For some time now, the FCC and the WBIA have been examining the proposed changes to zoning requirements on the ‘big box’ complexes at Clappison’s Corners. In simple terms, the application – citing changes to the retail landscape – seeks to remove all restrictions on all the big box properties – including a 5,000 square foot restriction won when the FCC and the WBIA launched an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) several years ago.

After meeting with representatives of the Flamborough Power Centre and hosting a Business Roundtable on the topic, the FCC Board of Directors considered the application at its meeting last week. It reached the following tentative conclusions (tentative to allow further discussions with the WBIA which has already voted to maintain the 5,000 square foot restriction):

• (a) A restriction on smaller stores should be maintained for 10 years
• (b) Perhaps the smaller-size restriction should be reduced from 5,000 square feet to 2,500 square feet
• (c) Smaller-sized stores would be permitted on a ratio of 20 percent of new ‘big box’ units constructed (ie: if a 20,000 square foot store is built and occupied, up to 4,000 square feet of smaller retail units would be allowed with no restrictions)