'We've certainly lost business': No end in sight for Broad Street sidewalk closure

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The Broad Street side of the Yarrow Building and a portion wrapping around the corner on Broughton have been fenced off since April 2022, and two businesses have since left

It’s been nearly two and half years since the City of Victoria condemned the historic glass-prism sidewalks on Broad Street near Bay Centre — and three businesses are still ­wondering when the barricades will come down.

“We’ve certainly lost business. We’re paying high rent in order for shoppers to see our windows and our customers can’t even get near our windows,” said Cassels, who uses mannequins on the barriers to attract customers. “And no help on the rent from the city or the landlord.” It said since decommissioning such basements and replacing the sidewalk can be prohibitively expensive for building owners, particularly those managing heritage properties, the city has historically shared the costs with owners during redevelopment, major renovations or as part of planned city capital projects.

It said the city is “committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible and continues to engage with the building owners.” Sean Sloat, who owns Macchiato Caffe on Broad Street, has barricades on both Broughton and Broad streets, though the city has closed off Broad Street to vehicle traffic, allowing for a street patio.He said dirt and seagull droppings accumulate behind the barricades and is hardly ever cleaned by the city or landlord, giving his inside diners unpleasant views on what is otherwise a unique sidewalk.Like the other remaining merchants, Sloat wants answers about when the repairs will done.

She said downtown is facing several issues for businesses, including safety and security concerns, parking and fewer office workers due to home-based working. “But the barricades right now are impacting that ability to say yes for new businesses,” said Wray.

 

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