City to dole out ‘construction dollars’

City launches Construction Dollars Program to support core-area businesses

THE CITY OF London has launched a Core Area Construction Dollars Program to thank customers for supporting downtown and Old East Village businesses during a busy construction season in the core.

Through customer giveaways, contests and promotions this summer, Londoners visiting downtown and Old East can receive coupons in $5-, $10- and $20-dollar amounts to be used at participating businesses.

“Covid-19 has put pressure on all London businesses,” said Jim Yanchula, the city’s manager of downtown projects and business relations. “This program is designed to give people an added reason to visit the businesses that are in the heart of our city.”

The Core Area Construction Dollars Program joins other city-wide business recovery initiatives such as free parking and creating temporary shared spaces to allow for physical distancing. 

“Construction Dollars are another great reason to eat, shop and play in Old East Village. There has never been a more important time to support OEV’s entrepreneurs,” commented Old East Village BIA manager, Jen Pastorius. “Area businesses are planning great promotions and contests using Construction Dollars, so stay tuned and follow #DIGOEV on social media to learn more.”

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“The Construction Dollars program provides a great incentive to explore the truly unique businesses downtown,” added Downtown London BIA executive director, Barbara Maly, “We encourage all Londoners to explore our community and to hit our bricks because small is the new mall.”

The four-year pilot program is being funded through the City’s Core Area Action Plan, which was developed with local stakeholders to support the core and generate new growth and investment. Through the BIAs, the program is expected to contribute close to $100,000 to the local economy each year, incentivizing customers to shop, dine and experience the core. 

When visiting Downtown or Old East Village, orange Construction Dollars signs in windows indicate a business is offering and accepting the dollars. The Downtown London and Old East Village websites also contain a full list of participating businesses.