Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of London has launched a Core Area Construction Dollars Program to thank customers for supporting Downtown and Old East Village businesses during another busy construction season in the core.
Through giveaways, contests and promotions this summer, Londoners visiting Downtown and Old East can receive Construction Dollars – coupons in $5-, $10- and $20-dollar amounts to be used at participating businesses.
โCOVID-19 has put pressure on all London businesses,โ said Jim Yanchula, manager of downtown Projects and Business Relations. โThis program is designed to give people an added reason to visit the businesses that are in the heart of our city.โ
The Core Area Construction Dollars Program is in addition to the Cityโs ongoing support for local businesses re-opening after pandemic-related closures. Through theย Back to Businessย action team, the city has fast-tracked city-wide initiatives such as free parking and creating temporary shared spaces to allow for physical distancing.
โConstruction Dollars are another great reason to eat, shop and play in Old East Village. There has never been a more important time to support OEVโs entrepreneurs,โ said Old East Village BIA Manager Jen Pastorius. โArea businesses are planning great promotions and contests using Construction Dollars, so stay tuned and follow #DIGOEV on social media to learn more.โ
The four-year pilot program is being funded through the Cityโs Core Area Action Plan, which was developed with local stakeholders to support the core and generate new growth and investment. Through the BIAs, this program will contribute close to $100,000 into the local economy each year, incentivizing customers to shop, dine and experience the core.
โThe Construction Dollars program provides a great incentive to explore the truly unique businesses downtown,โ said Downtown London BIA Executive Director Barbara Maly, โWe encourage all Londoners to explore our community and to hit our bricks because small is the new mall.โ
When visiting Downtown or Old East Village, orange Construction Dollars signs in windows indicate a business is offering and accepting the dollars. Theย Downtown Londonย andย Old East Villageย websites also contain a full list of participating businesses.