By Alexa Thorp
Construction near Arlington and Bronson avenues is causing headaches for residents and businesses alike.
“I work evenings so I like to sleep in, but I haven’t been able to,” said Tim Sellmer, a resident on Arlington Avenue. “I was getting like two to three hours a night.”
Tony Saikali,manager of Quizno’s Subs on Bronson Avenue, said that customers complain about everything from the noise of the jack-hammering to the mud and dirt.
“I don’t like to walk around,” complained resident Doug Swan. “It’s muddy, but I’ve got to get through somehow.”
Both Quizno’s and their neighbour, Harvey’s, report a drop in business due to the construction.
“I don’t know how much money I am going to lose,” said Harvey’s owner Ann Crossman. “It’s very distressing. People think we’re closed.”
Crossman put up a temporary sign next to the sidewalk on Bronson with ‘Harvey’s is open’ in bright pink letters in an effort to lure customers back.
Despite the inconvenience, everyone understands the need for construction.
“They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do,” said Amanda Bradley, as she walked along Arlington Avenue.
“I understand that the work has to get done – that’s life,” Crossman said.
“But they’ve been here three weeks already and now they’re going to be here for another five? Give me a break.”
Construction began in September and is being done by Gradex Construction.
The work started on Arlington Avenue and now involves Arthur Lane and Raymond, Bell and Cambridge streets.
At press time, City of Ottawa Project Manager Ishwar Bahtia could not be reached for comment.
“My understanding is that they will be finished by the end of the construction season,” said Somerset Ward Coun. Elisabeth Arnold.
For now, backhoes and dumptrucks are parked along the sidewalks.
Arlington Avenue is covered in gravel, and deep holes line the street.
Arnold said that she has only received one complaint about the construction.
That complaint was from Crossman about access to her restaurant and the lack of notice from the City before the construction began.
“No one told us,” Crossman said. “I’ve been here nine years and each time there’s construction I get a notice. But this time, nothing.”
However, Arnold says that the public was consulted several times throughout the past year, including an open house in the spring.
“We circulated notices over the course of the project which began a year ago,” Arnold said. “And we circulated one just before the construction began.”
The residents and businesses of the Arlington Avenue area have to wait until the construction finishes Nov. 18 for some peace and quiet.