In Toronto’s east end, the riverside neighborhoods of Leslieville and Riverside have long been defined by their independent shops and historic main streets. At the corner of Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue, the gateway to the east end, this local character faces pressure from a changing landscape.

Queen and Broadview is a Historic Gateway. 
This intersection is anchored by the landmark Broadview Hotel, a Romanesque Revival building that signals entry into Riverside and Leslieville . But it has also been a flashpoint for change. When the independent burger joint Dangerous Dan's closed in 2017 after 18 years, it was seen as a symbol of the corner’s transformation, a local institution replaced when a corporate chain bought the building . As one local business owner noted, small independents are often “just nibbling on the edges” while larger players dominate .

These neighborhoods have deep roots. Leslieville grew from George Leslie’s 1850s nurseries and brick-making industries into a working-class village, later annexed by Toronto . Today, it remains a “15-minute neighborhood” where residents live, work, and shop locally .

Independent businesses are central to that livability. Arts Market, founded in Leslieville before expanding to Riverside, provides space for local artists and vintage vendors a model that supports creators directly . These are the businesses and landmarks that give the area its distinct flavor.

Now our beloved neighbourhood is facing a threat from conglomerates like McDonald's and similar large fast-food chains eager to set up shop on a prominent historical corner. This decision not only jeopardizes the unique identity and charm that our area is known for but also undermines the painstaking efforts of small business owners who have devoted their lives to offering valuable services tailored to local needs.

Evidence from various studies indicates that the presence of large fast-food chains in historical neighborhoods leads to a decline in local business revenues and can dramatically alter the landscape of the area. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a community's economic capacity can be profoundly affected by the influx of such multinational companies, which often drive local businesses to closure due to their competitive pricing strategies and extensive marketing reach.

Besides economic implications, our neighborhood's liveability is at stake. Fast-food outlets are typically associated with increased traffic, noise pollution, and often, littering, all of which can tarnish the peaceful environment we cherish. Moreover, the uniformity they bring diminishes the historical architecture and cultural heritage, turning unique precincts into faceless urban zones.

We have the collective power to shape the future of our neighborhood by advocating for sustainable growth that prioritizes the survival of local businesses and preserves our community's historical and cultural essence. Let's urge our city council to reconsider granting permission for these large chains to establish here, protecting our neighborhood's unique flavor and supporting the very businesses that define our community fabric.

Sign this petition to show your support for our local businesses and to help preserve the historical integrity and unique character of our beloved neighborhood. Let us stand together to keep our community thriving with the charm and warmth it is celebrated for.