By Allison Taylor
Construction on Gladstone Avenue is harming business say local merchants operating between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street.
David Khoury, owner of family owned and operated Carleton Electronic Services, says the construction in front of his store is killing at least 50 per cent of his business.
Khoury, who relies on business from both local and passing clientele, says traffic restrictions along the street make it impossible for customers to access his store.
“They can’t get to our businesses if they can’t drive down the street or park their car,” Khoury says. “If I don’t have regular business, then I don’t have a business to run.”
The major roadwork project involves the complete replacement of outdated sewers and water mains that haven’t been changed since 1935.
Construction started in early July and is expected to finish at the end of October. Gladstone will be paved and a separate enhancement process, to add trees and other beautifying elements to the street will begin.
Perry Hutt, foreman of Graydex Ottawa Construction says they are doing their best to accommodate the local traffic and ensure the public has access to the businesses along the street.
“We are trying our best to make it as convenient as possible,” Hutt says.
“If the traffic can get by, we let them. Sometimes it’s a question of safety for the pedestrians and the local traffic, but we can usually find some way for the local traffic to get through and some place for them to park.”
Hutt says when the construction teams leave for the night, they ensure there are two lanes of traffic that can be safely maneuvered by cars and pedestrians.
However, roadblocks and heavy machinery aren’t the only difficulty Gladstone businesses have with the construction. The dangerous road conditions are scaring away customers from Nancy Poirier Imagesetting, says Wendy Holmes, office manager.
“We understand that the work has to be done,” Holmes says. “But the safety of the road is neglected. It’s very dangerous out there.”
Holmes says her customers complain about the dangerous potholes, the muddy puddles, the uneven roadway and the constant digging and refilling of cavities along the street.
“Our customers tell us they don’t need the hassle of maneuvering past the construction in front of the store,” Holmes says. “I don’t blame them. I don’t feel very safe walking or driving along the street either.”
“They can’t get to our businesses if they can’t drive down the street or park their car.”
David Khoury
Holmes says vehicle delivery couriers are having a difficult time with the dangerous road conditions, but bike couriers are even worse off.
Holmes says bike couriers and pedestrians often fall into the potholes or lose their balance on the uneven gravel.
Somerset City Coun. Elisabeth Arnold says she understands the frustrations and the difficulties associated with the construction project.
“Unfortunately, the construction is necessary and it’s unavoidable,” Arnold says. “In retrospect I hope the end result and the beautification that occurs following the construction will help make the entire process seem worthwhile.”
But Khoury says he’s concerned the construction will run longer than anticipated and could harm his profits around the Christmas shopping months.
“My best months of the year are from August to December,” Khoury says.
“If the construction lasts longer, which I heard rumors it will, then this would kill my whole year.”
Steve Sauvé, an inspector for the City of Ottawa, says rain, rock and traffic have provided some delays in the construction.
“But we hope to wrap it up as soon as possible and get things back to normal,” Sauvé says.