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London Drugs Considers Leaving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Amid Safety Concerns

The Downtown Eastside of Vancouver is facing a significant challenge as London Drugs evaluates the possibility of relocating from its space within the Woodward’s building when its lease concludes in October. This development poses a potential setback for the low-income residents who rely on the pharmacy.

Clint Mahlman, president and chief operating officer of London Drugs, expressed a desire to remain in the area but affirmed that ongoing challenges have created limits on their ability to continue operating there. “We want to stay here, but there are limits to what we can endure,” he stated in an interview with Global News.

London Drugs initially embraced the vision put forth by the City of Vancouver and the province when it became the anchor tenant of the Woodward’s redevelopment project in 2009, hopeful that the combination of market condos and social housing would enhance the community. However, Mahlman indicated that the anticipated increase in housing density has not materialized as expected.

“While there was hope for the first couple of years, it’s been a real struggle,” he noted. The challenges are underscored by incidents of violence, including a recent attack at the store’s entrance, where a man attempted to assault staff with a pipe and subsequently made death threats. This incident highlights the ongoing safety issues that plague the area.

Safety and Security Concerns

The individual involved, 43-year-old Tye William Lawr, has an extensive criminal history in British Columbia and was arrested by the Vancouver police. Following charges of mischief, threats, and assault, Lawr was released, exacerbating concerns about employee safety. “There’s no worse feeling in the world in management when you can’t protect your employees,” Mahlman remarked, underlining the gravity of the situation.

Residents of the Woodward’s building have echoed these concerns. Betania Victor, a local resident, articulated the feeling of unease pervasive in the community, stating, “The region is not safe. When I go to the stores, I feel the employees here are very brave.” Despite efforts to implement security measures, the higher rates of violence have made it increasingly difficult for staff to manage daily operations. Mahlman also pointed out that customer foot traffic is declining as individuals no longer feel secure in visiting the location.

London Drugs has suffered significant financial losses during its tenure, reportedly over $10 million in the past 15 years, which raises questions about the stability of retail operations in a demanding environment. Nearby businesses, like JJ Bean and TD Bank, have also faced challenges, with JJ Bean shuttering its doors in the summer of 2023 and TD Bank exiting last year after repeated vandalism.

According to Jeremy Omand, vice-president of the Gastown Residents Association, “When a big tenant like London Drugs has had it with the neighborhood, it sends a message that it’s difficult to do business here.” This sentiment is reiterated by local residents who emphasize the importance of retaining anchor businesses in the community.

David Day, a longtime resident and musician who gathers with fellow neighbors in the Woodward’s atrium, expressed the vital role London Drugs plays in the community. “If London Drugs left here, it would make a big hole in the community that I don’t know who could fill,” he lamented. There is a growing frustration regarding the lack of accountability for repeat offenders, an issue that Mahlman believes is affecting not only Downtown Eastside but urban areas across the province.

As Vancouver’s government faces increasing pressure to address these concerns, Mahlman concluded, “We’re at a crisis point, and if the government doesn’t act soon, we’ll lose our downtowns, just like what we’ve seen in the U.S.” With discussions ongoing, the future of London Drugs in Vancouver remains uncertain, leaving residents and stakeholders anxious about the implications for their community.

Source
globalnews.ca