How many more disruptions can a small business endure?
That’s the question being asked by the mom and pop shops in a strip plaza just west of the Lockhart Road and 25th Sideroad intersection in Innisfil. Coun. Robert Saunders, who is the owner of Cove Cafe, says he’s watching the fourth road closure in the area in five years unfold.
“The businesses are suffering; it’s a pain,” he said. “I assume they want to get it done faster to save money. But, unfortunately, that affects all of our businesses. They’re saving money at the loss of our businesses.”
In addition, Saunders noted, many area retailers and restaurants are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw capacity restrictions and lengthy closures mandated for businesses throughout Ontario.
Town planning and growth director Andria Leigh admits there have been numerous infrastructure projects along Lockhart, from 20th Sideroad to Lake Simcoe, since 2019, which have forced the road to close for “extended periods of time.”
This latest section in question runs along Lockhart from Earl Street to Poplar Road, and the 25th from Henderson Drive to Ireton Street. It is slated to be blocked off from Oct. 21 to Dec. 13 for utility installations including storm sewers and water mains, and electrical ducts to facilitate the new traffic lights that are going to be erected.
Saunders says it’s to accommodate new Parkbridge Communities developments in the area.
But the town says concrete barricades are necessary here to protect the work area because the intersection's four-way stop has been removed and is not safe for vehicular traffic at this time.
“Construction projects such as this one provide a greater community benefit through the upgrading of services, roads and infrastructure and are a necessary component in a growing municipality,” Leigh said. “While we understand this can be an inconvenience for residents and businesses, the town does post signage to encourage continued patronage to businesses in the areas under construction. Additionally, notices … advising of road construction interruptions and detour routes are delivered in the immediate area and also provided to members of council.”
A brief closure in spring 2025 is also anticipated so a final course of asphalt can be laid, she said.
While there are detours in place, some add 15 or 20 minutes for customers who live nearby. And on top of that, the town has closed sections of the 20th for culvert and paving work at times in recent weeks, further dissuading people from making the trip to Sandy Cove, Saunders said.
“Enough is enough; I can’t take any more,” he said. “The town promised me last time there would never be another full closure. We’re at the mercy of the construction company. We’ve had good weather until now. If the wheels fall off the bus, the 13th could be put into January.”
Saunders was asked by InnisfilToday whether town council would consider creating some variation on a compensation or rebate program for businesses that endure exceptional circumstances like this.
“I don’t believe they would do anything,” he said. “Then everybody would start going to them.”
However, Leigh said that, based on recent feedback, the municipality is exploring opportunities to better support businesses during major infrastructure improvements ahead of next year’s construction season.
The businesses in the plaza are tenanted through Parkbridge, and the town has also shared their access concerns with the developer.
“We regret any inconvenience that the temporary closure … may have caused to the local community,” Parkbridge development vice-president Jeff Marshall said in a Nov. 8 statement. “The intersection has been closed ... to make necessary traffic and servicing improvements to support the anticipated growth in the area as development for the Lakehaven community continues. We expect to reopen the intersection with improved traffic flow and new signalization within the next (four to six) weeks. Once completed, Lakehaven will add over 2,000 new homes to the area providing more attainable housing options along with opportunities for further growth for local businesses. We are excited to see this new community develop and appreciate the patience of local residents while we upgrade the local infrastructure.”
