Spending at King St. businesses has increased since the start of a contentious pilot project to improve streetcar service downtown, according to new city data. The one-year pilot, which restricts car traffic on King between Bathurst and Jarvis Sts. in order to free up streetcar travel, began in November. Figures released Friday indicate that spending in the project area rose by 21 per cent between October and December 2017, a trend in line with seasonal spending patterns in previous years. The latest figures also show significant improvements in transit service and minimal negative effects on car traffic, which Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina) said was indication the project is working. “I think what the data has shown us is that there has been no measurable negative impact on either cars or businesses, and that’s what a win-win looks like,” said Cressy, whose ward covers part of the pilot area. “This is turning into a real success story.”This is the first time since the pilot began that the city has published data about the project’s economic impact. The spending numbers, which were compiled using point-of-sale data from credit and debit processor Moneris Solutions, don’t reflect claims made by local business owners who have blamed the pilot for what they describe as deep financial losses. Some have called for the project’s traffic restrictions to be lifted outside of rush hours, or for it to be cancelled outright.Milton Nunes, who owns popular restaurant Portland Variety at the corner of King and Portland Sts., refused to accept the city’s data. He dismissed the spending figures as “fabrications.” He said his sales from November to January were 27 per cent lower than the same period the previous year, and many of his neighbours have taken a similar hit.“Everybody is saying the same thing. It’s not just a few people crying,” Nunes said. “Behind the scenes, e ...
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