Regina businesses feeling financial fallout of Dewdney Avenue revitalization construction [Video]

Bushwakker Brewpub says constriction on Dewdney Avenue is keeping customers away.

“We knew there was going to be some challenges associated with the Dewdney Avenue revitalization project,” Bar Manager Grant Frew told CTV News. “But we didn’t realize we’d be facing these types of challenges.”

Still dealing with the fallout of the pandemic and rising costs, Frew believes the road signage creates the perception businesses are closed during construction.

“[Customers] see all the pylons and road closed signs and they just want to avoid it at all costs,” he said. “But the road isn’t closed. It’s restricted.”

The Railyards Revitalization project started construction in April.

Scheduled to take two years to complete, it seeks to turn Dewdney Avenue into an entertainment district more welcoming to pedestrian traffic.

“It’s going to create something all these businesses can utilize,” Mayor Sandra Masters said. “Whether its patios, lighting, crosswalks or new trees. It’s going to look so much better.”

Mayor Masters …