Michael Gooderham
Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:28 am GMT
Calgary is experiencing significant traffic disruptions due to ongoing construction projects, which are particularly challenging for residents and local businesses. As of now, 28 separate road work projects are underway, causing considerable aggravation for daily commuters and businesses alike.
Construction Causing Commuter Chaos
Residents like Peter Podgorny, who lives in the Marda Loop neighborhood, report that the constant changes in road accessibility are frustrating. “It feels like week-to-week they change which road is being blocked off,” Podgorny stated. The situation has made simple errands like grocery shopping increasingly troublesome, with Podgorny mentioning he and his family are opting to stay home more often instead of navigating through the construction.
As the month of September approaches, the construction-related congestion is expected to intensify further. Key roadways such as the 4th Avenue flyover and northbound McLeod are facing lane closures, while Memorial Drive is reduced to one lane in both directions. This construction coincides with the return of students and workers to their respective institutions and offices after the summer break.
Impact on Local Businesses
Local businesses in the area, such as the Belmont Diner and Phil & Sebastian coffee shop, report significant downturns due to construction. Avery Featherstone, the assistant general manager of Belmont Diner, noted that customer foot traffic is down about 50% compared to last summer, and the construction has made access to their establishment difficult. “It’s really hard for people to get here and you really can’t blame them,” she added.
Similarly, Ralph Gonzalez, a barista at the coffee shop, expressed concern over declining customer numbers. “Not that many people want to spend their Friday, Saturday or Sunday in a highly constructed area where they can’t even really find some peace,” he said. The noise and disruption caused by construction activities are dissuading many regular customers from visiting.
Challenges for Commuters and Public Transit Users
The difficulties extend beyond drivers and local businesses. Students who rely on public transportation are facing delays and frustration due to the detours necessitated by construction. Paydon Ross and Troy McGowan, who take the bus to school, shared their experiences, with McGowan stating, “It brings me all the way around and it’s kind of annoying.” Many commuters are wishing for a reprieve from the construction-related challenges.
Wider Context: The Effects on Small Businesses Nationwide
The issues faced by businesses in Calgary are not isolated. A report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) indicates that nearly 70% (68%) of small businesses across Canada have experienced disruptions due to local construction projects in the past five years. This statistic signifies a 27% increase since 2018. Moreover, 22% of those affected report that these disruptions have had a major impact on their business, equating to approximately 267,000 small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.
The CFIB report, titled “Hard Hats and Hard Times: Public Construction Impacts on Small Businesses,” highlights that small firms have endured an average of 508 days of construction-related disruptions over five years. The report notes that the most common issues faced by businesses include traffic congestion, dust, debris, and noise, impacting customer access and overall business operations.
Many business owners are reporting significant revenue losses; on average, firms lost about 22% of their revenues during significant construction projects affecting them. Small businesses also incur additional costs averaging around $10,000 for cleaning and repairs related to construction activities.
Calls for Support and Mitigation
In light of these challenges, the CFIB urges governments to provide support for small businesses during substantial construction projects. Recommendations include the establishment of comprehensive construction mitigation plans and funding to offset costs for impacted businesses. Improved planning and communication strategies are also essential to ensure affected businesses can navigate these disruptions more effectively.
Calgary is dealing with a lot of road work, and this is causing some problems for the city and local businesses. It’s really important for everyone to work together to make things easier and help the economy. By improving rules or changing when the construction happens, we can help bring back the usual busy vibe of the city and support our shops and services.
