Kool Stuff Toys

By Tanya B

The ongoing dishonesty of Reno-victions that has not just affected residential spaces…it now includes small and commercial spaces. This lack of moral ethics has intensified community uncertainty and has left residents feeling shafted by city counselors. I spoke with local business owner Jeff Smith of Kool Stuff toys and collectibles on 847 King st east about this problem.

How have you been during our Covid times??

I have been ok..like many people trying to stay afloat. Covid has taken its toll on everyone economically, emotionally, and socially. But it’s also a global transition we all are experiencing.

How is business? Challenging. The current building owners are trying to get the tenants and businesses to vacate their spaces by using renovictions as motives and legally getting away with it. The Developers that own my building own many others and have used the same tactics to get their way…renovictions and or demo-victions.

How long have you been in business? It has been 24 years and 16 years in this location.

Have you talked to anyone about your situation? I have voiced my concerns with City hall on zoom and our ward councilor by email. I just feel like I’m not being taken seriously, I feel like City hall is ignoring the community for profit.