Renovation work on Stephen Avenue is causing concern for local businesses
Amidst growing concerns, the redevelopment project on Calgary's iconic Stephen Avenue is set to begin on July 14, with a scheduled duration of 18 months. The project, which aims to replace underground utilities and implement surface upgrades, has sparked debate within the business community over its design, safety, and potential impact on local enterprises.
Suzanne Baden, the managing general partner for Klein/ Harris along Stephen Avenue, has expressed concerns about the timing of the redevelopment, stating that it could be devastating for the community during the peak tourist season. Councillor Sonya Sharp has gone a step further, calling for an immediate pause to summer construction due to a lack of a proper plan and potential harm to businesses.
Business owners have raised concerns about procurement decisions, including the alleged importation of granite from Vietnam instead of using local products, the removal of trees, and a lack of easy and affordable parking for visitors and downtown workers. They are urging for greater involvement in decision-making and the exploration of options that could reduce the construction’s negative effects on local businesses.
Leslie Echino, owner of Annabelle's Kitchen, has shared her experiences from Marda Loop, where she endured over two years of construction and saw 40 businesses out of 170 close due to the construction. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact the redevelopment could have on hundreds of thousands of Calgarians.
To mitigate these concerns, business owners are suggesting earlier, more detailed consultations to discuss and possibly alter construction schedules, phasing, or sequencing. They are also proposing the implementation of enhanced marketing support for affected businesses, temporary access solutions, or financial compensation. Additionally, they are considering alternative construction methods, such as accelerated techniques, nighttime or weekend work, or alternative utility routing to reduce the length and intensity of disruptions.
Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong has acknowledged ongoing engagement with businesses but has expressed the need for more clarity and potential alterations to the construction schedule. He emphasizes the importance of consultation and communication between the city, businesses, and residents throughout the redevelopment process. Wong also highlights the complexity of the construction timeline due to other nearby developments.
The redevelopment project's design features three-meter-wide pedestrian paths on either side of the street during construction, along with mid-block crossings. These measures aim to manage disruptions, but they may not be enough to alleviate the concerns of business owners.
In summary, while the city has yet to propose any alternatives to the staged approach, business owners are urging for greater involvement in decision-making and the exploration of options that could reduce the construction’s negative effects on local businesses. The redevelopment project's success hinges on the city's ability to address these concerns and work collaboratively with the business community.
- Amidst the discussions, financial implications and potential impacts on local businesses due to the redevelopment project on Stephen Avenue are a significant concern in the news, as business owners are advocating for greater involvement in decision-making and exploration of solutions to minimize negative effects.
- In the realm of finance and business, the proposed redevelopment project is facing criticism for its procurement decisions, such as the alleged importation of granite from Vietnam instead of local products, which raises questions about tariffs and the support for local enterprises.
