Downtown businesses will be getting a break from the water line improvement project that has been happening downtown during the summer and fall.
The project aimed to replace the cast iron water lines with newer pipes.
The chilly weather has put the plans to continue on hold. At the moment the work has progressed to Centre Street, by Gus’s Corner Restaurant and S&S News.
“We’re doing some cleanup work and laying some concrete,” said Allan Kendrick, Director of Infrastructure for the Town of Drumheller. “We should be done by the end of the week.”
Water services will return to normal, parking spaces will return, and the roads will no longer be blocked by construction.
The news comes as a relief to business owners affected by the work, especially because Christmas is approaching. Many cited the construction as the primary reason for a drastic decrease in customers.
“We had less sales, people couldn’t use the street, there was no parking, then they put construction right in front of the door,” said Narinder Tambar, owner of S&S News. “People didn’t know we were open.”
“They did a good job, but it’s been taking too long,” said Shirley Briault, owner of SJ Fashions. “They should’ve started earlier.”
“I’m glad it’s over, it affects the business,” said Abe Cagla at the Badlands Barbershop.
Similar sentiments were expressed by most businesses. Some are worried that the disruption drove shoppers to other, more accessible stores.
Work may be done for now, but things will continue in the spring. The entire project is long term and is slated to take 10 to 11 years to complete.
“We’ll be doing more in other back alleys in the downtown area,” said Kendrick. “There should be less of an inconvenience for businesses.
