Wal-Mart divides Winona

To one resident it's the giant that will lead Winona to the future. To another it's a blight on the landscape that threatens to destroy the rural community.

Saviour or scourge, Wal-Mart is dividing the tiny hamlet best known for its peach festival.

Hamilton's planning committee deferred a controversial proposal yesterday that would bring an $85-million commercial complex, including the big-box store, to a vacant plot near Fifty Road and the QEW.

Councillors want the project's backers, Mady Development and PenEquity, to conduct more studies before signing off on the development that promises $1 million in taxes a year and 1,300 jobs.

But the deferral, if approved by council, could send the proposal to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Agent Ed Fothergill said his clients are disappointed with the decision and weighing their options.

"Hamilton presents itself as open for business," Fothergill said. "They've basically told these investors go away, do more work."

But for many in Winona, sending away the approximately 440,000-square-foot complex is the goal.