The problem with Ridgeway Plaza

Mississauga strip mall has become a foodie haven and a big headache for nearby residents

- By Noor Javed

Omar Rais said he likes Ridgeway Plaza, but also recognizes that it emphasizes "clasic" car-oriented Mississauga sprawl. "This plaza is a reflection of poor planing, and a poor use of space –especially when you think of what this could have been," he said.

Like many Mississauga residents, Omar Rais has a love-hate relationship with “Ridgeway Plaza,” a strip mall turned mega food court that has served up an endless buffet of troubles for the city.

Rais says he visits the plaza at 4700 Ridgeway Dr., officially called Erin Mills Centre, at least twice a week to grab Yemeni coffee, hang out with friends or check out one of at least 70 diverse eateries that have turned an average suburban strip mall into a destination for foodie tourists from across the country.

Rais said while he’s a fan of the multicultural “food market,” he also sees it has become a victim of its own success, drawing thousands of visitors every weekend from across the GTA, as well as turning into a late-night gathering spot for local residents. Its popularity has turned it into a nuisance for those living nearby, a safety hazard for pedestrians and drivers — and a relentless headache for the city.

Many question who was responsible for allowing a plaza to be built so poorly — with few road signs, no setbacks and steps away from residential neighbourhoods — and for approving such a high concentration of restaurants in one place. And now, they wonder, who is ultimately responsible for bringing peace and order back to their community.