Residents and businesses on Pape Avenue will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief as area construction enters its final phase.
Replacement of an aging gas main began in July, with work stretching from Danforth Avenue north to O’Connor Drive. It is slated for completion within the next few weeks.
Enbridge spokesperson Chris Meyer said an exact date could not be provided since each customer has to be advised individually.
While some locals understand the work is necessary, many are still upset about its impact on the flow of business.
Irene Bratsos, who works at the Florida Shish Kebob House, said construction was terrible for the restaurant’s patio.
“People weren’t coming as much because of the noise and dust,” she said.
She added that she would have liked to see construction crews water the streets to prevent dust from scattering.
Parking also proved problematic as customers were forced to find spaces beyond the stores’ perimeters.
The owner of The Perfect Fit, Emerald Tharrenos, said parking spaces were scarce during the repairs.
“More people were looking for parking on the side streets,” she said.
She said some of her clients were forced to enter through the back doors because her shop’s front entrance was blocked by construction.
Meyer said the company tried its best to minimize disturbances.
“We tried to coordinate the work to cause the least disruptions,” she said. “We organized the work during a specific time period of the day.”
The company also dropped off letters to residents on what to expect during the construction, she said.