MEDICINE HAT, AB — Local business are worried construction on South Railway Street this summer will impact their bottom line.
City crews will begin the project at the base of Scholten Hill, making their way towards Kingsway Avenue.
The road will be ripped up as crews work on sewer and water lines.
A new sidewalk will also make it easier for people walking or cycling to safely make it into the downtown.
It’s work that Bruce Stuber with Canine Reflections knows is long overdue, but he’s worried about parking for his customers.
“Our biggest concern is to make sure that it’s as easy as possible or accessible for customers when they’ve got their arms full with their dogs or with their beds, whatever, that they don’t have very far to go to get inside,” he said.
The storefront has sat at the base of Scholten Hill for the last 20 years.
“It’s still a very good location, a lot of people will say that,” he said. “It’s tough in this city to find a place where they can take their pets for day care. We’re pretty much central from Crescent Heights to Southridge.”
But the changes coming with the construction will mean Stuber’s customers won’t be able to pull up to the front of the building.
“There’s going to be quite a change, that’s for sure,” he said. “Right now customers have access right to the front of the building and are able to come in quite easily. But with the changes that are being proposed, we’re gonna lose our parking out front.”
Stuber said he’s been in talks with the city about creating a small lot beside the business for customers.
Other owners along South Railway say they’re worried customers won’t be able to access their business.
“The intent is to keep the access to the businesses open throughout the construction project,” said Stan Nowakowski, manager of engineering with the city.
Nowakowski said staff have been in talks with businesses throughout the design process and have taken any concerns into account.
“It’s something to look forward to,” said Stuber. “This street really hasn’t had any kind of an upgrade since we’ve been here, I’m sure, and it’s definitely in need of it.”
