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Construction of LRT in Kitchener is frustrating for residents

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People in Kitchener are finding it hard to navigate around the city, due to the construction of the LRT.
While most seem to look forward to the transit alternative, the “getting there” has been a nightmare for residents and businesses.
Most of the heavy construction is done, replacing hydro water and sewer lines so they won’t have to be fixed after the LRT goes in. Sidewalks are being poured in many of the streets around the intersection, and the tracks are in place. The trains might not be running for another year or two but the intersection is supposed to be done next month. None too soon for people who live and work down here.
Bread Head and its neighbouring Duke Street restaurants are popular lunch spots for courthouse regulars, as it’s only a couple blocks away, but these days it’s hard to get to.
“We have been dealing with basically a sand box out here for the last four months.”
Owner Dave O’Leary says they had to shut down from the end of May through October when construction was even worse.
“They dropped a 53-foot trailer right outside our door that remained there for two months. Nobody could see us. It was a security issue. Somebody kicked in the glass door next door because the hydro was gone, no street lights.”
The new sidewalk kept getting delayed and businesses weren’t informed so they closed on days no construction was done.
“No apologies are given for your loss of business for the day. And there’s no recourse unless you go the legal road which most small businesses don’t have the capacity to do. So it’s a horrible experience.”
Many businesses have left, but many others have opened downtown. O’Leary says it’s an exciting time, but it could take him five years to recoup his losses.
Commuter Ayo Owodunni has lived in cities with and without rail transit, and he says LRT makes life easier, once it is in place.
“I can’t wait until it’s over and done with. It gets tiring when the roads are blocked and that’s the route you know and then you have to find a new route. But we’re patient because we know it’s going to make things better. Well, we hope it’s going to make things better.”
But right now even walking in this city now is a challenge.
Kitchener decided to do all the construction at once over a shorter period of time rather than dragging it out over a longer period and having less upheaval. It seems despite the headaches residents still prefer this option, but they would like more communication about the work.
Lisa Hepfner spoke with the mayor of Kitchener, Berry Vrbanovic, who said the biggest problem is telling people how to get around town and what business are open.