After several posts on the subject, I’ve decided to take some action. Since I don’t want to see my town centre become a big-box frankenmall, I’ve officially joined the Friends of Don Mills, the most vocal group in the community protesting Cadillac Fairview’s decision to change the face of North America’s first planned community with an “outdoor lifestyle centre.”
Now, I have to admit: I do feel a little awkward joining this group. In Seinfeld terms, I’m like Kramer, running for president of Del Boca Vista (Phase II), while Morty Seinfeld plans to use his son’s friend as a puppet leader. But is this the reality of my current situation? Not even close.
Over the last week, I’ve had the chance to meet and speak with some of the group’s members and there’s nothing underhanded or overly political happening behind the scenes with this campaign. In fact, Simone Gabbay, the group’s leader and official spokesperson, is an amazing communicator, who keeps everything open and transparent. And even though I don’t agree with all her views (I’m actually quite relieved they razed the old Don Mills Centre — it almost kept me from buying in the neighbourhood), we both believe Cadillac Fairview’s current plans don’t even come close to accomodating and serving the needs of the community.
As part of this campaign, I hope to convince CF on the following:
- The NEED for a covered or partially covered shopping area. Don Mills is not southern California.
- Less parking; more people. I want to feel safe when strolling my daughter through the town centre.
- Despite what you may think, design can make all the difference. If you’re looking for some design inspiration for the new Don Mills Centre, take a look at some of the subway stops on the Sheppard line. Making it look a little “googie” (thanks to Dave LeBlanc for the definition) while looking forward with some glassy, post-modern touches, will do wonders for the community AND Cadillac Fairview’s reputation as a forward-thinking developer.
No need for a fight, guys. We can work this out. If you really want one, though, look out.
2 responses so far ↓
David Jones // January 19, 2007 at 11:35 pm
I hope you’ll video some meetings and put them on youtube for us? I played hockey at Don Mills Arena, worked at Japan Camera in Don Mills Centre, married a Don Mills resident, bank at the Don Mills RBC branch. While I technically never lived in DM, I sure spent a lot of time there…and still do.
Kam // February 1, 2007 at 1:29 pm
I’m 33 and was born and raised in Don Mills. I have a lot of nostaglia for the old mall.
Looking at it objectively though, the mall had become a decrepit eyesore and did nothing to complement the local architecture. More importantly, I doubt I ever spent more than a few hundred dollars at the mall over the course of a year. The nature of retail has changed so much since the early 1990s that I doubt anything other than a really gargantuan “destination” type enclosed mall would ever turn a profit for the developer/owner.
I dislike CFs plans for the site as well. I am particularly put off by the high density, high rise housing that will proliferate. Still, I can’t come up with an idea for the site that would make good business sense but still be congruent with the architectural and community ideals that spawned the DMC back in the 1950s.
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