A Toronto strip plaza that has existed for less than a decade is already on the chopping block to support urgently-needed housing, but the city councillor representing the area is crying foul and trying to drum up local rage in an attempt to save the businesses from redevelopment.
Ward 6 York Centre councillor James Pasternak is appealing to area residents to resist a planned development at 75 Billy Bishop Way that would see the current 2017-opened strip plaza razed to make way for five residential towers.
Proposed in April 2025, the plan is now entering the public consultation stage, typically the point in the City’s planning and approvals process when things can get a bit turbulent.
Pasternak took to social media with a rallying cry to “save our shops,” inviting locals to an information session about the proposed development, calling the existing businesses “vital” to the community.
So, what is Pasternak so up in arms about?Â
The former lot at 75 Billy Bishop Way was developed by Build Toronto and opened as the “Shops at Wilson Station” less than a decade ago. In addition to a few independent businesses, the main draws to the plaza as of early 2026 are Jolibee, Starbucks, Beer Store, and Osmow’s locations.
Pasternak does not mention in his social media posts that the proposal would replace a large portion of existing retail space, planned to include over 1,992 square metres of new retail compared to the approximately 4,500 square metres housed in the current complex.
Anyone with their eyes on the development radar screen would have been entirely unsurprised when the project was first proposed in mid-2025. Located just steps from a subway station and a stone’s throw from Highway 401, the strip plaza was considered a placeholder for future development when construction began in the mid-2010s.
Prior to the recent closure of Downsview Airport, building height caps were imposed on surrounding neighbourhoods that prevented any major intensification of the site. With the airport now closed and height caps eliminated, the site immediately south of the former airport’s runway has been unlocked for major up-sizing in density.
A few area residents have commented on Pasternak’s message to the community, including one user who, perplexingly, wondered why a land owner should be able to develop property they own, writing, “Those are fairly new retail shops. Why would this be allowed???”
Another commenter argued that councillors like Pasternak were not doing enough to thwart development of housing…so that they can have an easier time parking?
“The city took away parking to build condos people can’t even afford. What voice will our community have since your councillors not from our community are dictating and taking more taxes?”
Pasternak will present more details about the proposal to area residents in what is sure to be an eventful public consultation session on Monday, March 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Norbert Catholic School, 60 Maniza Rd.