A Halifax pet store says the ongoing construction work on Dutch Village Road is severely impacting their business. Hello Pets, which is located at 3569 Dutch Village Rd., said in a Facebook post it has seen a significant drop in foot traffic since construction work started in April. “Parking is very challenging, and even longtime customers have told us they weren’t sure how to get to the store,” the post reads. “Some have had to drive by without stopping because there was just no safe or easy way to get in. “Our sales have dropped sharply, and as a small, independent business, it’s been a real strain. We are doing our best to stay positive, but it’s really tough.” Halifax council approved the Dutch Village Road Complete Streets Functional Plan in 2020, which is expected to aid raised protected cycle lanes on both sides of the street, additional pedestrian crossings, on-street parallel parking spaces, and a sidewalk. “The current construction on Dutch Village Road is part of a significant $10-million investment to make the area safer, more comfortable, and more welcoming for everyone, whether walking, biking, taking transit or driving,” the city said in an email to CTV News. “Construction work can be disruptive, and the municipality is working closely with the contractor to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible.” The city adds a phased construction approach is in place to maintain at least one lane of traffic throughout the project. “Currently, crews are focused on reconstruction along the west side of Dutch Village Road, and later this week, access to Westerwald Street is expected to be restored. Once work on the west side is complete, work will shift to the east side,” reads the email. “The municipality and the contractor will continue to provide businesses and residents with advance notice of any changes to traffic flow or access.” Hello Pets co-owner Mohammad Ashiq says they are barely able to pay their bills. “We are not being able to pay ourselves, which is obviously tough for any small business,” says Ashiq. “As a small independent business, each day counts. So, a disruption of even a week or months can have such great impacts in terms of paying our rent and vendor bills and all those things. So, it’s been a challenge,” Despite their struggle, Ashiq says he is grateful for the community support they have received. “We have had so many kind messages of support and also online orders. So, we are just staying positive, and I know with the help of our community and love from our neighbours we will be able to get through this,” says Ashiq. Coun. Kathryn Morse says the city expects “huge benefits” from the redevelopment. “There will be safer, more attractive ways to walk. There will be two sidewalks instead of one. The parking will be improved. The whole road will be a safer and more attractive place,” says Morse. “I know it’s a tough time, but it will get better. I think it will quite soon.” The city says it is committed to completing the project “as quickly as conditions allow.” “Once the construction is completed, I know the area will be much more beautiful and easier for everyone to navigate and walk. So, we know businesses here right now are feeling the pressure of the construction but in the long term, once it’s completed, I think all businesses, including us, are going to have a great future,” says Ashiq. With files from CTV Atlantic’s Emma Convey. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
