Light Rail Transit (LRT) Update
Susie sits on the LRT Sub-Committee as an advisor and is a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce LRT Task Force. At the March 29th LRT Sub-Committee meeting at the City of Hamilton, it was confirmed by city representatives that any information leaked to the press, is speculation at this point. The City of Hamilton will be unveiling the initial design plans for LRT in May. Construction is slated to begin in late 2019/early 2020. At the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce LRT Task Force meeting held on March 30th, the task force was joined by Patti Brooks, executive director for the Uptown Waterloo BIA and her staff. Their BIA is two months into LRT construction. Below are some photos of the construction in Uptown Waterloo. Susie will be taking a trip up to Waterloo and Kitchener in May to tour the BIAs and meet with businesses affected by the construction.
Some tips from other BIAs who are currently under LRT construction or who have gone through 'big digs':
- Start collecting your customer's email addresses now so that you have direct contact with them during construction. You will need to direct them to and from your business as construction schedules can change daily.
- Be willing to 'think out of the box' as to how you will promote your business during construction.
- Be willing to go to your customer if need be.
- Stay positive. Consumers will be loyal to businesses that give them a reason to be.
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