150 about the "mainstreet" experience in Oakville and the role of city planning in protecting mainstreet character.
He said Port Credit must avoid the big companies, such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Home Depot.
"They really don't care about community. They're not a local operator. They're a franchise," he said. "There is no sense of village atmosphere. They're interested in. sucking up all the business they can."
Temporale's rallying cry was topical, as two American retail giants are battling it out to open a store in the Port Credit/Lakeview area, much to the dismay of many area residents and businesses.
Residents learned earlier this month that that both Target and Walmart are vying for a prime piece of land on Lakeshore Rd. E., just west of Cooksville Creek.
The plan, presented by Trinity Developments, which owns the 14.5 acres of land at the northeast corner of Lakeshore Rd. E. and Enola Ave., is to open either a Walmart or a Target as part of a phased, mixed-use development. Trinity has yet to file a formal application with the City of Mississauga regarding the development.
Temporale urged residents to "be firm" in their vision of making Port Credit a distinctive place that retains "its village identity."
"People aren't coming here to see Shoppers Drug Mart," he said. "They're coming to see something they haven't seen before, something different."
Temporale said like Oakville, Port Credit is taking some positive steps, such as providing ample open spaces, such as the area around 10 Restaurant.
He said more must be done, such as creating more low-scale development and more cyclist-friendly and pedestrian-oriented sections.
"A lot of people still see Port Credit as more urban than village," he said. "There are enormous pressures on historic downtowns when it comes to development."
Ellen Timms, general manager of the Port Credit Business Improvement Association, said the BIA re-branded itself recently in an effort to "reach out" and attract more people to Port Credit.
Instead of focusing solely on the lighthouse and waterfront, the BIA wants to push the area's excellent dining and food establishments and vibrant night life.
The BIA's new slogan is "Port Credit: always on, always electric."
"We know we're not a shopping mecca, but we're real and authentic," she said. "We know Port Credit is a distinctive place compared to modern shopping areas."
lrosella@mississauga.net
