While vehicle traffic is flowing through Broadway again, businesses say the long-running SkyTrain construction is pushing some to the brink. Owners are continuing to see steep drops in foot traffic, sales, and profits as disruptions continue.
For Ron MacGillivray, the owner of Fable Diner seeing vehicle traffic flowing through this stretch of Broadway again is bittersweet.
“It’s devastating, it’s like a natural disaster for us,” said MacGillivray.
MacGillivary says construction outside his diner has turned his business on its head. He’s significantly reduced its hours, laid off staff, and even sold his house, hoping to keep his business open by the time the construction is complete.
“I don’t know if we can make it to that point. I have to decide by the end of May if I can stay in this business past September 1st.”
While two lanes are open to vehicle traffic, MacGillivray says the barriers along the walkway that will be in place until sometime in July, significantly reduces foot traffic.
“Were still down 45 per cent in sales, and 55 per cent in profit.”
Despite calls for financial relief from government – the ministry of transportation says the province does not provide compensation for disruptions arising from construction.
Meantime down the road, Matthew Greenwood owner of Up in Smoke Cannabis is preparing for the next wave of expected months long closures this summer.
“The reality is people have not been encouraged to continue their journey along Broadway and Cambie, and the businesses around here have definitely felt that,” said Greenwood.
Greenwood says online orders have been a major factor for staying in business, as he’s seen a 50 per cent drop in foot traffic since the subway line project began. A project that he says has turned Broadway into a strip of vacancies.
“This used to be the high-end bike corridor of Vancouver, we had LeBicyclette, we had Dunbar Bike, we had the Bike Doctor… they’re all gone.” With more closures between Broadway and Cambie expected soon, the uncertainty surrounding the project continues to weigh heavily on the future of the corridor.