Mavety Milk Mart and Junction Gentrification

Post submitted by Martin L. the Junction Residents Assoc.  development group leader

2881 to 2887 Dundas Street West which is better known as the Mavety Milk Mart to locals and The William Rowntree Building to historians is undergoing a Zoning Review.  The building application proposes to convert 3 offices on the 2nd floor to a yoga studio and convert two apartments on the same level into one. The 1st floor and partial 3rd floor will not be renovated under this proposal.

Originally built in 1901 this historic building is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.  The renovation of the site continues a trend in the Junction of creating new employment space along with combining smaller apartments into one large unit.

The employment and new business is always welcome but the larger apartments are a sure sign of gentrification.  While these new apartments are a great place to live they have the unfortunate side effect of displacing the former tenants who inevitable leave their community for cheaper accommodations.

This Thursday at the JRA meeting I’m leading a discussion on urban development in the Junction.  The focus will be on stabilizing development and creating a plan for our ever evolving community. Come out and voice your opinion and help shape the Junction.

JRA Community Meeting

September 17th 2009, 7pm to 9pm

West Toronto Baptist Church (across from Axis)

3049 Dundas Street West