Businesses across Toronto that will be impacted by the construction of the Ontario Line subway are asking Metrolinx for transparency and accountability over the course of the project, following widespread criticism of the transit agency’s handling of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
The Ontario Line, which will run from Exhibition Place, along Queen Street in the downtown and north along Pape Avenue to the Ontario Science Centre, is the centre piece of a $28.5 billion transit expansion plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area announced in 2019.
“BIAs, local business people, our organization; we're all in support of transit and our ability to get around. Congestion is a big issue and this is one way of dealing with it by bringing people into the downtown for entertainment, for work and everything else. So nobody here’s on a mission to try to stop the project,” Kiru said.
In a statement to CP24, Metrolinx said it understands that construction for projects of this magnitude can be difficult for businesses and residents. One of those lessons, he says, is that businesses should be compensated for the impacts that a long-term construction project is likely to have on their bottom lines.
For its part, the city of Toronto recently created a grant program aimed at supporting small businesses impacted by transit construction, however individual businesses are ineligible to receive the funding directly. When the Ford government first unveiled plans for the Ontario line in 2019, it pegged the cost at $10.9 billion and said that it would be completed by 2027.
Another lesson, Kiru says, is that more transparency is needed between Metrolinx, contractors and business owners, so that the local community isn’t left in the dark if the project is delayed. The Ontario Line’s downtown portion also presents a unique challenge for the city above ground, as Queen Street is a popular destination for tourists, visitors and locals, with many businesses reliant on pedestrian traffic.
Liu, who is also an active member of the Queen Street West BIA, says the construction method being used for the Ontario Line is much different than that of the Eglinton Crosstown.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto businesses ask for accountability from Metrolinx on Ontario Line subwayBusinesses across Toronto that will be impacted by the construction of the Ontario Line subway are asking Metrolinx for transparency and accountability over the course of the project,
Read more »
Ontario couple who died in snowstorm loved going on cruises, visiting FloridaChatham\u002DKent police don’t know why the pair was outside their home in Thamesville when they were found on Dec. 24
Read more »
People fear Loblaws-funded app may be the future of private healthcare in OntarioIf you've ever needed a quick consultation with a medical professional or a prescription for something basic like an antibiotic, there's a chance t...
Read more »
Ageless Glenn Howard aims to defend Ontario Tankard title and earn Brier berthFour-time world curling champion Glenn Howard says he feels refreshed and energized after undergoing offseason knee surgery
Read more »
Ontario expanding free tuition program to paramedic and lab tech studentsOntario is expanding a grant that sees the province pay for tuition for students who enrol in some health-care programs.
Read more »