The Canadian Urban Institute, in partnership with the City of Toronto, selected the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood as a case study to explore the impacts of Ontario Line subway infrastructure construction on main street establishments. Subway
construction is currently underway, led by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario. This neighbourhood was chosen because of its diverse equity-deserving population, its lack of a formal business improvement association, and the ongoing
and planned displacement of dozens of small businesses and hundreds of jobs due to construction disruptions.

Findings show that changes in the neighbourhood are already having immediate impacts and are expected to create long-term consequences for the vitality of the business community. It has been a stressful ordeal for many owners, tenants, and community members, and their experiences reveal the vulnerabilities of socially and economically disadvantaged communities. 

CUI urges that the supports identified in this report be implemented in any Canadian municipality facing major construction projects, so that all residents can benefit from the growth and development spurred by infrastructure transformation.

Learn more and download the report

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