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SmartCentres is bringing the Lunchbox Challenge to the bustling SmartVMC lands at Highways 400 and 7 in Vaughan, continuing the cross-country effort to recognize frontline construction workers. The August 18 initiative saw SmartCentres REIT distributing wrapped lunches purchased from the family-owned and operated Via Panini restaurant in SmartVMC to crews who are building a first-of-its-kind-in-Canada Walmart Supercentre scheduled to open at the end of October.
The SmartVMC masterplan has been unfolding around Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station, the northern terminus of the TTC subway's western leg and the beginning of the University line, a 43-minute ride to Union Station. The modern and mixed-use city centre, built from the ground-up following holistic design principles, is integrating its buildings with a plethora of open and public spaces, with a pedestrian-oriented approach implementing an urban-minded vision.
A central nine-acre park designed by world-renowned landscape architect Claude Cormier + Associés will be the heart of the neighbourhood. Transit Square, adjacent to the KPMG Tower and equivalent in size to Yonge-Dundas Square, is a gathering place designed to host an array of special events and concerts. Additional public spaces are provided by informal areas situated between the buildings, enhanced by patios, benches, and ambient lighting.
The comprehensive development has so far produced the 365,000 ft² KPMG Tower and a 225,000 ft² tower occupied by PwC offices, with a state-of-the-art YMCA facility, library and studio space forthcoming. Two soaring 55-storey condominium towers, Transit City 1 and 2, are nearly complete and have begun occupancy. Transit City 3 is under construction, and excavation is proceeding for Transit City 4 and 5 and SmartVMC's first purpose-built rental tower, developed by SmartLiving.
The current Walmart location is adjacent to the Transit City complex, but had proved insufficient as plans to redevelop the area emerged. SmartCentres, who has forged a very strong relationship with Walmart as anchor tenants in their unenclosed shopping centres, worked collaboratively with the retailer to provide an optimal location for a new store.
SmartCentres played a key role in bringing Walmart to Canada, a relationship that has only been strengthened by time. As the street network within SmartVMC is expanded to support an urban public realm, the relocation of Walmart serves as an example of how the built form is being rearranged to maximize the potential of the community.
The future 140,000 ft² Walmart features highway access and exposure and will include a 10,000 ft² eCommerce fulfillment centre, and drive-thru pickup facility—the first of its kind in Canada.
Moving Walmart to its new location frees up the previous site for increased residential density, allowing SmartCentres to continue with its plans for SmartVMC, Vaughan's 100-acre new city centre.
SmartCentres is continuing to grow and diversify its portfolio by introducing condominiums and rental properties, retirement homes, offices, and self-storage uses to its vast real estate assets. From shopping centres to city centres, intensification is proposed at major retail hubs in Pickering, Barrie, Thornhill, Alliston, and beyond.
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