Owen Sound Council is holding their breath on a decision to expand Walmart.
A motion to defer voting until the next council meeting was carried 5-3.
Councillors Deb Haswell, Arlene Wright and Jim McManaman were opposed.
McManaman says council has been discussing the issue for 3 months, and feels putting it off is unnecessary.
Councillor Tom Pink introduced the motion, saying council should take a second look before approving the 39 square foot addition.
Pink says council and city staff will review past reports and some last minute information presented by A & P.
Metro Ontario Inc, which owns A & P and Food Basics sent a letter to City Hall late yesterday afternoon.
Metro asked council to defer their decision until they can meet with city staff to discuss issues they’ve found with Walmart’s market study and the peer review.
Tim Lawlor from Metro claims the studies used incorrect sales figures and store size assumptions for both the A & P and food basics.
Lawlor adds that an expansion to Walmart would put A & P at a serious risk for closure.
Council needs to approve an official plan and zoning bylaw amendment before Walmart can expand it’s grocery department to 35 thousand square feet.
City Staff will meet with Metro Ontario Inc, review data presented in the peer review, and market study by Walmart – and present the information at the next council meeting (March 2nd).
