Hamilton business launches fundraiser due to York Blvd. construction

Ward One Councillor Maureen Wilson says that while work like this can be disruptive, the city is giving Hamiltonians what they want.

“Over the weeks and then the months that went by, it was very clear that it was having a massive negative impact on us. We lost about 50% of our revenue, roughly 40 to 50%,” said Rachael Henderson, operations manager of Market Box, the company that owns Strathcona Market on York Blvd.

She explained that they launched a fundraising campaign to help keep the business afloat due to the construction on York Blvd and Cannon Street, which started in July.

“So we’ve actually just launched a campaign for grocery bonds, which is essentially a gift certificate. Someone will purchase a gift certificate for $500, and then we give them a $100 bonus. It’s like a 20% increase on a gift card,” she said.

Henderson added that the company is also focusing on other areas of the business to stay afloat.

“We will be putting a lot of effort into our catering department as well as growing our delivery service,” Henderson said.

She also mentioned that the effects of the construction went beyond financial strain.

While there’s no denying the negative impact that the construction here on York Boulevard has had on small businesses, City Councillor Maureen Wilson says that this project is a minor setback for a major comeback.

“Let’s just be clear: infrastructure improvements are going to better serve all property owners, people getting to those businesses, whether it’s by car, foot, or bicycle. In this case, York Boulevard will better accommodate all of those users,” Wilson said.

She added that the city is giving people what they asked for and that we should expect to see more roadwork.

“Hamiltonians have told this council that they want us to start building again, and they’re tired of potholes that are damaging their cars. That’s what this mayor and this council are doing. We’re going to see more of it—building back better and getting those roads into good shape, because this city is worth it,” Wilson said.

While construction on York Boulevard will be over for 2024, it will resume in early spring and is expected to be complete by next August.