A rent hike in the heart of Kensington Market could force out several long running businesses

The leases in a building at the centre of Kensington Market expire May 31, which could mean big changes for the eclectic area. The property on the northeast corner of Baldwin and Augusta and extending to 200 Baldwin Street houses five business, including the Casa Acoreana food shop and cafe, whose owner has already said that he can’t afford the landlord’s new rent. Realtor Philip Pick, infamous around Kensington Market for an unsuccessful attempt to bring in a Starbucks, is handling the deal and says he may once again reach out to large chains. “The decision is in the hands of the landlord,” he says. “I just expose it to the open market so that the landlord can make the best possible decision.” The landord had better choose well: a Second Cup that came to the area several years ago was met with such a frosty welcome from locals that it closed after only 6 months. [h/t Toronto Star]