With due respect, what kind of stores are there that are targeted towards the seniors? What posters are there that are appealing to the seniors? Did you really think that the mall was built with seniors in mind? And these seniors, they unfortunately have to use this mall for what? Buying a genuine leather designer handbag? Or a new pair of 500 dollar shoes? Or maybe get an urgent spa treatment? Mind you, I have only been there a few times, that too past midnight to have a game of soccer with the friends from the masjid (there is a field in the middle). I can only imagine what kind of people will frequent that place during “business” hours. So there, I hope that it clarifies your concern of the mall being unsuitable for seniors.
Now, are we concerned about the "type" of mall or the entire fact that a mall has been made. When I read the title, I thought it was an article about, "where is a multi-faith center in the brand new mall?" Does this mall reflect the conclusion of multi-ethnicity studies? Canada should be adapting and should accommodate the growing influx of immigrants. More than likely, they are people who practice their religion - until of course they too are contaminated by the glitters of what is around us. Brother, more important issues are around us that have to be addressed. When a Muslim goes to a place, he doesn’t look at how the place has been conveniently/inconveniently built until he sees if it can accommodate the basics of Deen. If all is draped in black, and there are no billboards, all is best. But I am talking about the basic-basic things, maybe start with a multi-faith center where he can observe his prayers. I am not asking for a dedicated prayer room for Muslims – though that is nice.
Brother, I still address you due respect, youngsters like us have a strong responsibility, the responsibility of safeguarding our Faith. The task of conducting practicality and feasibility studies of such places are best done by engineers and environment/urban planners.
Answer to, “Shouldn’t we Muslims take the lead and play a role in a good design of a facility that is suitable for all ages?” is a different topic in all.
Allaah Knows.

Ok Anas, a few points and we will end this discussion:
The article wasn’t indeed about *not* having high end stores – neither of us pointed that out.
Your point on “whole earth is a place of prostration” :), we will skip it for ease of discussion.
Now, it seems we were just talking out of opinion: let us bring in some numbers for a better understanding; I have attached the link for Statistics Canada for the population demographics of the area <a href="http://www.toronto.ca/demographics/cns_profiles/2006/pdf1/cpa42.pdf"> Banbury-Don Mills (42)</a>. I don’t know if you regard 23% of the total population as “highly populated”. With an error bar of 50%! This is where we have difference of opinion, and I will respect yours. Muslims stand up for whatever cause it is, as long as it is their right and permissible within shari’ah and I admire that you too will. I will even stand-up for the religious rights for anyone as long as they do not induce harm to people in the society and does not violate the fundamental requirements of Islam.
Secondly, in the area of Don Mills and Lawrence, Google returns only one senior’s apartment. According to an article of a local expert from the link, “These neighbourhoods are served by 7 elementary schools, 1 Catholic elementary, 1 private school, 2 public high school and 2 public libraries. Flemingdon is served by 2 elementary schools, 1 Catholic elementary, 1 public library, and 1 public high school.” Such an urban planning only superimposes the demographic study shown above. Therefore, this area is not highly populated by seniors.
Your point of retired seniors having more money, I will respectfully disagree. Seniors are most financially savvy, but not the richest. I realize they are those who are in the last third of their careers (not retired), but I am talking from fellow engineers’ profession. Not to mention international students – and there are many! You may certainly have some information which I don’t.
Lastly, if this mall was indeed designed to cater for the seniors in the community, which according to you “highly populate” the area, please do hit a search for the kind of stores located in the shopping mall. Maybe little inexpensive café would be good? Is there any?
Your article was about the mall being unsuitable for the use of seniors. My point was, “was it even made for the seniors?” If it was not, then why not have something that will cater for all kinds of visitors [not just “shoppers”] there? Which they have remarkably failed to achieve!
If you were indeed talking about unsuitability for seniors, maybe you should have spoken about the stores in the mall, the affordability, accessibility and *then* the practicality. Did you even know that there is no TTC service to the Don Mills Shopping Center? This is from TTC website outlining <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/403/Map.jsp">Route 403</a>. It is around it, but not through it. It is like you are complaining about the behemoth roller coaster not adequately designed for seniors. Anas, was it even made for them? Neither was this mall. If you want to raise the issue that the entire concept of mall was not designed for all people, then I am sure we would have been reading a different article that would not only include seniors but also play centers and care giving centers for children and toddlers.
And yes Anas, it is not always about us. In fact, the Islaam is about the entire humanity. Muslim is about the entire humanity. A point very well conveyed and I couldn’t agree more. I strongly felt the article was indicating at a certain another perspective.
Thank you for your time. Keep up the good job! :)