Transit Construction Mitigation Fund

Overview of the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund program:

The Transit Construction Mitigation Grant is a City of Toronto initiative aimed at supporting businesses located in neighborhoods affected by significant transit infrastructure construction. Projects like the Eglinton Crosstown, Finch West LRT, Ontario Line, and others have caused disruption to pedestrian and vehicle access, reduced customer traffic, and economic challenges for small businesses along these corridors. The grant provides financial relief to help mitigate the adverse effects of construction activities. Funding is offered to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and non-profit organizations that represent commercial clusters or community groups in impacted areas. These organizations can apply for grants to deliver promotional campaigns, local events, beautification initiatives, and other activities that support business continuity and drive foot traffic during construction periods. The program emphasizes economic resilience and community vibrancy, aiming to preserve the vitality of Toronto’s small business landscape during disruptive but necessary transit development.

Benefits of the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund program:

• Financial support for BIAs and nonprofits to assist local businesses
• Funding for community events, street festivals, pop-ups, and marketing campaigns
• Helps mitigate customer loss and business disruptions from long-term transit construction
• Encourages innovation in community engagement and commercial area activation
• Supports local economic recovery and small business resilience

Eligibility criteria of the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund program:

• Eligible applicants include:
• Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) within Toronto
• Non-profit organizations supporting commercial main streets or business districts
• Located in areas directly affected by City-approved major transit construction
• Eligible activities include:
• Promotional events or advertising to increase foot traffic
• Streetscape improvements and beautification projects
• Community-led business engagement initiatives
• Temporary signage, wayfinding, or digital promotion
• Ineligible uses:
• Direct payments to individual businesses
• Capital infrastructure or permanent physical construction
• Activities outside the designated construction-affected zones