A road closure along the Trans-Canada Highway east of Regina is taking a significant toll on a local business, with Sherwood Greenhouse reporting a sharp drop in customers since access to its property was restricted. “In the first week we were down to one or two customers a day,” said Philip Rispens. “We got lots of messages saying, ‘The road’s closed. I can’t come to you. We’ll try again when the road’s open.’” Rispens says the business has already been forced to reduce prices on trees and shrubs by 25 per cent. “It is hurting our business,” he said. “Usually we don’t have sales until the fall, so it has impacted us significantly.” Despite the detour signs, some customers say navigating the alternate route remains confusing. “It wasn’t just, ‘let’s stop in here,’ I had planned it so I knew which way to go,” said one customer. Sherwood Greenhouse has asked for repairs to be completed as quickly as possible. After meeting with Regina Bypass officials, the business was initially told a replacement culvert would not arrive until late August. However, the Regina Bypass says engineers have since identified a temporary solution, and materials are now being delivered to the site. The temporary repair is expected to be completed within days, restoring access to the service road. Permanent repairs are scheduled to take place in September.
