Small business owners in Paris, Ont. say a big construction project is dragging down their sales. The project, known as “The Downtown Dig,” is in its second year as the County of Brant replaces aging underground infrastructure and carries out plans to revitalize the downtown core. Teresa Howatt is the owner of The Rustic Palm, a shop that highlights the work of local vendors. June is typically one of her busiest months, but that hasn’t been the case this year. “The construction first started last year. I think people just got frustrated because the road was closed and the detours were a little confusing,” Howatt said. “If we don’t get that support, then it’s really hard for us to stay afloat.” Although she is concerned for the future of her business, she also has to keep the interests of her vendors in mind. “Vendors pay a shelf fee. If they’re not making their shelf fee then they’re down and they’re basically just giving me money and going into the negative,” she explained. Howatt estimated that, heading into June last year, her sales amounted to roughly $40,000. This year, that number sits around $15,000. She’s not the only one feeling the impacts of the construction. Valerie Simpson, owner of One Sixty One, said she’s seen a roughly 30 to 40 per cent decrease in sales. “I’ve heard a few people saying, ‘I’m not coming downtown until construction is over’,” Simpson said. “That’s part of the problem because if people aren’t coming downtown while construction is on, we’re not going to be here for when construction is done.” Meanwhile, some business owners said their regular customers want to come and shop, but are struggling to navigate detours. “We had a lady call me today and she tried to get into downtown,” recalled Leah Thomas, the owner of Suzanne’s of Paris, a business that has been a constant along Grand River Street North for almost 41 years. “She didn’t know which way to turn, made the wrong turn and turned around and went home.” According to Paris’ Downtown Dig webpage, this phase of the work is set to wrap up later this summer or early in the fall. An emailed statement from the County of Brant to CTV News reads, in part: “The County of Brant recognizes that construction can affect businesses in different ways. The experience of the Downtown Dig has varied across the business community, and we know that impacts are not the same for every business. We appreciate the patience and resilience of business owners as this important infrastructure work continues.” The county said the project represents a significant investment in Paris’ long-term future while making the area more accessible and vibrant. “We remain committed to supporting businesses throughout construction and encourage residents and visitors to continue shopping, dining and supporting the many businesses that remain open and ready to welcome customers,” the statement from the county continued. Although they are facing frustration today, the business owners said they know the finished product will be worth the wait. “I do think Paris, Ont. is still one of the prettiest towns in Canada. I think it’s still beautiful, it’s just a little dirty right now, but it’s still got that downtown small business charm and that’s never going to change,” said Howatt. This summer, the town plans to open the finished section of Grand River Street North and transform it into a pedestrian-only promenade. Howatt said once that happens, her and surrounding businesses are planning to host a vendors market on July 11. “We have 60 different vendors that’ll be setting up tents in the middle of the streets,” she said. “Our goal is to bring people to town to help shop in the stores and go to the restaurants.”
