On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, Carol Jolly, Executive Director of The Junction BIA, sent Premier Doug Ford a letter requesting additional funding for Toronto-based businesses as we remain in lockdown. At this time, we have not received a response. Businesses – Consider sending This Letter to Premier Doug Ford, as well.
Please see below for a copy of the letter.
To: Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
Re: Requesting Additional Funding for Toronto-based Businesses
The Junction Business Improvement Area (BIA) is one of Toronto’s 80+ BIAs. Standing with TABIA, we collectively
represent over 90,000 small and medium-sized businesses and property owners. As a community, we support increased
efforts to tackle the virus.
The recent announcement around Toronto remaining under lockdown order for an additional two weeks was
heartbreaking for many. The reality is that Toronto’s main street businesses are drowning. One only needs to walk down
Queen Street West, one of Toronto’s most vibrant strips, to find one in three storefronts sitting vacant. Simply, Toronto
businesses need additional financial support from your government to make it through this in a way that recovery is
probable.
As you well know, Toronto is an expensive city to operate a business. Since November, our members face the highest
commercial taxes, highest rents, and utility costs while remaining in a lockdown since November, the longest of any
other city or jurisdiction in North America. Toronto businesses who have applied and received their Main Street Support
Grants are very appreciative. Still, a $10,000 cheque will go a lot further for a business operating in Simcoe-Muskoka, for
example, compared to the same type of business operating in Toronto.
We stand with TABIA in requesting your consideration and delivery of the following:
● The Main Street Support Grant funding model reflects a tiered approach instead of a blanket approach for all
applicants.
● Consider business location, number of days closed, and profit loss instead of revenue loss when calculating funding amounts.
● Allow businesses who have previously applied to request additional funding or simply top up Toronto businesses under the new tiered approach that takes the above into account.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this request. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and an opportunity
to discuss how we can assist in this monumental recovery effort without creating more red tape and financial challenges
on Ontario businesses.
Respectfully,
Carol Jolly
Executive Director
The Junction BIA
(416) 561-3683 – mobile
