Business hasn’t been impacted significantly.
That’s how it’s looking, so far, for Tsawwassen merchants as construction continues on Metro Vancouver’s water main replacement project along 52nd Street.
Crews moved south of Highway 17 last month to continue water main work, complete with detours through Imperial Village, causing fears of traffic congestion and lost business.
Things aren’t so bad for area businesses, at least that’s the case for Woods Coffee at Tsawwassen Springs. Manager Carly Kaiser said business dropped initially but then moved back upward, so the impact wasn’t as significant as originally anticipated.
“The first couple of weeks were rough when nobody really knew what was happening with the detour because originally they weren’t even going to have the road open, but thanks to word of mouth people knew we’re open, so it hasn’t been anything too crazy,” she said.
Sarah Toigo with Tsawwassen Springs said people haven’t been staying away and, in fact, there hasn’t been an impact for the golf course or connected businesses.
“Actually, the way they (Metro Vancouver) have been running things, I find it quicker getting in and out of here right now than before with the traffic lights. They’re really attentive to people coming and going and there’s always access,” she said.
“So, if you’re going down 52nd (Street) into the golf course, you never wait. And if you’re trying to get onto Highway 17, I’m sure the residents of Imperial Village don’t like the traffic but I think keeping things fluid and open for all the businesses here has been really important,” she added.
Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association executive director Lydia Elder said from conversations with members, it looks like the primary impact has been a drop in business from those who would make an impulse decision to stop by as they drive past as well as those who are wary of what they believe would be traffic problems.
“With clients who regularly come by for scheduled appointments, classes, tee times, events, etc., there is more consistency as their desire to get their favourite coffee, or preferred cut of steak, is greater than the temporary inconvenience of construction,” she said.
“We’re working with these businesses to ensure that we highlight them and remind folks that they’re open for business and accessible during construction,” she added.
Elder noted a video promotion campaign, highlighting Tsawwassen and starring member businesses, will take place starting the first week of July.
Metro Vancouver says final activities, including cleaning, testing and connecting the new water main to the existing system, will take place from mid-August to early October.
