Locals are trying to stop McDonald's opening in Toronto neighbourhood

A historic corner in Toronto will soon be home to a new tenant, but not everyone seems to be too thrilled about who's moving in.

Earlier this month, blogTO reported that the space at the southeast corner of Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue is set to become a McDonald's location, and now, a local community group is petitioning against the opening.

The Riverside Community Group launched the petition after building applications confirmed that the restaurant space at 709 Queen St. E. will become a McDonald's with seating for more than 30 people.

The upcoming opening is just the latest switchover to occur at the historic corner. The space was home to the Real Jerk Restaurant for 22 years before it was forced to close in 2012, only to return later at Gerrard and Carlaw. Brickworks Ciderhouse then took over the space and operated there for six years before ultimately closing in 2024 as well.

The corner's latest change comes just as the Riverside Community Group argues that the area's independent businesses are a vital component of its identity. In the petition, the group describes the Queen and Broadview intersection as a "historic gateway," anchored by landmarks like the Broadview Hotel.

The campaign points to the number of independent businesses that have disappeared from the area over the years, including burger joint Dangerous Dan's, which closed in 2017 after 18 years in business.

"These neighbourhoods have deep roots. Leslieville grew from George Leslie's 1850s nurseries and brick-making industries into a working-class village, later annexed by Toronto. Today, it remains a '15-minute neighbourhood' where residents live, work, and shop locally," the petition reads. "Independent businesses are central to that livability."

The group says the neighbourhood's character still faces threats from conglomerates like McDonald's and other fast-food restaurants.

"This decision not only jeopardizes the unique identity and charm that our area is known for but also undermines the painstaking efforts of small business owners who have devoted their lives to offering valuable services tailored to local needs," the petition continues.

"Besides economic implications, our neighborhood's [sic] liveability is at stake. Fast-food outlets are typically associated with increased traffic, noise pollution, and often, littering, all of which can tarnish the peaceful environment we cherish."

The petition has amassed over 130 signatures at the time of this article's publication.