The mall opened in 1962 as a plaza and was anchored by a Woolworth's, a Zellers store, a Steinberg's and a Simpsons, which later, in 1991 became a Hudson's Bay.[3] Renovations to Cedarbrae Mall would soon replace the original anchors, and bring a larger Zellers store, as well as additional retail space to the east and west sides of the mall. A No Frills, Canadian Tire, Toys "R" Us, as well as a renovated food court area and both an upper and lower floor were the next few major events for the mall.
In August 1996, the mall was acquired by the Centrefund Realty Corporation.[4] At the time of purchase, Centrefund announced it would begin expansion and renovation with a total redevelopment budget of approximately CA$20 million.[4] The Canadian portion of Centrefund changed its name to First Capital REIT Corporation in 2001.[5]
In 2012, the Zellers store was acquired by Target, but later sold to Walmart Canada and opened as Walmart in late 2012.[6][7] A Jysk store also opened around this time, to the west of No Frills, which is not part of the actual mall.[8]
During mid-2013, the mall went through major renovations done by Cinric Construction, which would include the full replacement of the interior and exterior lighting, automatic and energy-efficient washrooms, floor and ceiling finishes, a repaved parking lot, an enhanced food court, and the rebranding of the mall. By late 2013, most of the work was completed, with the exception of final touches such as carpets and mall seating. The food court, named Food Emporium, finished renovations slightly later.[9]
Walmart closed permanently on January 31, 2019.[10] Mall management said the former Walmart store will be filled by new tenants in Fall 2023.[11]
Incidents
On December 9, 2008, a 21-year-old victim was taken to hospital after he received a knife wound to the neck at around 4:15 pm. The suspect, 21-year-old Jamaal Williams, was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.[12]
On June 3, 2017, Rehab Dughmosh, believed to be wearing an IS (Daesh) bandanna, was arrested after attempting to attack people with a knife outside the Canadian Tire.[13][14]
^Matteis, Stephanie (June 6, 2017). "RCMP national security team, Toronto police investigate an incident at Canadian Tire". CBC News. Archived from the original on June 6, 2017. Rehab Dughmosh, 32, has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, assault, uttering threats, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of possession of a weapon. [...] Without waiting for the judge to begin, she said: "I am pledged to the leaders of the believers, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi," referring to the leader of the Islamic State.
