London Drugs announced that its Vancouver Downtown Eastside location will shut down on February 1, as confirmed by the company’s President and COO, Clint Mahlman. The decision to close the pharmacy and retail outlet situated in the Woodward’s building was reached due to persistent issues of vandalism, theft, and violence directed at both employees and customers. Mahlman expressed that the financial burden of ensuring safety and security for staff and goods had become unsustainable over the years, leading to millions in losses since its opening in 2009.
Despite the commendable efforts of the Vancouver police in enforcing safety measures in the area, Mahlman stated that the current situation in the Downtown Eastside was unlikely to see significant improvement in the near future. The closure will impact 90 employees, who have been offered positions at nearby stores.
Vancouver Councillor Peter Meiszner, a resident of the area, described the closure as “devastating news for the community,” emphasizing the importance of the store as one of the few affordable options available locally for services like the pharmacy and post office. The closure underscores broader challenges in the neighborhood, including public safety concerns and inadequate support for mental health and addiction issues among residents, who may now have to travel farther or rely on higher-priced convenience stores.
Jess Ketchum, co-founder of the Save our Street Coalition, expressed that the store closure was not unexpected, given longstanding apprehensions about the area’s safety and security. Ketchum highlighted the need for comprehensive care for individuals with mental health issues, including detox, treatment, and recovery services. The coalition, consisting of prominent retailers, has been advocating for sustained efforts to address crime and disorder in the neighborhood.
Maggie Lord, president of the board at the Carnegie Community Centre Association, lamented the closure’s impact, particularly on seniors and vulnerable residents who relied on the store’s services, including the Canada Post location. She emphasized the critical need for collaborative solutions involving community groups, businesses, and authorities to address housing shortages and enhance support systems in the area for lasting improvements.