Toronto stores say LRT construction could kill business

Parts of Toronto's Eglinton Avenue are already messy thanks to the incoming Crosstown LRT. But as the city gets ready to start building stations, some local businesses are getting worried, especially those between Braemar Avenue to Oriole Parkway.

As Post City reports, the public works and infrastructure committee is looking at Metrolinx's construction plan for the Avenue Road station. If it goes through, street parking might be eliminated, sidewalks near the station exits and entrances could close, and concrete barriers and fences might go up in front of street-facing storefronts.

Store owners, like those who run the Healthy Butcher and Yitz's Deli, tell Post City that they're worried this construction plan could decimate their businesses, especially since they rely on foot traffic.

This area has already seen lots of LRT-related construction. But since the station is slated to open in 2019, these local retailers are worried about the longterm implications of this plan.