High commercial rents are forcing independent businesses off Toronto's Roncesvalles Avenue, a process that locals say will make the quirky commercial strip look just like any other street in the city. Large, well-financially backed companies will be able to afford these leases and slowly more corporate and less independent businesses will move in," he said. Gord Perks says commercial rent controls would help municipalities protect independent businesses in popular shopping areas. Gord Perks, who represents Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park, says he's concerned about the street losing its independent businesses and traditional character. "Over the last couple of decades we have seen commercial rents start to put that more and more at risk," he said.

Source: CBC News December 01, 2022 13:39 UTC