With the LRT contractor now chosen, construction of the $818-million project is set to begin later this year. With trains set to begin running in 2017, some businesses worry that construction on King Street will hurt their bottom line.
“I think it will cut down around 30 per cent of business for us,” says Vincent Afrouzi, owner of Vincent Optical in Kitchener.
The Region of Waterloo says they will support business owners who may be affected by construction of the line.
“The region will continue to work with local businesses. Activities during construction will likely include one on one meetings, joint marketing and advertising opportunities as well as creating awareness for businesses along the ION corridor,” region spokesperson Kimberly Moser said in a statement.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce agrees support is needed, but wants to see more evidence of what the region plans to do.
“What marketing dollars are available? How (are we) going to get the message out that businesses along the route - as the construction progresses - are open for business, and how to get to them?” says Chamber of Commerce President Ian McLean.
For owners like Afrouzi, all he asks is that the city keeps adjoining streets open and clear, with parking available.
“Let people know that we are here and open, and there is a way of getting to us basically,” he says.
