2023-08-07 17:16:38
Many merchants on Sainte-Catherine Street West are biting their fingers, as they anticipate months of work to come on the main commercial artery of the City of Montreal.
The second phase of major work begins today and already the orange cones are beginning to appear.
During phase two, at a cost of nearly $70 million, underground infrastructure deemed obsolete will be replaced by the city.
“It’s a mixture of emotions of enthusiasm and concern,” said Glenn Castanheira, general manager of Montreal downtown. “A construction site is like a visit to the dentist, we always expect a little pain for, we hope, a lot of relief.”
This portion of Sainte-Catherine Street will therefore be gutted to replace the century-old structures. The sidewalks will also be widened during this second phase of the work.
“We have improved our assistance to merchants for sectors under construction,” said Philippe Sabourin, administrative spokesperson for the City of Montreal. “You can qualify for a subsidy program that goes up to $40,000, but there is a lump sum of $5,000 that is allocated to merchants.”
Traders are still worried regarding the work, since it should last at least until 2025.
“It’s a whole new management, we’re going to have to adapt,” says Andrea Mikael, manager of the Union store.
“I think it won’t be too difficult for us,” said Off The Hook store employee Jaxson Rose.
TOMA ICZKOVITS
Most of the work will take place between Mansfield and Peel streets, but other closures are expected.
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