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Deputy Mayor/Councillor Mahoney's Statement
This plaza has the potential to be a destination for world-class food from around the world – a place we should all be proud of. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and I want nothing more than for the businesses at the Ridgeway Plaza to succeed.
But, this success cannot come at the cost of public safety. That’s why we have taken steps to increase enforcement at the site, put in place hefty fines, and now secure an injunction order from Ontario Superior Court. Street racing, illegal fireworks, large gatherings of thousands of people in a space that can’t support them, and loud music into the early morning hours is not safe and disturbs thousands of neighbours around the plaza. This space was not designed for large gatherings and all the challenges they bring.
As the local Councillor, I have always tried to bring people together, to find consensus, and develop solutions. There’s no reason this plaza and the local neighbourhoods can’t exist side by side in peace. But without cooperation from the plaza owners, which has not happened to date, this is not possible. I hope we can find common ground moving forward, continue protect public safety at the plaza and in the local community, and one day soon, promote this place a destination for global cuisine.
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