There's been a collapse': Eglinton businesses weary ahead of Line 5 opening | CBC News

"With the Eglinton Crosstown LRT finally opening doors on Sunday, businesses along the new line say years of construction have drained the vibrancy out of nearby communities. Grocery stores, doctors offices, banks and more have shuttered their doors after a drop in customers during construction for the LRT, said John Ferrari, owner of women's clothing store Latina Dress. There's been a collapse of the neighbourhood. A lot of businesses have exited, he said, adding that he's been lucky to stay open for 50 years along Eglinton Avenue."

"It's a frustration that Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged and hopes will be addressed when Line 5 opens after many years. Finally. It's been so much needed by the community, Chow told CBC Radio's Metro Morning Wednesday. We need to help some of the small businesses along Eglinton to be as vibrant as they can be. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali confirmed Tuesday that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT would finally open its doors to the public on Sunday as part of a phased launch."

"Over 300 hundred businesses closed in Little Jamaica along Eglinton Avenue during the years of construction, said Jason McDonald, chair of the Little Jamaica Business Improvement Area (BIA). This used to be a vibrant community, he said. We've lost our cultural identity due to the Metrolinx debacle. He said his beauty salon business, just doors away from the new Oakwood Station, was impacted by rat infestations, flooding and mold due to nearby construction."

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT opens after prolonged construction that depleted vibrancy along Eglinton Avenue. Numerous small businesses—including grocery stores, medical offices and banks—closed following steep customer declines during construction. Longstanding retailers faced closures or severe hardship, and cultural commercial corridors lost identity as business exit accelerated. City plans include targeted assistance for small businesses and rapid response to operational issues during the phased launch. Transit operators begin phased public service. Little Jamaica experienced over 300 business closures and remaining storefronts reported rat infestations, flooding and mold linked to nearby construction activity.

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