Article content continued

We heard stories of revenue losses of between 40 and 70 per cent; for one owner, the business loss is estimated at $1 million. We also heard stories of construction impacts. For example, access to Superior Auto and Economy Glass was cut off from both directions. Mill Street was forced to cancel a ticketed event because of a loss of gas service for a significant period of time.

Sidewalks were closed on the north side of 17th Avenue and a portable toilet was placed adjacent to the front door of one of our long-established restaurants. Businesses all along the avenue are not happy.

Initially, the city proposed a two-year plan that called for an eight- to 10-block road closure for six or seven months, virtually destroying any hope of customer access. We had no choice but to request a longer period to allow fewer impacts on both businesses and nearby residents.

Businesses asked that the project to be spread over three or four years, perhaps using double shifts, so we could better manage the impacts, which combined with a downturn in the economy and increased business taxes, are significant.

With the longer construction period, we thought we had a commitment from the city to limit closure of 17th Avenue to two blocks at a time, possibly extending to a third block for a short time to facilitate service replacement. Currently, there are five blocks closed.

Businesses were told they would have open sidewalks, access for deliveries and there would be little to no service disruptions. We anticipated accurate and timely information regarding the schedule and clear signage for patrons. None of these commitments were met.