Petition aims to save Le Marché St. George as city bylaw may force its closure

Part general store, part café, this cozy little nook, nestled in a residential area, on the corner of St. George Street and East 28th, Le Marché St. George has become a sanctuary of sorts for local residents.

This Friday, December 11, City Officials will potentially restrict Le Marché St.George’s outdoor and indoor seating and their ability to serve food. Due to outdated city bylaws defining what a “neighbourhood grocery store” is, Le Marché St. George can longer operate like they have for the past five years.

Le Marché St. George is not only a neighbourhood grocery store that specializes in local artisanal products and freshly baked goods (the store shelves are lined with local ingredients, products and irresistible treats), it is also a gathering place and a home. Proprietors, wife and husband duo Janaki Larsen and Pascal Roy, live above the store with their daughter.

The restrictions would effectively close Le Marché St.George because the community-minded business would not be able to generate enough revenue to remain open.

An online petition urging the City to re-consider its decision has been set up and continues to gain supporters by the minute.