McCulloch’s Costume, Party Supplies, and Dancewear has served customers since 1962, but ongoing road construction continues to haunt the local Halloween destination. Co-owner Rose McCulloch says repeated construction closures near Dundas Street and Nightingale Avenue is taking a toll, “Our sales this year are down about a third, so that really hurts.” After roadwork in front of the store wrapped up, construction of the bus rapid transit (BRT) system moved just east, closing all four lanes of Dundas. Access from the north was also temporarily closed for roadwork on Nightingale Avenue last weekend, adding to the challenge during the Halloween shopping season. “There’s been about three times in the last few years when they have closed down Dundas Street in our busiest season,” explains McCulloch. “We know they have to do it, but some signage would help. Like Dundas is closed here, but to get past the construction, this is how you do it.” In an emailed statement, the City of London’s Director of Construction and Infrastructure Jennie Dann acknowledged the situation. “We recognize that McCullough’s has experienced several years of disruption from multiple construction and infrastructure projects in the area, and that the cumulative impact has been challenging, particularly during one of its busiest times of year,” Dann writes. The statement adds, “City staff make every effort to maintain access to local businesses, provide advance information, coordinate work and find opportunities to minimize disruptions. However, some repairs are time-sensitive, and work on the critical path can have less flexibility to shift without affecting the overall project schedule. We recognize the impact this has on businesses and will continue working to maintain access wherever possible.” McCulloch says road widening for bus rapid transit has already reduced the store’s parking lot by more than half, “They have taken away 11 parking spots out of our 19, so they left us with eight.” She says a planned extension of the centre median along Dundas Street when BRT is completed will prevent left turns onto or from Nightingale Avenue. McCulloch urges Londoners to support local businesses that are open year-round. “We need the support because the pop-up stores are here for a month, month and a half,” she says. “We are here 12 months of the year. We employ four full-time employees who are supporting families and without the support from the people in London, it’s hard to survive.”
