College And Yonge

The north-east corner was where Baroli Cafe, the CAA, and the Flight Centre used to be found. They are immediately moving out to make room for Shopper’s Drug Mart’s takeover of one of Toronto’s most important intersections. Shopper’s will make a big appearance being visible at this corner. Now it can join Tim Horton’s and Starbucks as a corner store. While Shopper’s used to be tucked away a little north of College on Yonge, there is no doubt their fluorescent lights will shine brightly on new cosmetics counters. The question is, will the many small convenience stores survive? There is no doubt, the small stores are where customers can go in and out quickly without being enticed to by something more. From way back, I remember Laura Secord used to be where Baroli Cafe is. Demolition has started immediately. Brown packing paper cover the windows. Baroli’s signs have been torn down. Baroli’s yummy but pricey sandwiches will be missed. Where do we go now if we want a local alternative to Timmy’s and Starbucks?

With 4 new condo towers coming up in the vicinity, I think this place will become very busy. The human traffic probably went down since the hockey team left Maple Leaf Gardens, but this already busy area is sure to have a come back. It is already a busy intersection being close to the university and at the subway entrance.