The fare gates themselves could just be removed and installed somewhere else. It's just the work they loose when they demolish the station. Considering they are converting for presto, need the capability to tap out in the future and won't be maintaining the parts for the old turnstile, fare...
Here's the article again: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/23/korea-town-business-owners-concerned-about-bloor-bike-lanes-impact.html
It's not the daytime owners are concerned with. It's the evenings and in winter where there is a lot less foot traffic. This is Korean town, not...