Gregor Robertson Faces Scrutiny Over Broadway Subway Construction Compensation

Federal MP Gregor Robertson, also Canada's housing minister, is under pressure to explain why businesses suffering from the ongoing Broadway Subway Line construction in Vancouver are not receiving compensation. This comes as a stark contrast to his past advocacy as an NDP MLA, when he demanded compensation for businesses affected by the earlier Canada Line project.

“

First and foremost, we’ve seen with major infrastructure projects going back to the Canada Line, when I was the MLA in Vancouver Fairview, having a lot of impact on local businesses, the construction destruction can have real consequences and it certainly did back then.

Vancouver businesses along the Broadway corridor are struggling, with establishments like Fable Diner and SportChek recently closing their doors due to the prolonged disruptions. The local business improvement association has been actively seeking financial relief, including low-interest loans and tax breaks, for these affected businesses. However, the British Columbia government has consistently refused to offer any compensation, adhering to a firm 'no compensation' policy.

“

I’ll certainly look into what has happened in terms of the impacts on the ground and flag that with my fellow, our colleagues MP (Taleeb) Noormohamed in Vancouver Granville, where most of the activity is taking place. We want to be sure small businesses can get through construction when it’s disruptive like that.

During his time as an opposition MLA for Vancouver Fairview in 2007, Robertson was a vocal proponent for compensating businesses impacted by the Canada Line construction. He highlighted the "construction destruction" and its "real consequences" for local businesses. Now, as a federal minister, he has stated he will "look into the issue" and flag it with his colleagues, particularly MP Taleeb Noormohamed, to ensure small businesses can navigate such disruptive periods.

“

Something just to help them get to the other side of this.

Robertson also mentioned that the federal government supports business improvement associations in Toronto through FedDev Ontario for transit construction impacts. He indicated he would explore whether similar support could be extended to B.C. businesses via Pacific Economic Development Canada. Neil Wyles, executive director of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association, expressed concern over the prolonged hardship, noting that business owners are seeking a "hand-up" rather than a "handout" to help them survive the extensive construction.

“

Our government just has their heads buried in the sand.