Province washes hands of commercial rents
Monk Boulevard is not one of the city’s star business streets, but even so, landlords are hiking commercial rents while the province washes its hands of any responsibility.
On Facebook, Peter McQueen reports that McWhinnie’s bicycle shop in NDG has to close because its lease is ending and it can’t meet the new hiked rent. It’s been in existence since 1930.
Chris 11:43 on 2025-03-23 Permalink
That CBC article is full of feels and devoid of actual data. How much was their rent? By what percentage is it going up? Seems absolutely basic to the topic, and it’s not there.
Tee Owe 15:11 on 2025-03-23 Permalink
Bought my bike from McWhinnies, still riding it 25 years later
MarcG 15:39 on 2025-03-23 Permalink
I also bought my bike there around 25 years ago! Everyone used to say they were dickheads and ripoff artists but without any evidence. For me, it was a convenient location and a decent price.
jeather 20:03 on 2025-03-23 Permalink
I found they were overpriced and, indeed, jerks — there might have been a sexism issue — but there was never a quality issue.
Ian 23:01 on 2025-03-23 Permalink
Too spendy for me but still a shame. Bike bros are often dicks and that reputation McW had wasn’t undeserved… but still. A bike shop is a useful thing, and it probably won’t be replaced by a friendlier, cheaper one.