NOTEBOOK: Keep your eyes on Eglinton in the coming months and years

When it comes to making Toronto a more prosperous, vibrant city, one that further enables economic development, the importance of transit's role cannot be understated.

A critical piece of that puzzle is taking place along a key east-west corridor with the construction of a long-anticipated rail line along (or rather, underneath) Eglinton Avenue.

Whether you're a resident or small business owner, it's something worth keeping an eye on.

This is a multi-billion dollar project, one that already has had its share of tweaks and adjustments thanks to the whims and financial capabilities of our governing bodies. There'll surely be more adjustments as time goes on. It's an enormous undertaking.

Despite all the talk (and even a bit of action) on what is now known as the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown LRT, there's still a long way to go before we'll get a chance to enjoy the benefits of a transit line. As of right now, the completion target date is 2020 and the line will run from Black Creek Drive in the west to Kennedy Road in the east. Nineteen of the 25 kilometres will be underground.

Even with all that, there's a lot to be determined. For example the exact number of stops along the route hasn't been settled (it's somewhere between 23 and 26). Most importantly, how will all the respective business areas and neighbourhoods around Eglinton be impacted - during and after construction?

There are opportunities to get involved and be informed. Introductory open houses for stations at Bathurst and Dufferin streets have already taken place. Similar open houses for stations at Allen Road (site of the current Eglinton West station and connector to the University-Spadina subway line) and Keele Street are taking place early this month.

Transit connects communities. It's intriguing what economic opportunities will be enabled as a result of this line.

Equally important, though, is the time in between. Eight years is a long time for anyone, but an eternity in the life of some small businesses.

The project website, thecrosstown.ca, has an Eye on Business link as one of its main tabs. Once in that section, you'll see links to websites of eight business improvement areas along Eglinton and an appeal to continue to support local business - especially during construction. Construction of a transit line, even one that's underground, can be disruptive - anyone along St. Clair Avenue West who went through the recent streetcar project can attest to that.

Ultimately, it's important to get involved and pay attention now - not just when the line's up and running. The pre-construction and mid-construction phases are crucial.

For official project updates, visit thecrosstown.ca