Businesses along Richmond Road impacted by LRT construction
The latest phase of LRT construction along the western extension of the Confederation Line has business owners fuming, with some saying business is down as much as 80 per cent.
Stage 2 of LRT construction has been going on for years, but the latest project – to finish a section along Richmond Road and Byron Avenue in west Ottawa is having an impact on businesses, according to owners.
It's an empty dining room during lunch hour at Lorenzo Bar and Grill, in a strip mall along Richmond Road, just east of Woodfroffe avenue – there's just one customer at the bar.
"Before this time next year, we will not be here. If this continues," said owner Gillian Danby.
She blames the latest phase of stage 2 LRT construction in front of her business, and a new detour put in place earlier this summer.
"We cannot keep going like this. My sales are down 60 per cent. Normally, I have at least 10 tables at this time and as you can see, it's empty because of all the construction," said Danby.
As work on the tunnel underneath Byron Linear Park wraps up, the next phase is putting the street back together, including work on underground utilities; but, that won't be done until 2027 according to the city.
Business owners say it's not just the construction -- it's also the confusing detour and signage.
"They (customers) are very nervous to come here, and most of customers did not know we are even open," said Mostofa Miah, owner of Mia's Indian Cuisine.
He says sales are also down, 50 to 60 per cent.
"We have a small business ... it's very hard to survive. We don't know for the future. What do we have to do, shut down or. I don't know exactly," Miah said.
The city says it is committed to supporting residents and businesses.
"Throughout construction, access to businesses and residences is being maintained and we are making every effort to address these concerns with stakeholders," Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs, public information officer wrote in a statement.
"Detour signage, including signage with business logos when provided, is in place to direct vehicles towards the local businesses. The project team has conducted door knocking at businesses and residences to understand the individual concerns in the community and adjust construction staging where possible. As we remain committed to keeping the community informed, these efforts will continue throughout the project. Additionally, the project team held an information session for the community in May."
Campasarcone-Stubbs says the contactor is also offering support.
"The contractor, KEV, has offered advertising support to several businesses in the area. Since each business is different and reaches their customer bases differently, the contractor has been working directly with businesses to find a plan that is best suited to their needs. This includes mailing campaigns, additional wayfinding signage and content to be used on social media, which was developed and provided to businesses who provided their logos for that purpose," reads the statement.
However, owners in the strip mall say it may be too late.
"Just five months ago, I was very busy. We are four people here, crazy busy all day. The day they started the construction, I lost 60 to 80 per cent from my business," said Alaa Kiki, owner of Kiki Barbershop.
The councillor for the area, Theresa Kavanagh says she has spoken with business owners, and is asking residents to do what they can.
"Go buy local. You've got some wonderful businesses there. Show your love. Show up. Buy some flowers, get your haircut, whatever it is. And visit these, places. That's the best way we can help," Kavanagh said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A wave of exploding pagers in Lebanon and Syria kills at least 8, including members of Hezbollah
Hundreds of handheld pagers exploded near simultaneously across Lebanon and in parts of Syria on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, including members of the militant group Hezbollah and a girl, and wounding the Iranian ambassador, government and Hezbollah officials said.
After another Liberal loss, Trudeau says there are 'all sorts of reflections' to do
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's going to 'stay focused' on governing after being handed his second byelection upset in recent months.
More non-smokers are getting lung cancer. Here's why and how you can protect yourself, according to a doctor
More people who have never touched a cigarette are getting lung cancer, but there are ways to prevent it, according to a doctor.
Health Canada approves updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
Health Canada has authorized Moderna's updated COVID-19 vaccine that protects against currently circulating variants of the virus.
These people say they got listeria after drinking recalled plant-based milks
The Canadian Press spoke to 10 people, from the parents of a toddler to an 89-year-old senior, who say they became sick with listeria after drinking from cartons of plant-based milk stamped with the recalled product code. Here's a look at some of their experiences.
Canada's inflation cools to 2% in August, the smallest gain since early 2021
Canada's annual inflation rate reached the central bank's target in August at it cooled to 2 per cent, its lowest level since February 2021, data showed on Tuesday.
Ontario man who almost fell for text scam issues warning to others
An Ontario man thought he got some good news when he received a text message offering a $30 gift for being a loyal Giant Tiger customer. 'I do go to that store so I clicked on the link and it said it was a customer appreciation award they were going to give people,' Mark Martin, of Simcoe, Ont., told CTV News Toronto.
BREAKING Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges
Sean 'Diddy' Combs presided over a sordid empire of sexual crimes, coercing and abusing women for years, threatening them to keep them in line and enlisting a cast of aides to cover it up, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.
'On the edge of life': Influencer has a close encounter with a bear after climbing into a den
Influencer Stefan Jankovic shared footage of a terrifying close encounter with a bear after climbing into a den in Bosnia and Herzegovia.