End is in sight for Dundas east construction, but not without business owners taking a hit | CBC News

Some business owners along Dundas Street East say area construction has made it hard to bring in customers. 

An infrastructure renewal project between Hale Street and Burdick Place began in April. According to the city’s Renew London website, it is expected to end in December. 

Glen Wray, co-owner of AVF Hobbies on the corner of Dundas Street and Burdick Place, said he was under the impression construction would end a month ago. 

“I have to travel from here all the way to the west side of London, and it’s a difficult time,” said Wray. 

The closure of two lanes on Dundas has drastically impeded traffic flow for several months, he said, cutting off delivery truck access along Burdick Place.

It’s been difficult for regular customers to enter the store’s back parking lot. They’ve had to find alternative parking by other nearby businesses then walk over. 

“As a business owner, you’re always worried because your sales depend on your customers coming in,” he said. “It impacts us on a daily basis.” 

“The city should be a little bit more forward with their planning all across the board on what they’re doing and how long it’s actually physically going to take. And if they’re not going to start construction, don’t be putting the signs and pylons up and blocking traffic unless they’re actually going to be working on it.” 

Across the street, the owner of Razor’s Barber Shop said she’d lost a third of her business due to the impact construction has had on traffic flow. 

“I think a lot of people are avoiding the area, just because there’s just so much traffic,” said Donna Moerenhout. 

Project to end in time for parade

Bethany Mejia, executive director of Argyle’s BIA, explained that the aim of the project is to replace old sewers. 

Delays in construction are due to workers discovering an old Bell box on top of the sewers during its third phase. 

“Obviously, that wasn’t ideal for the construction project, so they had to wait for Bell to deal with the box that they found right above the sewer that they were supposed to replace,” said Mejia. “So that’s now taken care of and they are now in the last stages of the project.” 

A statement from the city said the project will be complete by mid-December, with finishing touches in the spring of 2023. 

The BIA has been supporting impacted businesses through signage and promotions, said Mejia. Next year the BIA will launch a currency program to help them recoup from losses. 

She said construction would be done in time for the neighbourhood’s Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 3. The parade will have sensory-friendly and low-mobility sections. 

“Argyle is a great place to get all your essential needs. It’s a great community, and there’s so much awesome support here,” said Mejia. “If you want to come hang out in Argyle for the holidays, it’s a great place to be.”