The closure of the London Drugs at Woodward’s is deeply felt.
For many people in our neighbourhood, it wasn’t just another retailer — it was an accessible place to buy everyday essentials, fill prescriptions, and meet basic needs close to home. When a long-standing, community-serving business leaves, it creates a real sense of loss and uncertainty.
At the same time, moments like this ask something of us.
They ask us to pause, reflect, and consider what comes next — not just for one storefront, but for the future of our neighbourhood as a whole.
Safety and economic vitality go hand in hand
Over the past several years, there has been significant public investment in safety in the Downtown Eastside by the City, the Province, and the VPD. Those investments deserve time and careful evaluation to understand what is working, what isn’t, and how outcomes can be improved.
But one thing is clear: safety alone is not an economic strategy.
Healthy neighbourhoods are built on balance. Just as we wouldn’t plan an entire block with only one type of retailer, we shouldn’t imagine a future where entire blocks are dominated by a single use or function. Streets feel safer and more welcoming when they are active — when storefronts are open, people are coming and going, and there are reasons to be there beyond enforcement.
Closed doors don’t make streets safer. Open, active places do.
An opportunity to reimagine
The former London Drugs space is large, prominent, and centrally located. That makes it a challenge — but also a rare opportunity.
Could it support affordable, everyday retail again? Could it become space for local entrepreneurs to start and grow? Could it house arts, culture, or a mix of uses that bring people into the neighbourhood for positive reasons?
Cities across North America are grappling with how retail is changing. The answer isn’t to cling to what no longer works — or to accept vacancy as inevitable — but to plan intentionally for what can thrive next.
Why community voice matters
At the Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association (HxBIA), we’ve recently completed research that points to practical, evidence-based solutions for strengthening the local economy. One thing those reports make clear: more closed doors are not the answer.
Strong neighbourhoods are shaped by people — by the residents, workers, business owners, and community members who know what’s missing and what’s needed.
That’s why we’re inviting you to share your ideas.
Below this post is a simple form where you can tell us what you think would best serve this space and this community. There are no right answers and no predetermined outcome — this is about listening, learning, and building a clearer picture of what people want to see.
Looking ahead
The loss of London Drugs is real. But whether this moment becomes another chapter in decline or a turning point toward a more balanced, resilient neighbourhood depends on the choices we make next.
Safety matters. So do open storefronts. So do opportunity, access, and economic vitality.
We believe the future of this space — and this neighbourhood — should be shaped with intention, creativity, and community at the centre.
We hope you’ll add your voice below or over on our Instagram @hxbia.
