Business owners frustrated with Ottawa Street construction

CTV’s Karis Mapp hears from business owners who say construction of a roundabout could shut them down.

Business owners in Kitchener say a major construction project is impacting their businesses.

The first phase of the Ottawa Street construction project started in 2024.

Now work is underway on phase two, which includes construction of a new roundabout at Ottawa Street and Westmount Road. It’s a $10.2 million project that also includes upgrading infrastructure like pipes and sewers.

Business owners said the construction has been bad for business as part of Ottawa Street remains closed from Westmount to Pinedale Drive.

“I had a customer yesterday say that he doesn’t come near here unless it’s to get his haircut,” said Glennys Shouldice, the owner of Pure Hair Studio.

The lanes along Westmount Road are currently reduced, causing heavy traffic in the area.

“They say in late October, they’re opening all lanes - like a single lane of traffic going every direction. And, that’ll be a nightmare because this is a very busy intersection and it’s just going to back traffic up,” Shouldice said.

The work is expected to wrap up in November.

The region said everything is on schedule.

“We’re certainly well aware of all of these frustrations that folks have raised. And again, appreciate everyone’s consideration as we wrap up for this fall and into next year,” said Regional Councillor Matt Rodriques.

Shouldice said customers and staff are having a hard time accessing the plaza.

“You’re trying to make sure you don’t hit people or pylons or signs like there’s just too much,” Shouldice said.

Shouldice said sales are also on a decline since construction started.

“So for me my business is down 8.5 per cent now. I’m lucky it’s only 8.5 per cent. We have a loyal clientele, so we’re pretty fortunate there. Two of the businesses in the plaza that I’ve spoken to the owners, they’re down 50 per cent. That’s huge,” Shouldice said.

An M&M Meat franchise owner said he’s feeling effects of the construction and worries for his future. He said the company makes the bulk of their revenue in a six to eight week period.

“From the middle of November until January 1,” said Chima McLean. “Everything else is break even or lose a bit of money, and then we make it all up in that period of time. We’re very busy over the Christmas season. We will be out of business if this stays. I won’t be operating in January.”

McLean said they’ve lost $80,000 of sales since May and it could get worse.

“By the time December 1 rolls around, people won’t bother coming down here. And those last five weeks leading into New Year’s Eve, we’re out of business. We will be literally out of business,” he said.

The region said staff sympathize to the impacted businesses, but reiterated the importance of the work being done.

“We know that construction brings inevitable disruption to businesses and residents and folks passing through town. We appreciate people’s patience,” said Rodrigues.

Once the roundabout opens, asphalt paving is scheduled to happen sometime in 2026.