Over thirty Owen Sound residents attended a public meeting last night to discuss a possible expansion to the east side Walmart.
If Council approves the zoning bylaw, Walmart will add a 40 thousand square foot addition to the existing store.
The expansion would include a fresh and frozen food section, wider aisles, re-configured cash registers and a 12 thousand square foot enclosure to the garden centre.
The food section in Walmart is currently 5 thousand square feet.
The proposed new grocery and produce section would cover 35 thousand square feet.
Robert Howe, a lawyer representing Walmart Canada Corporation made a presentation to Council and the public.
Howe outlined the proposed changes, and a market study that was prepared by Walmart.
The market study looked at the impact an expansion would make on local businesses, grocery stores, and development in Owen Sound.
Howe says the study showed a demand for food retail in the community — and felt an expansion wouldn’t jeopardize grocery stores in the area.
Sue Carleton, Chair of the Downtown Improvement Area expressed concerns that a grocery store in Walmart could negatively effect business at the downtown A & P.
The market study conducted by Walmart also showed a 4% vacancy rate for businesses in the downtown.
Carleton questioned the accuracy of the information presented in the market study about local businesses.
Council will discuss some of the issues brought up at the public meeting.
The market study will receive a peer review from Owen Sound staff, and will report back to council January 2009.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners says they will share information will the public every step of the way.
