A group of small business owners in Winnipeg’s Grosvenor Square is raising concerns over the city’s latest transit overhaul, which they say will eliminate vital parking near their storefronts and threaten their bottom lines. Set to begin June 29, the Winnipeg Transit route revamp includes replacing four current bus stops at Grosvenor Avenue and Stafford Street with three newly positioned ones—costing at least five parking spots near businesses like Lilac Bakery.
Christopher Atkinson, owner of the bakery, said he was blindsided by the sudden installation of “no parking” signs outside his shop. While city officials argue there will be a “net parking loss of zero” due to new spaces opening nearby, Atkinson insists his customers need immediate access, not a 20-metre walk.
Other businesses echo his frustration. Cassandra Carreiro of Sharecuterie said even small disruptions drastically affect traffic, especially during delivery hours. Shira Wood, manager at Girl Candy Shop, criticized the city for not consulting businesses before implementing the change, a move she fears could increase congestion and alter the character of the neighborhood.
The group, which previously suffered losses during extended sewer repairs last December, sent a letter to Mayor Scott Gillingham and local councillors warning that the loss of street parking could cost them thousands again. While the city’s goals may be rooted in boosting public transit, these businesses argue it’s happening at the expense of local commerce.
Source: Swifteradio.com
