Many businesses in Toronto’s Little Jamaica area have been hit hard financially, with some even shutting down, due to the lengthy 16 years of construction for the nearby Eglinton-Crosstown Light-Rail Transit line, according to the local Business Improvement Area (BIA).
Numerous storefronts around Eglinton Avenue W. and Oakwood Avenue are now empty, displaying “for rent” or “for lease” signs, stated Jason Mc Donald, chair of the Little Jamaica BIA.
“Our identity has really been changed in Little Jamaica and it’s all due to the Metrolinx construction for the last 16 years,” he noted, adding that over 300 small businesses have closed during that time.
“Right now, Little Jamaica is in a state of emergency.”
Mc Donald mentioned that the BIA and local entrepreneurs are exploring ways to rejuvenate the community and ensure its survival for future generations.
However, he also hopes that both the city and Metrolinx will acknowledge their responsibility for the long-term effects that the LRT project has had on the neighbourhood.
“It’s hurtful, it’s painful to see what they’ve done to our community, but hopefully some accountability can get brought in and we can deal with this crisis,” said Mc Donald.
WATCH | An opening date has not yet been set for the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT:
Eglinton Crosstown LRT in final service testing phase, Metrolinx says
Metrolinx began a final test of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT this week but has yet to announce an opening date for the much-delayed route.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT was initially set to open in 2020, but a series of technical problems and associated cost overruns have plagued the project and repeatedly delayed its completion. Construction on the line began in 2011.
Though final testing for the transit line was completed in December, an opening day has not yet been set.
CBC Toronto reached out to the city and Metrolinx for comment.
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Eglinton Crosstown LRT in final service testing phase, Metrolinx says
Metrolinx began a final test of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT this week but has yet to announce an opening date for the much-delayed route.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT was initially set to open in 2020, but a series of technical problems and associated cost overruns have plagued the project and repeatedly delayed its completion. Construction on the line began in 2011.
Though final testing for the transit line was completed in December, an opening day has not yet been set.
CBC Toronto reached out to the city and Metrolinx for comment.
Local business owner notes decline in community spirit
A way to revive the area is by launching new businesses that will draw people back to Little Jamaica, according to Mc Donald. This is exactly what Andrew Cox plans as he opens a new Souperlicious spot right next door to Oakwood station on the Eglinton-Crosstown LRT line. <p“ What we noticed is that over the last several years, businesses have closed. The vibrancy of the community has slipped,” said Cox, owner-operator of Souperlicious, a Caribbean cuisine franchise. “If I [open a store in my community], there’s an opportunity to have others see it and replicate that pattern and maybe even find success,” he shared with CBC Toronto on Saturday. Cox emphasized it’s essential for his store to be welcoming towards everyone in every aspect-from hiring local staff to offering space for local artists and entrepreneurs. Hopefully once it opens soon , the LRT will boost business opportunities for a neighborhood that’s faced challenges over these past few years , said Toronto resident Renique Mcfarlane. “When it does [open], the station] will be very convenient for many businesses. So it’ll connect a lot of people,” he remarked.Source link
