Residents and businesses in Vancouver are gearing up for a significant road closure set to impact traffic and local commerce. The closure, scheduled to last up to four months, will occur in the vicinity of Broadway and Main Street as part of the construction for the upcoming Mount Pleasant Station. Concerned community members are invited to a town hall meeting hosted by the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association (MPBIA) to discuss the potential repercussions.
According to the MPBIA, the closure will divert traffic onto side streets, affecting parking, access, and ultimately driving business away from the Mount Pleasant area. Businesses have already been feeling the strain of ongoing construction, with rising costs and economic pressures. The association is calling for provincial support in the form of grants, tax relief, rent offsets, and other measures to help alleviate the impact of the upcoming closure.
The ongoing construction has led to numerous closures of businesses along Broadway, prompting owners to relocate or close permanently due to disruptions. The town hall meeting will provide a platform for residents and business owners to voice their concerns directly to provincial and city officials.
Meanwhile, the construction of the subway line, including the Mount Pleasant Station, has faced delays and budget overruns. The project is currently projected to open in 2027, at least $127 million over budget. The extension of the Millennium Line aims to improve traffic flow and connectivity, with a mix of elevated and underground sections and six underground stations along the route.
Residents are encouraged to attend the town hall meeting at The Pleasant restaurant on Main Street near East 8th Avenue at 6 p.m. to learn more about the road closure and voice their opinions on the upcoming changes.