Toronto small businesses face perfect storm: construction cuts traffic, safety concerns mount

Toronto's small businesses are caught between rising operating costs, ongoing construction, and public safety concerns they say demand urgent action from the next mayor.

On Danforth Avenue between Main Street and Victoria Park Avenue, municipal infrastructure work including raised bike lanes has cut foot and car traffic for months. Mohammad Firooz, who owns Subhan Halal Pizza and Chicken on the strip, described the impact plainly: "It's been a total disaster. On one hand we are living at a time with inflation and other challenges and on the other hand we are in a prison. Everything is blocked." The Danforth Village Business Improvement Area reports several businesses fear forced closure due to lost revenue and is calling for financial compensation from the city during construction. The city says it is trying to mitigate disruption with dedicated on-site support, signage, and phased construction to help maintain access.

The Danforth troubles reflect a wider strain. The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), which represents BIAs across the city, says businesses are facing pressure from rising operating costs, public safety concerns, homelessness, and mental health challenges. "If there was ever a perfect storm for small businesses, I think that's what we're finding right at the moment. And it doesn't look like it's going to go away anytime soon," said John Kiru, CEO of TABIA. TABIA identifies affordability as a major concern, including commercial property taxes and rising costs of operating on Toronto's main streets. Business owners are also seeking action on property crime and vandalism, and measures to ensure employees and customers feel safe.

With the election set for this month, both leading candidates have staked positions. Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted support for local businesses amid Canada-U.S. trade uncertainty at a Tuesday press conference, saying "At this uncertain time in the trade war, we are pushing hard for a campaign to love local." If re-elected, Chow will commit $28 million over four years to youth violence prevention programs to address safety concerns. Brad Bradford's campaign says he would streamline city processes for new businesses, propose tax relief amid tariffs, establish a permanent tariff-response table for business support, and freeze property taxes for one year.