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'There is the opportunity to do more': Vancouver wants input on neighbourhood corner stores

What should the future look like for community grocers? Here's how to have your say.
Brendan Kergin
Brendan Kergin
little-cottage-grocery
The corner of East 11th Avenue and St Catherines Street in Vancouver was once the home to a corner store called the Little Cottage Confectionery and Grocery. Here's a look at the building in 1965 and 2020. The City of Vancouver is now asking locals for feedback about corner stores in their neighbourhood.John Bentley/Vancouver Now & Then and Vancouver Archives

Convenience stores. Bodegas. Depanneurs. Minimarkets.

Corner stores are one of the most basic parts of a city; as a community spreads out and people live further away from commercial centres, the need for a quick, convenient place to walk over to to get a basic household item, salty snack, or sweet treat grows.

They're also, often, small, independent, family-run businesses well integrated into the neighbourhood they serve.

In the 1920s the city estimates there were 260 such stores spread across the municipality, but due to a variety of changes, they began to decline.

More recently new shops have opened up, and places like the Federal Store, Mercato di Luigi, Le March St. George, and Rise Up Marketplace are new or revamped versions of the classic neighbourhood grocer. The City of Vancouver says 88 businesses are considered corner stores now, with 40 per cent of those acting as grocers.

Now the city is asking locals what the future should look like for community corner stores.

"Over the last few decades, there has been a renewed interest in supporting corner stores," states the city on its site. "Some small changes to zoning regulations have been made, but there is the opportunity to do more."

In a press release, the city states it recognizes the role the stores play in the community, as "distinctive neighbourhood" spots where people can socialize, as well as being a part of a "diverse and vital local economy." Therefore, they have some questions.

"Should the City allow more types of small-scale shops and services in residential areas? asks the city on the survey page. "If yes, what types of businesses should be allowed?"

An online survey is open until Oct. 10.

A series of six pop-ups will be held as well: