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On March 14, 2008, an article in Winnipeg Free Press announced that the planned opening of book retailer McNally Robinson in the new retail development had been postponed by Cadillac Fairview from October 2008 to April 2009. Click here to read the article, which focuses on the planned closing of McNally's store in downtown Calgary. The announcement of the delay comes at a time when Phase Two of Cadillac Fairview's redevelopment plans for the Don Mills Centre site is on the agenda. The monster plans for the redevelopment in Phase Two include:
These monster plans contravene the Central Don Mills Secondary Plan, which calls for change in the community to be "managed in a way that retains and enhances the [once] existing character of the area. It also promises that "...no building or structure will exceed 8 storeys." There are several other specific points in the Secondary Plan that are also violated with this development, which effectively destroys Don Mills. We continue to advocate adherence to the Don Mills Central Secondary Plan in the redevelopment. We are particularly concerned about the health and safety of residents in the Don Mills community. There are two specific issues that deserve attention: 1. Traffic concerns (pedestrian, automobile, cyclists, etc.) 2. Environmental issues (pollution, trees, wind tunnels) The aging demographic of the community is being left to die out. We feel that for Don Mills to continue to prosper as a vibrant community, we must continue to cater to all people--young and old, healthy and disabled--at all income levels. We have specific concerns regarding the future of the medical building at 75 The Donway West, and the lack of covered meeting space for the residents. Excessive Urbanization The Don Mills Centre redevelopment is an example of excessive urbanization. It represents uncontrolled growth without consideration and proper care for the residents. The transportation infrastructure and the environment are afterthoughts in the development planning of the area. The new multi-level parking garage and the huge number of residences being added will cause traffic congestion and pollution, and will be a safety hazard for young and old. A traffic impact analysis for new condominium residences indicates that each condo unit generates 5.86 car trips per unit per day. For Don Mills, this would mean 7,618 trips per day resulting from the new development. Even if we assume that each unit has just one car making only one trip each day, this would mean 1,300 more cars on The Donway every day. Add this to cars moving in and out of the parking garage to shop at the new centre. How will children, seniors, and our disabled community members navigate this maze of traffic? Click here to read a Toronto Board of Health report on traffic.
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