Halifax councillor seeking provincial permission to launch construction mitigation fund

Construction is underway on Dutch Village Road in Halifax. (Source: Emma Convey/CTV News Atlantic)

A Halifax councillor is bringing forward a motion to ask the Nova Scotia government to allow the municipality to launch a mitigation fund for small businesses impacted by road construction projects.

The motion, brought forward by Coun. Kathryn Morse, seeks to have the chief administrative officer write a letter, signed by the mayor, that would request the province allow the municipality to set up the fund for businesses affected by road work that goes for more than 90 days.

Council will vote on the motion at their Tuesday meeting.

“Longer term road construction projects that reroute vehicle and pedestrian traffic may have a negative impact on small businesses as customers choose alternative stores and services,” the motion reads. “A few years ago HRM requested legal changes that would allow the municipality to help offset businesses losses through a construction mitigation fund, however there has been no response to this letter from the Province. A new and updated letter could help prioritize this request.”

Many Halifax businesses have spoken about the challenges they’ve faced amid construction season this year, particularly on Dutch Village Road, which is undergoing a multi-million-dollar project to add a sidewalk, additional pedestrian crossings, parallel parking spaces and raised protected cycle lanes.

“It’s a very scary thought to be very honest,” Mohammad Ashiq, co-owner of Hello Pets, previously told CTV News Atlantic. “The pet store is kind of an extension of us. We have worked tirelessly on getting to where we are now. The thought of construction kind of affects that and us not being able to do what we love, and enjoy it, it’s scary.”

“It’s not really busy, as I said, we struggle financially,” said Michael Samilliano, who opened The Village Diner earlier this summer. “Our sales don’t keep up without expenses at all.

“If they could compensate us or even a program that could help us, that would be really, really appreciated.”

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Emma Convey

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