Businesses in Langley, B.C. are preparing for the upcoming revitalization of the historic city centre, as the Fraser Highway One-Way Project is set to begin on January 2, 2025. The $18-million, two-phase project aims to enhance pedestrian walkways, replace aging infrastructure, create more community spaces, and revitalize the landscaping. Phase one of the project will start between Salt Lane and 206 Street, with limited parking along the road. However, concerns linger among business owners about how they will fare once construction gets underway. David Stingl, the owner of Everything but Diamonds, expresses worries about inadequate marketing and the potential impact on the survival of some businesses during the closure.
One significant concern for business owners like Stingl is the large fence that will run down the sidewalk, leaving limited space for pedestrians. This may pose accessibility challenges for certain people, especially seniors. Stingl emphasizes the need for additional security to ensure that shops are not negatively affected by the construction. He believes that the city has not done enough to mitigate the impact of the project on businesses, considering the substantial investment in the revitalization. Randy Rennes, the owner of Randy’s Game Shop, shares similar concerns, particularly about the loss of parking in front of his store.
Stingl notes that the city has provided pamphlets for businesses to distribute to customers, but he suggests that more could have been done to alert people about the upcoming road and parking closures. He expresses his concern for the impact that the construction will have on many business owners in the area and hopes that the project will be completed quickly. Despite these concerns, the City of Langley did not respond to requests for comment before the publication deadline. Construction is expected to last until the summer of 2025, potentially affecting businesses for an extended period.
As the Fraser Highway One-Way Project progresses in Langley, B.C., businesses are bracing for the impact of the revitalization of the historic city centre. While the project aims to improve pedestrian walkways, replace aging infrastructure, create additional community spaces, and revitalize landscaping, concerns remain among business owners about how they will survive during the construction phase. Limited parking along the road during phase one of the project raises worries about accessibility and potential challenges for businesses. Owners like David Stingl and Randy Rennes fear the loss of parking and insufficient marketing efforts to support businesses during the closure.
The installation of a large fence running down the sidewalk, leaving minimal space for pedestrians, presents a significant challenge for businesses in Langley. Stingl emphasizes the need for additional security measures to minimize negative impacts on shops during the construction. Despite the city providing pamphlets for businesses to distribute to customers, there are calls for better signage to alert people about the impending road and parking closures. Stingl and Rennes express concerns about the substantial impact that the construction project may have on businesses in the area and emphasize the importance of a quick completion to mitigate these effects.
The lack of adequate measures to support businesses during the Fraser Highway One-Way Project in Langley raises worries among owners like Stingl and Rennes. While the city has invested millions of dollars in the revitalization project, there is a perceived lack of effort in mitigating the potential impact on businesses. With construction slated to continue until the summer of 2025, business owners are left uncertain about their future during the closure period. The concerns regarding limited pedestrian space, accessibility challenges, and parking loss underscore the need for better planning and support for businesses in Langley. Despite these challenges, business owners hope for a swift completion of the project to minimize the impact on their livelihoods.
