As London’s Old East Village gears up for another round of road construction, local businesses and residents brace themselves for the impact. The upcoming work marks the continuation of the East London Link project, specifically focusing on completing phase two of the bus rapid transit initiative. Set to begin on Wednesday, this phase will introduce road closures along the Dundas corridor, extending through the summer months.

Business Owners Voice Concerns

Local business owners express a mix of frustration and resilience in the face of the impending construction. Graham Stuart, the proprietor of McHardy Vacuum on Dundas Street, shares the challenges of guiding customers through the maze of road closures. “It is frustrating because we get a lot of calls from our clients who are trying to navigate this area, and not everyone is aware of the closures,” Stuart explains. The diminished street and foot traffic, a consequence of both the pandemic and ongoing construction, adds to the strain.John Reed of J. Reed Upholstery echoes this sentiment, hoping for a revival of customer flow once the construction eases. Meanwhile, Dan Phillips, owner of the Illbury+Goose knick-knack shop, recounts the hurdles of the previous year and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and online sales during these periods.

Road Closures and Adjustments

The construction will affect several key roads within the Old East Village:

• Dundas Street from Ontario Street to Egerton Street
• Ontario Street between Dundas Street and King Street
• King Street from Lyle Street to Ontario Street

Despite these disruptions, the city assures that local traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained, allowing residents and visitors to reach their destinations, albeit with some detours.

City’s Efforts to Mitigate Impact

Jennie Dann, the city’s director of construction and infrastructure, explains that the road closures are necessary for safety and efficiency as the project nears completion. “A lot of our typical carry-over work includes raising the man-hole lids in preparation for top-coat asphalt. We’ll be removing the temporary street poles and street lights, we’ll be doing some deficiency repairs to concrete and finishing touches,” Dann details. The city is committed to working closely with local businesses to address their concerns and needs during this period.The East London Link project is expected to conclude by the end of summer, bringing a close to this season’s construction and hopefully ushering in a period of recovery and growth for the Old East Village.