Opinions divided on The Sweet Potato’s potential move to Vine Avenue

"We feel blessed to be an integral part of the community," he said at a community meeting held Thursday evening at West Toronto Baptist Church.

The consensus among the dozens of residents there, however, was that the proposed 1,670 square metre organic grocery store would add to the existing traffic congestion, flow issues and parking on an already narrow street. Yet, community members were divided when it came to their opinion on the proposed new location of the grocery store – some were dead set against the move while others were open having such an amenity in their midst.

"We never realized this would upset people," Dorfman told the capacity crowd.

The new grocery store would have a floor space of 11,000 square feet and could have a parking lot of as many as 109 parking spaces – this has yet to be determined.

"We’re here to listen to what you have to say. We want to do everything we can to work with Vine Avenue residents," said Dorfman. "We think our new store will only add to the community."

A grocery store can be permitted on the site with the zoning bylaw amendment and a "satisfactory" traffic study, according to Toronto City Planner Derek Waltho. Added the applicant’s planner Lucila Sandoval, "the zoning does not permit retail so we’re applying to add a retail component."

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George Tougas, who lives on Pacific Avenue at Vine Avenue, just steps from the proposed grocery store, pointed out that there is no entry onto Vine Avenue from Keele Street between 4 and 6 p.m. and wanted to know how this would affect customers and residents.

"We’re overwhelmed already," he said.

Dorfman said that according to a survey completed by more than 550 customers, as much as 55 per cent walk, many ride their bikes.

Members of the Vine-Pacific-McMurray Community Alliance, a local advocacy group, voiced their opposition to the grocery store, citing traffic, safety, noise and parking as well as its proximity to Vine Avenue Parkette where lots of children take advantage of the playground.

"I see kids run out onto the street from the park," said one. "It’s a narrow street for the volume of traffic."

Dorfman assured residents that the store will restrict its deliveries to after 9 a.m. and before 6 p.m., saying that The Sweet Potato only gets three to six a day and that trucks are not much larger than a cube van. This will not change if the new store opens, he said.

City representatives said that traffic calming measures are an option and Parkdale-High Park Councillor Sarah Doucette said a traffic study is underway, separate from the 108 Vine Ave. proposal.

Amid the questions and concerns, one resident said he was confused by the opposition to the grocery store.

"It baffles me – usually, people move to be closer to a grocery store," he said.

Rob Playter, a 20-year resident of McMurray Avenue, said that once upon a time 108 Vine Ave. used to be home to a grain mill and there used to be a gas station at Vine and Pacific avenues.

"Things are so much better now and you’re upset about a grocery store," he said.

If you would like further details, email city planner Waltho at dwaltho@toronto.ca or Doucette at councillor_doucette@toronto.ca