WATCH ABOVE: Peel street merchants said they are unable to take advantage of booming summer clientele because of heavy road work. Global’s Tim Sargeant takes a tour of the construction site.
MONTREAL – Summer is a time when downtown businesses are normally booming; daylight hours are longer, the tourism season has arrived and the city is full of outdoor festivities.
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But Peel street merchants said they are unable to take advantage of the business opportunities due to the heavy road work right outside their front doors.
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Work crews are digging up the street to replace ageing water mains, sewage pipes and other infrastructure repairs.
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Businesses complained the job is taking too long and it’s hurting them – some companies said they’re seeing a 30 per cent drop in sales.
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Merchants are demanding the city extend construction work hours, arguing workers on site finish the day early – around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.
The public works project began June 17 and is expected to last until October.
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