Small businesses claim Broadway subway construction causing revenue losses
Small business owners in Vancouver say they have fewer customers and are making less money, and it's not just because of the pandemic.
Construction on the new Broadway subway line is well underway. Some vehicle lanes and street parking along West Broadway between Main and Arbutus streets have been eliminated as a result.
Vivian Zeng owns the We Do Beauty salon near Arbutus Street and West Broadway. She says customers are cancelling their appointments because they’re having trouble finding anywhere to park.
"They say 'Vivian, I love you, but because of (the construction), I need to go somewhere else'," Zeng said.
On top of the inconvenience, Zeng says noise from the construction has become unbearable. She and her staff have been taking Advil while on shift because the constant drilling and sawing gives them headaches. Zeng’s concerned she may end up losing an employee because of all the racket.
"If this issue is going to continue for a long time, she’s going to quit."
Broadway subway construction is different from the cut-and-cover method that devastated businesses along the Cambie corridor when the Canada Line was constructed ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics. This time around, vehicle decks are being built to let cars travel above while boring machines create the subway tunnel underground. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025, and street parking will be reduced until then.
"It’s definitely hurting business," said Jory Shepek, co-owner of the Better Bodies gym on West Broadway near Arbutus Street.
With street parking ripped up, the gym owners have been forced to buy extra stalls in the building parkade for their customers. Each spot comes with a 24 per cent parking tax, a pricy premium that comes as the fitness centre tries bouncing back from COVID-19 related closures.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure tells CTV News that outreach with businesses impacted by the subway project continues, and they're working with the City of Vancouver to address parking needs on streets adjacent to West Broadway.
"While the construction phase can be disruptive, the benefits of the completed project will far outweigh any temporary disruptions," a ministry spokesperson told CTV News in a statement. "This project will benefit many British Columbians by expanding fast, frequent and convenient SkyTrain service and advancing the Province’s commitment to green transportation infrastructure."
Shepek and Zeng agree expanded transit would help business, but they aren’t sure if they’ll be able to weather the storm of construction. They’re calling on the B.C. government to step up and provide some form of reimbursement for lost revenue.
"We’re trying so hard to survive during the pandemic, and now we’re facing this problem for another few years," said Zeng.
Once complete, the Broadway Subway Project will move passengers from the VCC-Clark SkyTrain Station to Arbutus in approximately 11 minutes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.