Guelph businesses say construction project is pushing customers away

Drivers may be facing headaches as a major construction project takes over downtown Guelph. CTV’s Heather Senoran takes a look.

Construction in downtown Guelph has created a headache for local businesses.

Road closures are in place as the Wyndham Street Reconstruction project gets underway.

Staff at Wimpy’s Diner said it has severely impacted their business as fewer customers have been walking through the doors since work started.

“The construction has really just pushed them all away,” Jillian Nunan, a server at Wimpy’s, said.

The restaurant has changed its hours to close earlier on weekdays because of the decrease in foot traffic.

“[Customers] just aren’t stopping in for lunch because they’re just not walking around downtown as much. They’re not shopping as much,” Nunan said.

The work on Wyndham Street from Wellington Street in the south end to Woolwich Street in the north end is happening in stages.

The City of Guelph said the work is crucial to replace 100-year-old infrastructure like watermains and sewers.

“So that we’re also able to accommodate growth and we’re going to have reliable servicing for generations to come. As we’re replacing that infrastructure, we also have the ability to then upgrade our streetscapes, make downtown more attractive,” Stacey Laughlin, downtown revitalization advisor with the city, said.

The Wyndham Street Reconstruction project is just one part of the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program.

According to the city’s website, $42 million was approved in the budget for this phase of the project.

Some businesses said it will be worth it in the end, even if it is an eyesore now.

“It’s our time. Every city goes through it. So, we got to probably just grin and bear it and try to get through it and be positive,” Dino Scrementi from Dino’s Athletic Direct said.

The timing of the construction isn’t ideal for many businesses as it is during what is usually a busy patio season.

Richard Overland, one of the owners of NV Kitchen + Bar, has decided to pivot and is building a hidden patio behind the restaurant.

“We’re still going to have patios downtown. We are still going to be a destination for people in the summertime for patios. Maybe a little louder because of construction but we’re going to be here,” Overland said.

The city said it is working hard to lessen the impact for everyone.

“We have developed a construction mitigation plan to help mitigate the impacts because we do recognize that construction is impactful. We are also making sure that we maintain pedestrian access to the businesses at all times. And we are offering complimentary parking in our Macdonell, parking lot,” said Laughlin.

Since Guelph is set to host the Memorial Cup next year, the city said it is working with the Guelph Storm and the tournament’s organizing committee to make sure visitors will still be able to get around and experience all that Guelph has to offer.