Businesses hurt by road work to get help

Committee green-lights pilot project to offer financial lifeline, city liaison

A plan to offer $5,000 to businesses hurt by road construction in two inner-city neighbourhoods has been given a green light by a city committee.

City officials have heard an increasing number of concerns from small businesses affected by city infrastructure improvements. On Wednesday, lawmakers unanimously approved a pilot project to provide assistance — which includes access to a liaison with the city — in Marda Loop and Bridgeland.

“I feel like we're on the leading edge, and the best way to do it is by giving direct cash transfers,” said Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian, who noted only Montreal has a similar program among Canadian cities.

But she noted that one-time cash infusion is “a drop in the bucket” for businesses struggling with escalating operating costs and nearby construction that's impeding customer access.

The owners of several Marda Loop eateries told the infrastructure and planning committee the effects of ongoing construction has chewed into bottom lines that were already threadbare.

“Our August (2023) sales were down 58 per cent,” said Vince Wong, co-owner of Diner Deluxe.

“It's very hard — we haven't taken a paycheque since 2019.”

He already juggles $20,000 in rent and $70,000 in payroll each month at the location, and construction headaches add to those costs.

“That $5,000 doesn't solve all of the questions,” said Wong.

Another Marda Loop food entrepreneur said construction changes have been haphazard and highly disruptive.

“The largest challenge is there's so much going on in Marda Loop that's affecting business,” said Cameron Fraser of Fraser and Fig.

“Trying to get (customers) to come down when there's another closure or detour is just constant chaos.”

But some of those business owners said the concept of a city staffer to liaise with them on construction schedules and effects is a positive.

City officials said they're looking at other measures to ease those pains, including securing property to provide temporary customer parking and converting some two-hour parking to shorter-stay spaces.

Adding more bicycle racks to encourage alternative forms of transportation is another approach, they said.

“We want to add more pieces to the puzzle and learn,” said Graham Gerylo of the city's capital priorities and investment team.

He said communication needs to improve between the city and businesses on the disruptions.

“We don't have a policy today on what's an appropriate notice period, so we want to build a policy with expectations,” said Gerylo, adding the city will also look at better scheduling construction work and completing it faster.

The pilot project would target 146 businesses in Marda Loop and 80 in Bridgeland at a total grant cost of $1,130,000, the committee heard.

Coun. Gian-carlo Carra said there'll be a need for such a program in other parts of the city, including in his Ward 9's Inglewood.

The pilot project still has to go before council but, if approved, a report on its merits is scheduled to be presented to the committee in early 2025.