Are Loblaws and David's Tea killing Church Street?

The big names on the block are now David's Tea, ACME Burger, Second Cup, and, of course Loblaws. And longtime Church and Wellesley institutions — Reither's Fine Foods and the Barn, to name a couple — have packed up and left, taking a little independent character with them.

And with neighbourhood gift shop Flatiron's set to close its doors in March, it looks like rising rents and encroaching chains might change the Village for good.

According to a feature by Xtra Canada, residents are worried that the recent influx of corporate franchises is having an eroding effect on Village culture. Some have noted the relative disappearance of rainbow flags, while others have gone so far as to say that franchises are "ruining" the community.

Indeed, from a economic consumer perspective, the area is thriving just as much as ever. But does it come at the expense of neighbourhood character? Loblaws, you ho, this is all your fault.