Updates on the development at 227 Gerrard St. E. and the proposed 7,000 sq. ft Beer Store

On February 23, 2022, local residents, members of the Cabbagetown HCD Advisory Committee, members of the Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association, the developer (Stafford Homes), a representative from The Beer Store, City of Toronto Transportation and Councillor Wong-Tam, met to do an on-site community meeting about the proposed plans.

Our goal was to walk through the plans and highlight areas that are of concern…from ensuring the building respects the heritage of our community to creating a retail strip that is animated and community minded.

Here are the asks we put forward to developer and The Beer Store:

1. Reduce the size and location of The Beer Store

• want to see the size to reflect the urban environment the store will be located in
• want a Beer Boutique at this location (Beer Boutiques are typically around 3,000 sq. ft. and is a model that prioritizes urban living.
• we asked for clarification on whether or not this location will accept returns
• asked for the beer store to be centred with a retail space at each side

2. Traffic Flow

• want to see two way traffic north of the rear laneway on both Ontario and Seaton St. (in the current plan only Ontario becomes a two-way street north of the new laneway that will go in behind the development
• want to see bump out green medians on the south side of the beer store laneway that prevent delivery trucks from turning south on both Ontario and Seaton (i.e. they must turn north toward Gerrard St. E. after deliveries)

3. Laneway Safety

• we raised a number of concerns with design elements that will create safety issues
• emphasized that the laneways in South Cabbagetown are heavily used by pedestrians and should therefore have enhanced design elements that reflect this (i.e. proper lighting, minimal alcoves, beautification, etc.)
• stressed to the developer that they need to think of this building as one which requires 360° design

4. The Cabbagetown HCD Advisory Committee has also sent a detailed letter with a full list of considerations and recommendations regarding finishing materials and design elements.

We’ll keep you updated as this process continues and any future public meetings that happen. So far, the developer has been receptive and open to our feedback.

Photo Credit: Developer – Stafford, Architect – RAW Design Inc.