| Shoppers Drug Mart facing opposition in Kensington
A proposed new Shoppers Drug Mart in Kensington is not receiving a warm community welcome. The 870-square-metre development would be located just east of 14th Street S.W. at 1430 Kensington Road, directly across the street from Telstar Drugs, a smaller independent pharmacy that has served the community for many years.
Scott Lazenby, a 17-year resident of Kensington who is campaigning against the development, says it will be appealed by members of the community association and the Kensington Business Revitalization Zone, as well as many residents. A petition protesting the plan has gathered more than 2,500 names.
A Development Appeal Board hearing was initially scheduled for January 11, but it will now be taking place February 8.
Lazenby says Shoppers Drug Mart doesn’t fit in Kensington, where people come to shop in the unique boutiques, to enjoy a cup of coffee, and just to walk around.
"There is a real character about it," he adds. "This project flies in the face of that."
Lazenby explains that the building is too large – five times the size of Telstar – and it would increase traffic and congestion problems in the area. He describes Kensington as a community built for people, and suggests that Shoppers is more suitable in communities that have been built for cars.
"I consider what Shoppers is doing as extremely predatory," he says, adding that Telstar Drugs may not be able to survive the competition. "I think that would be a real shame."
He also claims that the company stated it would not build in a community where there is no public support.
"We’re trying to show that there is no public support."
The spokesperson for Shoppers Drug Mart could not be reached for comment prior to deadline. |
