For more than half a century, 93-year-old Florence Boyd-Graham has lived in the Oakridge Acres community -- and for more than half a century she's enjoyed its park-like setting.

But Sifton Properties wants to build a five-storey office building there -- on open space at the southwest corner of Riverside Drive and Wonderland Road -- and Boyd-Graham isn't happy about it.

"If the municipal government approves it, then they're really out to lunch," said Boyd-Graham, one of 40 attending a rally at the site.

"I hate to be vulgar about it, but it's ridiculous and it freaks me out."

Monica Jarabek of the Oakridge Riverside Community Association agreed.

"This corner is an important piece of the puzzle of the parkland area. There is no other commercial development this close to the river except downtown, so there would be no logic in breaking the existing vision of the city."

Sifton has applied for approval to build a 5,000-square-metre building that could include clinics, medical offices, convenience stores, restaurants, financial institutions and day-care centres.

Some residents are concerned the building would increase an already busy traffic flow and result in a loss of vegetation.

"Imagine if they build a Tim Hortons here," said Dave Bowring, president of The Riverside Club condominium complex, pointing out that would just add to the already heavy traffic in the area.

"I don't think we should pave every piece of the grass in the city. We hope the city council will be on the side of us, the little guy, not the corporation."

Ward 8 Coun. Paul Hubert said an office building on the property would break the residential continuum between Springbank Avenue and downtown.

"I hope the plan is rejected but I can't predict what will happen," he said.

City hall staff proposed to scale back the development project to three stories from five.

But neither side in the dispute is happy with the proposal.

Sifton Properties declined comment yesterday.

The Sifton application goes to planning committee Monday. Council is expected to make a decision June 11.