In response to the proposed Wal-Mart expansion, the Owen Sound Downtown Improvement Area would like to express the following concerns:

Firstly: we would note that the proposed expansion is not just a 39,000 square foot addition to the existing store to facilitate adding a grocery store, it will also include another 12,000 square feet that is added by enclosing the garden centre which will add to the available space within the existing store for department store type merchandise,  making a total of 47,000 additional in-store square feet.

Secondly: the Official Plan Section 4.4.2.9 a) iv. states that, “proposed development will not undermine the economic viability or planned function of a significant commercial component of the Downtown or impair the function of a designated commercial district as identified in this Plan.”

The proposed 39,000 square foot + expansion is larger than the current A&P store which has 31,400 square feet. This proposed development WILL have a significant impact on at least one commercial component of our downtown and that is the A&P store. The potential loss of this store would have a serious impact on the viability of our downtown. We have spent the last few years since the Big Dig regenerating our downtown to make it a viable business area for merchants and shoppers alike. The loss of any business will affect the rest; the loss of one of our larger stores will have a greater impact. There are many people living in our downtown who do not have their own transportation and rely on the A&P store for their groceries. Part of the rebuilding of our downtown core has been to encourage people to locate downtown. We need the mix of commercial and residential in our core to maintain a sustainable community.

Thirdly: another concern we have is in regards to the vacancy rate calculated by Wal-Mart for the downtown. I do not think that the 4% vacancy rate given can have taken into account the Shoppers Drug Store on 2ndAvenue East that is now vacant, nor does the study include the space created by the new Shoppers Drug Store which has been built on 1st Ave. West andwhich includes a food element as well. Both of these are considerable changes that have occurred since Wal-Mart prepared their document.

I would also note that while there is reference made to the Foodland and No Frills grocery stores on the western edge of the city, absolutely no mention is made of the vacant retail properties in that area. I am referring to the old Marks Work WearHouse property and the former Zellers store beside Foodland. While these properties are technically outside of our city boundaries, the potential filling of those spaces will also have impact on the retail and commercial mix of our city and should be taken into account as well.

And finally,  although there is no mention made of employment in the area anywhere in the study, I would think that the closing of the PPG plant will have some impact on the shopping dollars available to be spent in our community.

In summary, The Downtown Improvement Area is very concerned about Wal-Mart’s application to expand its retail space. We have many empty stores in our downtown and the loss of the downtown grocery store would devastate our downtown community.

[Delivered by Sue Carleton at the December 1, 2009 City of Owen Sound Council Meeting]