A local business manager is expressing concerns about the timing of a new construction project in downtown Chatham, which started up just days before Step 3 of the province's reopening plan.
When Mark Giles, the manager of Frank's Music Centre went to work Monday, he noticed cars were being blocked from parking in front of the store.
The westbound lane of King Street West is scheduled to be closed until July 23 as construction crews work on a municipal project to replace 52 lights poles around the downtown core.
"We found that it was an inappropriate time [to start construction]," said Giles. "When construction is going on downtown, people tend to avoid [the area] and go elsewhere."
Giles took to social media to express his frustration with the timing of the construction coinciding with the province's plan to move into Step 3 on July 16.
"We feel a little left out," said Giles. "It's like we finally get to open and then there's construction to worry about."
After coming across the post on social media, Councillor Michael Bondy said he wrote a letter to municipal staff asking whether it was possible to delay the project until the fall.
"I think it's very unfortunate," said Coun. Bondy. "However, I understand when the municipality does things like this we can never predict the province's timeline."
The project was anticipated to have a start date in March but was delayed due to a lack of availability in parts to replace the posts. Mayor Darrin Canniff also addressed concerns about the construction, noting that the contractors will work closely with local businesses in the area to ensure a steady flow of traffic can still go through the area.
"There will always be traffic flow down there," said Mayor Canniff. "They're going to work on little sections and will need to block parking in front of stores for a short period of time."
According to municipal officials, the project will be completed in phases with more lights being replaced along Third Street, Fourth Street, Fifth Street, and William Street.