“It’s outstanding!”
That’s the message from the Executive Director if the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association following the reopening of Lansdowne St.
Howie Reimer says the half year long project certainly created its fair share of challenges and concerns. “Under the circumstances and the fact that was a necessary project, I would like to commend the city of Kamloops and extreme excavating and also the patience and resilience of our of our businesses. They endured what was a tough time.”
“I know the city gave some notice about the fact that the project was happening and the timelines were met. So that was definitely a good thing here, because we didn’t have to see things extend beyond maybe what people had prepared for. But that all said, as much as you can prepare for knowing you’re going to see fewer customers, probably less revenue, that really doesn’t have any comfort on the fact that you are going to have to go through these times that they did.
“The impacts are real. They’re significant. And you know, we’re aware of a couple of businesses that certainly didn’t survive within the corridor, and you know that is of concern. There were other factors that are involved, but it certainly doesn’t help when you when you have this kind of thing.”
Among the business that did not survive was Stills Co. Tapas &. Cocktails, which called it quits just over one year after it opened. It was located at the corner of Lansdowne St. and 5th Ave.
“In the long run, it is about improving our downtown, says Reimer. “It was necessary. We’ve got City Gardens and many other developments coming in and looking down the road. Hopefully this infrastructure upgrade will will be enough. I went down Lansdown today. It looks fantastic. It looks like they did a great job. And it’s open, and I’m sure businesses are ready to ready and raring to get things going for the holidays as we as we ramp up downtown.”
Reimer invites everybody to come down and explore what the city centre has to offer. He also noted that the truck pilot project, which has reduced the truck traffic in the downtown as adding to why it is a really a good time to look local.
