WINNIPEG – More businesses on Selkirk Ave. are preparing to take a major hit with construction closing another section of the roadway.
Selkirk was closed between Salter St. and McGregor St. from May until Saturday for a major street renewal project.
Some businesses estimate sales went down between 80 and 90 per cent.
“Most of our business is done in the summer months already so we only got a few months left to really to make up any of our losses,” said Paul Kettler, owner of Maw and Paw Collectibles.
The street closure made it difficult for driving customers to get to stores and shops while walk-up traffic also dropped off dramatically.
Business slowed down so much that employees volunteered to cut their shifts in order to keep the store going, said Kettler.
Now the street in front of his store is brand new but businesses further west are poised to experience the same lack of customers.
Selkirk is now closed between McGregor St. and Arlington St. until at least mid-November for phase two of the road renewal project.
“Rely on savings and just get through it,” is how Ravi Singh, owner of Hadeda Convenience Store, said his business plans to weather the next few months.
While businesses are taking a hit, people living in the area said the project was long overdue given the poor state of Selkirk Ave.
Kettler is hoping the improved street will bring new customers to his store.
“It’s going to be a loss, right through, that’s the way I look at it, next year will just have to be a better year,” said Kettler.
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