Construction hurting 17th Avenue businesses

City must limit upheaval so shoppers can access stores and restaurants

“Construction on 17th Avenue between Macleod Trail S.E. and 5th Street S.W. has felt like a slow-moving hurricane, causing loss of services, disruption of access and leaving debris along its route,” says one business owner.

“We are frustrated and want next year’s construction to be better managed. We can’t survive three more summers like this.”

According to the City of Calgary website, “The city is investing in the future of 17 Avenue between Macleod Trail and 14 Street S.W. We’re upgrading the utilities, rebuilding the road and improving the area for pedestrians so 17 Avenue can continue to be a vibrant, great space for everyone to enjoy.”

The budget for the project is an estimated $44 million. Frustrations boiled over as stories about the 2017 construction season emerged at a recent meeting of the businesses on 17th Avenue. Top of mind was the loss of vibrancy in the area, a decrease in foot traffic and the loss of business income.

We heard stories of revenue losses of 40-70 per cent. For one owner, the business loss is estimated at $1 million.

We also heard stories about the impact of construction. For example, access to Superior Auto and Economy Glass was cut off from both directions.

Mill Street was forced to cancel an 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 a long-established restaurant.

Businesses all along the avenue are unhappy.

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 lessen the impact on both businesses and nearby residences. Businesses asked that the project to be spread over three or four years, perhaps using double shifts, so we could better manage the effects, which are significant when combined with a downturn in the economy and increased business taxes.

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.

We’re also aware that the adjacent communities are frustrated with the detours, parking impacts and with the lengthy schedule.

We want this project to work for everyone. Our 2017 experience demonstrates there has been disregard for the impact construction would have on businesses and communities.

“We’re beyond disappointed with the way this project has been managed and we want our concerns to be addressed in the decisions that affect our livelihoods,” says another board member.

The board representing the businesses is asking the city to keep its previous commitments. We asked to see the 2018 schedule so we can plan our next business cycle. We want our input to affect the 2018 construction season. We remain optimistic. The businesses and landowners understand the need for this project. We look forward to a modern, accessible 17th Avenue retail and entertainment district.

However, we’re a long way from achieving our goal, which is to retain customers and sustain a healthy commercial and retail Main Street environment during the construction period.

We want to continue to be Calgary’s preeminent main street. We hope our municipal leaders want that, too.