Transit overhaul causing concern for Graham Avenue businesses

Business owners say the number of customers on Graham Avenue has dwindled since the new transit system took effect. CTV’s Jeff Keele explains.

Shop owners on Graham Avenue are not on board with Winnipeg’s new transit network.

Buses were removed from the street in late June as part of the transit overhaul, but now businesses are saying customers disappeared with them.

“It’s slowed down; it’s definitely slowed down,” said Eric Saniuk, owner of Blazing Chicken Shack, located at 392 Graham Ave.

Saniuk said his restaurant relied on walk-up customers waiting for or getting off a bus.

He estimates they’re down $2,000 in sales a week since the switch.

“It’s tough. We’re barely getting by as it is, never mind getting rid of the buses,” he said.

Saniuk is not alone.

Bison Books store owner Aimee Peake said she’s taking a 25 per cent hit on over-the-counter sales.

“People would stop and come in and get the next bus so they had 15 minutes to browse the store,” she said.

CTV News also spoke to other shop owners on Graham Avenue who say their businesses have been impacted, with one saying he is down 75 per cent.

“The riders don’t have access to those businesses, and the businesses don’t have access to the riders. It’s a problem on both ends,” Peake said.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said he’s met with the affected businesses.

“I do understand. I do appreciate those business owners want and need that regular traffic,” he said.

Gillingham said more potential customers are coming, pointing to the Southern Chiefs redevelopment of the former Bay building and True North’s Portage Place project.

“That would be a major overhaul, which will represent a lot more people living in the area. A lot more people visiting that site,” Gillingham said.

However, that’s at least a couple of years away.

In the meantime, Saniuk would like to see concerts and events on Graham.

“Unless there’s a Jets game or something at RBC Convention Centre, there isn’t a whole lot of reason to come down here lately,” he said.

“Get some attractions for people to come and check it out.”

Peake would like to see things the way they were.

“Put the buses back,” she said. “I mean, nobody is happy with this bus system.”