The block between Maple & Arbutus and Broadway & West 10th has been a contentious one for a long time now. Some time ago, Home Depot bought the land with plans to develop a 72,000 square foot store. The neighbourhood, however, was of a different mind, and rose up against the plans. This eventually led Home Depot to put the land back up for sale.
The lease for the IGA and the Liquor Store are about to expire, and a few weeks ago a development application notice was erected. Within a day or so, said notice had already disappeared, leaving just the frame, that has now sat empty for weeks.
Through the grapevine, we have now been told that another big-box retailer has swooped in, and Wal-Mart will start the development of its new store by this summer.
[UPDATE: We don’t pretend that we managed to fool too many readers with this story, but hope we managed to strike a moment of fear in a few. Happy April 1st.]
Last modified: April 1, 2009
Oh noes!
Let me see…. what day is it today? Good one though.
Nice one! I did hear that the Gap was moving into the old Coast Mountain location on 4th though.
Thank God it’s April 1st. I was just about to let out a blood curdling scream – “noooo….!”
Target I could handle. Walmart, no.
I am a bit late, but, wow, I was perching way too far towards my screen with this one. You completely got me, make sure you include the disclaimers ASAP. Otherwise, emotional distress!