Shop to get the boot
[attach]579[/attach]Leaside resident D’Arcy Blais used to joke with the owner of Bayview Express convenience store at the lottery booth. They would say there’s not a whole lot of winning going around, just whining.
Now residents have a real beef. The beloved convenience store is to close when its lease is up on July 31, but not without a fight from the Bayview and Millwood neighbourhood.
McSorley’s Saloon, just a few doors from Bayview Express, began a petition to show support for William, the shop’s owner, and possibly sway the landlord to keep the eight-year establishment.
The shopkeeper declined to comment on the situation but property owner Maria Pyzyna said she is justified in wanting to cut ties with her current tenant.
Pyzyna, who lives above the convenience store, said she often couldn’t sleep due to noise coming from the store throughout the night.
She also noted economics is an issue.
“The rent is next to nothing,” she said. “I am losing money.”
Pyzyna said there were other problems that transpired between her and the tenant that those petitioning to keep the store do not know.
Pyzyna confirmed she does plan to rent the space in the future.
The petition that started last week has now received over 300 signatures, according to Blais.
Blais said it is amazing how the community has rallied together.
“It’s pitched at an emotional level,” he said. “They just don’t want to see the guy go.
McSorley’s owner Simon Hanlon agreed.
“William is a real sweetheart,” he said. “He works very hard, his customer service is fantastic … you walk in and he’s always got a smile.”
“It almost feels like a small town,” Blais added. “To see that in downtown Toronto is pretty neat.”