Province to sell and close LCBO Queens Quay store

Guess the province knows when it's sitting on a condo-related goldmine. The Ontario government has announced it plans to shut down its LCBO store on Queens Quay (2 Cooper St.), as well as its adjoining head office and warehouse, and sell the land. The plan, according to a release, will "unlock value from more than 11 acres of waterfront real estate in downtown Toronto."

The Ontario government plans to use the cash to fund new infrastructure in the province. (Maybe they'll use the cash for Rob Ford's fantasy subway!) However, it looks like all those folks living in the waterfront condos of the future will still have a place to stock up on booze.

Ontario's request for proposals requires prospective buyers to "provide LCBO with a new head office facility and downtown retail store to lease for the relocated Queens Quay store," with a stipulation that the retail store must be in the Queens Quay area.

Photo by Grant D in the blogTO Flickr pool.