While the 2008 or 2009 reconstruction of Roncesvalles promises exciting changes, the BIA understands that businesses are very concerned about construction logistics and disruptions. There are still many questions that need to be settled soon so that businesses can make their plans and adjustments. We hope to have these answers for you soon. In the meantime, a few of us have been developing plans for dealing with the construction disruption.

2008 or 2009?

IMPORTANT UPDATE (Feb. 14, 2008): Councillor Gord Perks informs us that the reconstruction will indeed take place in 2009.

We still do not know if the reconstruction will take place in 2008 or 2009. In the wake of the St. Clair ROW row, the TTC has been working with the City and the Province to develop a new “transit class” EA process. This process should simplify things considerably, and might allow work to begin on Roncesvalles in 2008. As a result, the BIA’s best odds of a 2009 reconstruction are now reduced from 2-1 to 3-2. As soon as the BIA has a definite answer, it will post the information here.

Also, the City has also indicated that some work will still need to be completed in the year following the main construction. The planned work has become so complicated that there is no way to get it all done in one season. We are not yet clear on the scope of any disruptions in the second year, but it will not be anything like the first year.

Disruption Plan for businesses and the community

The BIA is preparing a Disruption Plan for Roncesvalles businesses and the community. This plan is still being developed. But the plan’s main ideas currently include:

1) ensuring easy pedestrian movement through the work site,

2) maintaining good communications between the work crew, the businesses and the community

3) developing alternatives for routes and services that will be impeded during the construction

4) creating a “Support your local business” campaign to encourage the community to maintain their patronage of Roncesvalles businesses during this difficult time.

The full plan will be posted on this website as soon as it is ready. If you have specific concerns or ideas, please post a comment below, or contact BIA at info@roncesvallesvillage.ca, Roncesvalles Renewed or your local residents’ association.