Developer Bows in Downtown Toronto Big Box Battle

Torontonians who have been fighting a Walmart in Downtown’s belovedly indie Kensington Market neigbourhood appear to have won their battle against a goliath developer. A revised development proposal features significantly scaled-down retail units.

1 minute read

February 17, 2014, 5:00 AM PST

By Kasper_O_Koblauch


“Kensington Market appears to have won the war against Walmart,” write Bruce Laregina and Tara Perkins.

The 2012 development proposal for a site on the fringe of the Kensington Market neighbourhood—regarded as a gem by Torontonians and tourists alike—created a waves in Kensington and beyond. The introduction of Walmart was seen by many as a threat to Kensington’s eclectic collection of independent shops and bohemian character.

“’We pushed back hard on this,’ said [Councilor Mike] Layton, who has advocated against Walmart for nearly two and a half years. ‘The pressure put on Walmart and [the developer] RioCan from our community backed them off from putting it in our area.’”

The updated proposal features an anchor unit only half the size of the original, incorporates office uses as well as retail, and allows for wider sidewalks via greater setback.

“The proposal still has to pass through city council, but Mr. Layton said he is ‘cautiously optimistic.’”

Thursday, February 13, 2014 in The Globe and Mail

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Bright car headlights with glare at night.

Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety

Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.

15 minutes ago - Vox

Coronavirus Driver

Study Links Covid and Poor Driving

The effects of the virus, including ‘brain fog,’ can make driving more difficult and dangerous.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Streetcar and bus stopped at station on Market Street in San Francisco with Ferry Building visible in background.

Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street

If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.

April 16 - San Francisco Examiner