Vancouver

Since the Feb. 1 closure of London Drugs at Woodward’s in the Downtown Eastside, or DTES, there is a 27,000-square-foot retail hole in the Vancouver neighbourhood. Mayor Ken Sim is suggesting it be filled with a police training centre.

London Drugs’ president and chief operating officer, Clint Mahlman, previously said that vandalism, crime and violence in the neighbourhood led to the decision to close the store.

But a business group and several neighbourhood organizations say what the neighbourhood needs is affordable retail, not more police presence.

“When an anchor retailer like this leaves the community, especially one that’s very important, it affects foot traffic, access to basic goods, it impacts overall street activity, and it has those ripple effects for small businesses and residents,” said Landon Hoyt, executive director of the Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association.

“If we’re considering a policing training centre here, can we slow down the process to really understand: is that the best use?”