Honest Ed's was Toronto's first, and largest discount store, serving for decades as the store for poor immigrants. As the footprint of "downtown" expanded, its location next to a subway station became irresistible for redevelopment. This is a compilation of archival footage, reminisces, negotiations at city hall (to build "affordable" rental housing rather than condos), and some of the demolition and reconstruction.
There were also people affected directly. Beyond the store itself, there was a nearby area of houses that was also owned by the Mirvish family, that was used for art shops and the like downstairs, and rental accommodation upstairs.
The combination works very well as a tribute to a landmark institution, as its land value eventually led to its evolving to another use.
There were also people affected directly. Beyond the store itself, there was a nearby area of houses that was also owned by the Mirvish family, that was used for art shops and the like downstairs, and rental accommodation upstairs.
The combination works very well as a tribute to a landmark institution, as its land value eventually led to its evolving to another use.
