St-Henri business accused of gentrifying neighbourhood pushed out by high rent

The owner of a St-Henri neighbourhood clothing boutique accused of helping to gentrify the neighbourhood says now even he can't afford the rent.

Tony Campanelli, owner of Campanelli Clothing, says his lease is up and his landlord wants to double the rent so he's closing up shop.

The adjacent sandwich shop, which he also owns, will stay open.

Campanelli says businesses with big money behind them are noticing the increasing popularity of the neighbourhood, and landlords want to take advantage.

"For an independent individual, it's tough keeping up with the rent and broken windows," he told CBC News.

Campanelli Clothing is one of several businesses that have been part of the changing face of Notre-Dame Street over the past few years, bringing a well-heeled clientele into the area.

But that success hasn't come without a backlash.

Campanelli's store and other businesses along the strip have been a frequent target for vandals.

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But it hasn't put a stop to the changes in the neighbourhood.

Tim Hortonsrecently moved in and Campanelli predicts other big chains will follow suit.

He admits there's an irony that stores like his would make way for big chains.

"Tim Hortonsis the bestbecause they can sell their coffees cheap, but for the mom-and-pop shops who have to charge $3 to make a living we're being pushed out."