Sprawl

Planning Committee Defers Winona Big-Box Proposal

By RTH Staff
Published June 03, 2009

The Spectator reports that the city's planning committee voted yesterday to defer a decision on whether to approve a proposal to build a 183,000 square foot Wal-Mart, plus almost 200,000 square feet of additional retail and over 3,000 parking spaces on land that is currently zoned for industrial employment use.

The proposal violates provincial Places To Grow legislation, but developer spokesperson Ed Fothergill argues that the original application for the plan went to council before Places To Grow came into effect.

Last year, council ignored the recommendations of city planners and approved converting the land from employment to retail. As a result, staff currently recommend approving the developer's proposal, albeit pursuant to further studies on how it will affect traffic, water management, transit access, and so on.

Councillor Brad Clark argued that this is backwards, and that the studies should be conducted first before council approves the plan. The committee agreed, with only Councillor Dave Mitchell opposed.

Fothergill suggested it's not fair to ask the developers to spend money on studies without a commitment from the city that they will be approved, and hinted that the developers may appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board.

4 Comments

View Comments: Nested | Flat

Read Comments

[ - ]

By Frank (registered) | Posted June 03, 2009 at 10:40:56

AAAH, the refreshing aroma of a developers pile of crap!! Approval before conducting studies? I think not! Big box development has to be stopped and simply because some developer hoodwinked council into rezoning the land doesn't mean he should get cart blanche to develop enother Stupid Centre. I'm seriously sick of this and so are most people I talk to. I sure hope council stands up for once...

Permalink | Context

[ - ]

By grassroots are the way forward (registered) | Posted June 03, 2009 at 11:24:13

Why do we need another Walmart in our area? It is not like this company pays living wages that would contribute to our community in lifting the working poor out of poverty.

How many stores do we need, it is simply ridiculous. Where are the jobs that people need? If Green is the way to go, why no effort to get companies that produce and promote green products/ideas, here in Hamilton?

Anyways, food security is an issue in our community and here we are covering up farmland, that could be put to use in growing food to feed the people. It is outrageous that we have a lobby group that is that the end to be all, that thwarts others ideas in sustainable living and jobs in our community.

Permalink | Context

[ - ]

By Wally (anonymous) | Posted June 03, 2009 at 13:38:55

So Grimsby residents need a new Wal Mart?
Here's a solution: BUILD IT IN GRIMSBY!
There's a bunch of sprawl land avaiable near that sprawling Loblaws Superstore & Rona!

There are already 2 Wal Mart's to service this area: Upper Stoney Creek & Eastagte Square (soon to be Centennial & QEW) so a Wal Mart Fruitland & QEW is just rediculous? Is Wal Mart fast becoming to the Tim Horton's? Will there be one at every corner? Better make sure they're Drive-Thrus!!!!

Permalink | Context

[ - ]

By mikeonthemountain (registered) | Posted June 03, 2009 at 18:32:59

Who needs farmland? Walmart sells groceries!! oh wait ...

Permalink | Context

View Comments: Nested | Flat

Post a Comment

You must be logged in to comment.

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds