There is a new Waterfront issue that has emerged with the expansion of Polson Pier in the east end of the harbour, on the site previously occupied by The Docks nightclub.

The new development will be even bigger and more invasive than the Docks. Some are calling it the “world’s largest nightclub.” One person described it as “the old Docks nightclub multiplied many times over.”

Ken Greenberg, a prominent urban planner and expert on Waterfront developments, says this proposed nightclub is of a scale that threatens the Waterfront more than any previous attempts to inject outsized developments (such as a jet airport, casinos, Ferris wheel etc).

The opposition to this new development includes Islanders led by Lynn Robinson and the Island Noise Committee. In the past they opposed the Docks nightclub because of persistent violations of the noise bylaw. They are gearing up to fight the new nightclub.

A new group called “Waterfront for All,” headed by Ed Hoar, oppose the new nightclub and will be leading the fight. Other neighbourhood opposition groups include the Toronto Island Residents Association, York Quay Neighbourhood Association, Code Blue, West Donlands, Gooderham Woorts, the Queen City Yacht Club, members of NoJetsTO, and CommunityAIR.

Councillors Pam McConnell and Paula Fletcher both oppose the project.

There will be hearings on the application by the Licensing Appeal Tribunal Offices at 20 Dundas Street West, Suite 530. (This is the Atrium building on the northwest corner of Yonge and Dundas Streets.)

Eight days of hearings have been set aside.

February 9, 10, 13, 14

March 20, 21, 30, 31

These hearings are open to the public. Neighbours are urged to attend and make your views known to the Tribunal.