Extensive Eighth Street water main replacement project presents challenge to businesses struggling for customers

An extensive, 12-week water main replacement project got underway along Saskatoon’s Eighth Street Monday, complete with extensive road closures and traffic diversions.

According to City of Saskatoon Director of Construction and Design, Matt Jurkiewicz, the eastbound lanes from Campbell Avenue to Arlington Avenue, Sommerfeld Avenue to Preston Avenue, and Preston Avenue to Campbell Avenue will be divided into three phases of construction.

“We’re currently on phase one, which will take about five weeks, but it will take about 2.5 to 3 months over the summer. It’s just over $4 million worth of work, and we’re replacing the ageing water main infrastructure and then rebuilding the roadway from the bottom up.”

The other two phases are expected to take about seven weeks in total, meaning those road blocks, the extensive construction fencing and detours will be around most of the summer.

It also means dozens of businesses could be affected just as they’re reopening or about to open their doors after two months of  COVID-19 pandemic closures.

Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce interim CEO Silvia Martini, says while the water main replacement is a vital project, it’s a tough pill to swallow right now.

“This is a really difficult time right now for businesses, and I feel very deeply for them of course – we all do. We, as a business community and business leaders are doing everything possible to navigate through the COVID…and this is a time when businesses want to encourage people to come out.”

She likens it to getting “hit behind the head with a baseball bat.”

Nonetheless, she says the project is addressing a serious problem the area has been having with water main breaks.

So the question she asks is what those affected businesses can do during this time to try to mitigate the effects? One strategy, especially for destination businesses – is to reach out to their customers to make sure they understand they’re still open.

“If it’s a drop-in type of business, it’s going to be more difficult for sure. But I think the city has provided good notification and very helpful information of how to maneuver during this time of construction.”

Martini also wants to communicate that the Chamber of Commerce is available to provide guidance if necessary. To date, the organization hasn’t received any feedback from owners or employees.

“I don’t believe that the businesses in their frustration are saying we don’t want the work done,” she emphasizes. “They’re just saying this is a really tough time for us.”