Then there's that revolutionary concept known as the delivery truck. Remember that? There was a time when the big stores – Eaton's and Simpsons – all had their own fleets. In those days, few shoppers even considered schlepping home anything larger than a breadbasket. And let's not forget the IGA on Danforth at Pape, which to this day has no parking on its premises.

Clearly, the time has come to bring back the delivery truck, and Eastern Ave. could be a perfect place to start. Of course, the Wal-Marts would have nothing to do with such a concept, but being Toronto's first green shopping centre, Wal-Mart wouldn't be wanted anyway.

Shoppers would walk or cycle to the centre, make their purchases, then walk or cycle home. The goods would show up later. Now that's convenience.

"We think delivery is a great idea," says Smith, who also points out that, "this is a huge evolution for us. None of us has a lot of urban experience."

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