After repeated requests for financial support for businesses affected by Eglinton LRT construction, including city councillors, the provincial government has announced that support is coming.
Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney confirmed the aid in a letter to Mayor John Tory late Monday.
"An additional $3M will be provided as soon as possible to further support local businesses to mitigate the impacts of construction beyond the September 2021 deadline," she said.
This would be on top of Metrolinx and Crosslinx giving $6.6 million to Business Improvement Areas for promotion, parking discounts, window cleaning and local procurement, with Mulroney acknowledging additional support is needed.
Mulroney also confirmed in the letter that Metrolinx and the ministry will explore the feasibility of opening portions of the LRT sooner (as opposed to the whole project once complete).
"I know Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney and the provincial government shares the goal of completing the Crosstown at the earliest possible date," Tory said. "This commitment by the province is welcome news and I want to thank the Minister and her government for continuing to work with the City to address the concerns of residents and businesses directly impacted by this construction."
One of the Eglinton area councillors who pushed for the cash, Ward 8's Mike Colle - a usual PC critic - had nothing but thanks for Mulroney's news.
"Because people said well it's no use asking the provincial government for money, there's no use protesting," he said to CP24. "140 stores have closed, so the announcement today is a great start because we need more money to keep businesses alive, which is great."