The place definitely has improved since my childhood days. When I was 15 I wasn't allowed to go to Fairview because it wasn't "safe" (chinese parents). At the time, you'd see kids out side smoking, and people you just wouldn't want to hang out with loitering around the mall.
Not only has the interior cleaned up like no other (I used to know where everything is, now everything's changed!) And the crowd has cleaned up a little too!
Up to date stores, and no more ghetto arcade that we used to go to. Instead a very nice food court. The old food court is now a shoppers. and the movie theatre finally modernized into a silvercity. All the small little aisleways that lead to other main aisle are gone. Comfy couches like Sherway in the middle of the mall is a nice segway from shopping.
I came here today on a mission to find running shoes. I looked at every store (with help from the portable map found at the directory). Did not like Champs or Foot Locker which did not have helpful or knowledgable staff. In Champs, a scary lady came and was begging for money and the staff was oblivious until my mom says, I don't feel comfortable can you please make her leave.
I finally found a proper store at Sport Chek http://www.yelp.ca/biz/sport-chek-north-york and came out with a very nice pair of runners.
I'm glad they finally updated everything, because it helps in making want to come here. Just needs a VS Pink.