Ladner Village is still open for business despite major construction in the area.
That's the message local merchants are hoping to get out to the community.
"Everyone is open for business and now is the time to support local businesses," said Ladner Business Association president Andrea Frustaci.
Work on the $6-million Delta Street Revitalization Project began last month with the removal of trees. Several of the trees were transplanted elsewhere in the community and all will eventually be replaced.
Part of the South Delta Business Sustainability Strategy, the project is aimed at revitalizing South Delta's infrastructure and strengthening the village core. Work is scheduled to continue throughout most of the year, with completion set for October.
Watermain replacement is currently underway, which will be followed by road and sidewalk construction. The roadwork is being done on a block-by-clock basis to minimize disruptions.
Carol Miles, who owns South Delta Heels, said she's had to close early a couple of times when the road right outside her Bridge Street store was closed.
She said she has seen a huge decrease in business in the last three weeks, especially when the road in front of her store was closed. However, crews have made an effort to keep the sidewalks open, she said.
Miles said the construction process will be difficult for local businesses but will be a benefit in the end.
"You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs," she said.
Delta has created a map of alternate parking locations. It can be found at www.delta.ca and at the project office, 4811 Delta St.
Frustaci, who owns two Ladner Village restaurants, The Dancing Pig and Sharkey's Seafood Bar Grille, said communication between the municipality and local businesses has been good. He said representatives have attended LBA meetings and municipal hall also put up signs to advise shoppers about construction and alternate parking. As for his own businesses,
Frustaci said this is typically a slower time of year for the restaurants, and the work is primarily done during regular business hours, which means it doesn't impact weekends and the dinner rush.
"It's a good time for them to be doing it, for us," he said.
Frustaci said he is choosing to focus on the positives.
In addition to the roadwork, the project includes sidewalk replacement, a decorative pedestrian plaza at the intersection of Delta and Bridge streets, decorative stamped/coloured pedestrian crosswalks at intersections, new landscaping areas that include irrigation, new street lights as well as bike racks, benches, decorative bollards, banner poles and garbage/recycling receptacles.
