Scarth Street construction posing challenges for Regina restaurant

It’s often said there are two seasons in Saskatchewan: Winter and construction.

We’re well into the latter; crews are out and about fixing the roads and making improvements in Regina.

While it’s necessary work, it can also be a headache for businesses.

One long-term project going on now has blocked off most of Scarth Street by Victoria Park.

The recently opened Smoke’s Poutinerie is on that block. John McDonald, the store manager, said the construction has made it harder to attract customers.

“With the street being blocked off, it’s hard to see who’s on Scarth Street, who’s open (and) really what businesses are there. You’re not getting that traffic. People are driving down Victoria Avenue (and) it’s just hard to see who’s here,” he explained.

He also sees the reduced parking on Scarth Street as an issue.

“There’s not as many people parking here and when they’re having to come back to their vehicle, seeing Smoke’s and going ‘Oh, I could go for a poutine right now.’ If, say, they’re parked on Hamilton Street instead, they miss this whole strip of businesses on their way,” McDonald said.

“Scarth Street is a big spot for (the Farmer’s Market) parking, so we’re not seeing the same foot traffic there that we normally would see.”

He offered some constructive criticism from the perspective of a business manager.

“I don’t know much about construction … but if it was possible at all, it would have been great if it was done in parts, so half the parking lot is done at one point and then switch it over so there’s some traffic,” he said.

“All I know is that work had to be done and unfortunately, it’s our street that the work had to be done on.”

The project on Scarth Street is scheduled to continue until Aug. 31.