Forest Hill Village has seen an influx of chains replacings its unique restaurants and small businesses in the past several years. As rents begin to rise, some worry about the changing nature of the historic area. The local councillor suggests it is a sign of prosperity.

Former Sotto in the Village manager Elena Galata laments the changing character of the Village. “It’s becoming just a place where you just pass by,” she said. Galata managed Sotto in the Village at Spadina and Lonsdale before the restaurant closed its doors earlier this summer.

According to Galata, management and the landlord were unable to renew a lease that satisfied both parties.

Other businesses that have left the village include Irwin’s Hardware, which became a Blockbuster and then an Aroma Espresso Bar; The Southside has been replaced with an outpost of the Hero Burgers chain; and Hope Street Café, which closed for renovations with a promise to reopen in late 2012 and never returned. After re-opening in 2008, the Village Restaurant closed once again, Parker’s Dry Cleaning has been replaced with an LCBO and the signage for the Village Idiot Pub remains at 392 Spadina Rd. despite the building being empty for more than three years.

Coun. Joe Mihevc said that large retailers in the area will usually be a factor in driving up rent for businesses. “When rent is high, it squeezes out the kinds of retailers and businesses where the margins are narrow,” said Mihevc. However, he said that high rent for such areas can also be a positive.

“It means that, in Forest Hill Village, the landlords are able to command a higher rent — that shows that it’s a desirable area.”

Restauranteur Barry Chaim, who owns several local restaurants, including Edo-Ko on Spadina, said that it’s up to the businesses to put themselves ahead of the competition. “I don’t think it’s about the brand, I think it’s what they offer inside the stores,” said Chaim.