After nearly 15 years of existence, the company specializing in fine teas Sebz, located in the Montcalm district, is closing its doors.
The owner of the establishment, Sébastien Champagne, will officially go out of business within ten days, when all his merchandise will have been sold.
The drop in ridership recorded following the containment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the major work to come in the sector for the establishment of the tramway have got the better of the company, he says.
According to the route of the City of Quebec, the tramway will pass in front of his business, while a station is planned a few steps away, at the corner of Cartier Avenue. Recently, Mayor Bruno Marchand confirmed that the site would be launched this summer.
Without these works, Mr. Champagne affirms that he would have kept his business. But the uncertainty linked in particular to changes to the schedule weighs heavily, he says.
“Eighty-five percent of my clientele comes from the periphery [du centre-ville]it is certain that I cannot stay here, ”he slices, while the number of available parking lots will be reduced.
“I don’t know if I will survive. »
Concerns from a neighbor
There is also concern at Lucinocte, a lamp repair company, located a few steps away.
Owner Josée Dussault, who has been running her business for 36 years, doubts that she can “survive” the tramway.
“It’s going to be difficult, especially if there’s no parking. There’s no one who’s going to have his lamp repaired by tram! she says, discouraged.
Other businesses located on the same street, such as the Freshii restaurant and the Enzo, however, are not planning to move or close due to the upcoming works. “Of course it will have a big impact, but we’re not too worried,” said Freshii manager Marc Lunay.
Survey and fears
Last summer, a survey conducted by the firm SOM also revealed that the vast majority of merchants in the Montcalm district fear the harmful effects of the construction of the tramway on their business.
According to the survey, 95% of respondents are of the opinion that the work period will have a negative or very negative impact on their business.
