Scarborough parents are mobilising against a proposed cannabis store they say would open directly in front of a busy school bus zone, raising concerns about child safety in a family-centred neighbourhood.
The proposed cannabis store at 108 Corporate Drive, near Scarborough Town Centre, would be the 363rd weed shop in Toronto. Although the store meets zoning requirements, residents are urging the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to reject the application.
Parent Qudsiya Siddiqui, who lives in a nearby condo, expressed concerns about the store's impact on the neighbourhood's character. "Having this kind of a store, this kind of environment that it brings with it, is just something we're all very concerned about," she said, noting that the area directly across from the proposed site is a park where families regularly gather.
Multiple school buses stop immediately in front of the proposed storefront on school days, resulting in children gathering in close proximity to the site before and after school, according to a letter submitted by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood) to the AGCO. Ainslie urged the commission to "give due consideration to the character of the neighbourhood and the potential impact on children and families when reviewing this application".
Beyond concerns about the store itself, some parents worry about customer behaviour after purchase. They expressed particular concern that customers could leave the store, walk across the street, and smoke cannabis in the Lee Centre playground directly opposite, despite smoking and vaping being prohibited in playgrounds.
"It just makes the area feel less safe, I guess, because it will bring people in who are interested in that sort of drugs or whatever," said Chad, another concerned parent. After seeing the AGCO application notice, Siddiqui rallied other parents to submit concerns to the commission.
