Toronto locals are weighing in on whether a west-end pizzeria is causing increased traffic and garbage in the area, after a local group called out the restaurant for disturbing nearby residents.
The conversation was sparked after the city decided to scale back on a project that would allow for more commercial shops to open in residential areas, after a local organization spoke out about issues with the proposal, including increasing traffic and garbage in the areas.
According to the city, Toronto is currently expected to receive at least 700,000 new residents by 2051. In order to accommodate the significant growth, and keep the city accessible and walkable, the city is introducing a series of initiatives as part of its Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON).
Part of the project includes the EHON Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study, which proposes some Zoning By-law Amendments (ZBLAs) that would allow more small retail businesses, services and offices in residential neighbourhoods across Toronto.
Last week, the Planning and Housing Committee voted on a smaller-scale version of its original plan, which limits new retail businesses within major streets near residential neighbourhoods.
CONCERNS ABOUT MORE RETAIL BUSINESSES IN NEIGHBOURHOODS
During the meeting, Nicole Tataj, who represented the Beaconsfield Village Residents Association spoke out against the project, raising concerns about popular west-end restaurant Pizzeria Badiali, including complaints about increased traffic and garbage on the streets in the area.
“Definitely, Pizzeria Badiali is a huge issue. It has been an issue for the church across the street, which had to block off their stairs because of garbage issues, and there’s lineups down the block, and it definitely had adverse impacts on the neighbours that live close by,” Tataj said at the committee meeting.
“That’s exactly an example of a destination business that not only attracts people from Toronto, but internationally,” she added.
In addition, a local survey organized by Coalition of Toronto Residents’ Association (COTRA), found that 90 per cent of polled residents are opposed to expanding small retail shops to interior neighbourhoods, while 77 per cent are also against keeping the expansion to major streets.
Now Toronto reached out to Badiali for a statement and the establishment said it will not comment on the issue at this time.
Meanwhile, Ward 9 – Davenport Councillor Alejandra Bravo told Now Toronto that despite the criticism, she has not received complaints from local residents about the pizzeria specifically. However, the councillor points out she has heard concerns about traffic congestion and noise in the area.
“I am supportive of updating rules for the responsible operation of corner stores, local shops, and other businesses in neighbourhoods, as they contribute to walkable communities and important local economic development,” she said in an email statement on Tuesday.
“While Davenport residents are generally supportive of neighbourhood services and retail, I have heard from some residents who have concerns regarding disruption from noise and traffic, which my team and I are committed to working with communities to address.”
LOCALS WEIGH IN
Local resident Julian tells Now Toronto that he has not seen any issues related to Badiali despite long lineups, which he says are common across the city.
“[Pizzeria Badiali] is a Toronto staple. And I think anyone that’s complaining about it needs to realize they live in a city and, like, [if] they don’t want that, they can move to Aurora or somewhere smaller, but this is actually what we should be encouraging and not discouraging. I think this whole discourse needs to be just like taken in the context that you live in Canada’s biggest city,” he said on Tuesday.
Another resident, Christine Cousino, says she has seen increased foot traffic near the pizzeria, but says she enjoys having the restaurant in her neighbourhood.
“I’ve definitely seen lots of foot traffic because of it. But honestly, if you can’t beat them, join them…I hate driving, my car collects dust. I love being able to walk to all my favourite places in the neighbourhood,” she added.
Meanwhile, local Emma Campbell recalls seeing garbage in the area, but says she doesn’t have an issue with that.
“It can get busy at the corner, like I have seen maybe a little bit of excess garbage, but it’s just because of how many people are eating there. I don’t know, I’ve never personally had a huge problem with it,” she said.
“Honestly, I feel like no matter what, there’s going to be traffic in this area at this point, it’s just a busy city. So, I don’t see the reason for canceling [the project], just because I think there’s always going to be a large volume of people around here.”
Meanwhile Chris Hudkin says he has no issues with the restaurant, which he thinks brings a cozy vibe to the neighbourhood.
“It would be so sad if Badiali wasn’t here. They feel like a neighborhood staple,” he said. “Their place feels homey and like a neighborhood spot. I think they make good pizza.”
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