How many more disruptions can a small business endure?

That’s the question mom-and-pop shops in a plaza just west of the intersection of Lockhart Road and 25th Sideroad in Innisfil are asking. Count. Robert Saunders, owner of Cove Cafe, says he is seeing the area’s fourth road closure in five years.

“Businesses are suffering; “It’s a pain,” he said. “I guess they want to do it faster to save money. But unfortunately, that affects all of our businesses. “They are saving money from the loss of our businesses.”

Additionally, Saunders noted, many area retailers and restaurants are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to capacity restrictions and mandatory extended closures for businesses across Ontario.

Director of Urban Planning and Growth Andria Leigh admits there have been numerous infrastructure projects throughout Lockhart, dating back to 20th Sideroad to Lake Simcoe, since 2019, which has forced the road to be closed for “extended periods of time.”

This last section in question runs along Lockhart from Earl Street to Poplar Road, and 25th from Henderson Drive to Ireton Street. It is scheduled to be blocked from Oct. 21 to Dec. 13 for utility facilities, including storm sewers and water mains, and electrical conduits to facilitate new traffic lights that will be built.

Saunders says it is to accommodate new Parkbridge Community Developments in the area.

But the city says concrete barricades are needed here to protect the work area because the intersection’s four-way stop has been removed and is not safe for vehicle traffic at this time.

“Construction projects like this provide greater community benefit through improved amenities, roads and infrastructure and are a necessary component in a growing municipality,” Leigh said. “While we understand this may be an inconvenience to residents and businesses, the city posts signage to encourage continued business patronage in areas under construction.

“In addition, notices… advising of disruptions to road construction and detour routes are delivered to the immediate area and also to council members,” he added.

A brief closure is also planned in the spring of 2025 so a final layer of asphalt can be laid, Leigh said.

While detours exist, some add 15 or 20 minutes for customers who live nearby. And on top of that, the city has closed sections of 20th Street for sewer and paving work at times in recent weeks, further deterring people from making the trip to Sandy Cove, Saunders said.

“Enough is enough; “I can’t take it anymore,” he said. “The city promised me last time there would never be another total shutdown. We are at the mercy of the construction company. We’ve had good weather so far. If the wheels fall off the bus, the 13th could go to January.”

Saunders was asked InnisfilToday whether the council would consider creating any variation to a compensation or reimbursement program for businesses enduring exceptional circumstances like this.

“I don’t think they would do anything,” he said. “Then everyone would start coming to them.”

However, Leigh said that based on recent feedback, the municipality is exploring opportunities to better support businesses during major infrastructure improvements ahead of next year’s construction season.

Businesses in the plaza are leased through Parkbridge and the city has also shared concerns about access with the developer.

“We regret any inconvenience the temporary closure…may have caused the local community,” Parkbridge Vice President of Development Jeff Marshall said in a Nov. 8 statement. “The intersection has been closed… to make necessary traffic and utility improvements to support anticipated growth in the area as development for the lakehaven community continue.

“We hope to reopen the intersection with improved traffic flow and new signage within the next (four to six) weeks,” he added. “Once completed, Lakehaven will add more than 2,000 new homes to the area, providing more affordable housing options along with further growth opportunities for local businesses. We are excited to see this new community develop and appreciate the patience of local residents while we improve the local environment.”