5 Things That Could Replace the Vacant Chapters Near Square One in Mississauga

After Sherway Gardens welcomed its nearby Chapters (which then rebranded as an Indigo) into the shopping centre itself–following in the very smart footsteps of the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale–we had an inkling that, someday, the Rathburn Road Chapters would move into Square One.

Back in the fall of 2018, we found out that the location was indeed closing and moving into Square One. In mid-February, that brand new Chapters—which is now an Indigo—opened its doors.

But while the Indigo move is an exciting one (one that we’re sure everyone will appreciate even more when the Christmas season begins), an important question lingers: What will become of the vacant Chapters location just across the street?

Since there’s no word on what’s coming to the area (yet, at least), we decided to come up with a list of things we’d like to see in the space in the not-too-distant future. 

*Note, none of these organizations have indicated that they’re coming to the Chapters location. This is just our “wishlist.”

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5) A Furniture Store

The Square One area is one of the most vibrant–and fastest growing–in the city. Believe it or not, a whopping 46 new condo towers have been proposed for the area–and one of those towers (which will be part of the M City development) will stand at 80 storeys. With more residents moving into the area, it would great for the neighbourhood to welcome another furniture store to accompany the nearby Crate and Barrel. While some might wish for a small IKEA or even a modern Brick or Bad Boy, a more boutique store–think Urban Barn or West Elm–would also be a great fit.

4) A High End Fitness Facility

While some people might think a boutique fitness facility like Barry’s Bootcamp or SoulCycle would do better in Lorne Park or Port Credit, they’re probably mistaken. The city has more than taken to the upscale Lifetime Fitness facility (the parking lot is always packed, even during the day) and would no doubt be interested in a more luxurious workout that’s tightly focused on one particular exercise (such as spinning, in the case of SoulCycle). While the space is likely too large for just one SoulCycle or Barry’s studio, parts of it could certainly be used to house a unique (and boutique!) workout space. On the flipside, the location could also be used to house a more mid-range or affordable gym.

3) A Huge New Restaurant or Cafe

This might seem like an odd choice, as Square One is about to welcome The Food District, so residents will have no shortage of dining options. But people will want to eat at trendy and standalone restaurants, and there’s no such thing as too much food. As the neighbourhood develops, it shouldn’t be afraid to move away from big box offerings and further diversify its offerings–especially as the area attracts more students and workers. What might work? A boutique coffee shop like Dineen in downtown Toronto, a resto with lots of craft beer and delicious food like King Taps (also in downtown Toronto), or a cool two-floor joint like Sud Forno. A giant resto or unique cafe taking up the vast space would be very interesting–and exciting.

2) A Standalone Art Gallery

The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM), located inside of City Hall, is a fantastic gallery that offers engaging exhibits, inclusive events (including LGBTQ-friendly and drag queen storytime events and a thrilling annual auction. With City Centre slated to undergo even more urbanization–which will be helped along by the incoming Hurontario LRT project–the gallery could probably stand to move into a bigger space that’s easier for residents to see from the street. With a little more space and even more exposure, it could attract a wide array of people who will be happy to know they don’t have to go to Toronto to enjoy high art.

1) A Transit Hub

This area is already home to the City Centre Transit Terminal, but with the LRT coming and the city moving forward on its massively ambitious Downtown 21 plan (which is, in essence, an enormous redevelopment plan for the area that will turn it into a truly urbane downtown core), it would make sense to use the Chapters lands to build a shiny new transit terminal in partnership with Metrolinx (which will be building and operating the LRT). Think of a gorgeous, modern indoor transit station that allows riders to board the LRT, GO and MiWay buses in comfort. Something with food and style and comfortable seating. We know it would work, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see this wishlist item become a reality.