Once again our local councils have come to an unreasonable decision by closing the Craigflower Bridge for eight months.
The closure will level all existing business in the area including mine, Floyd’s Hairstyling for Men, which has existed on Admirals Road for 14 years. As I type this letter at 11:08 a.m. I have not seen one client yet today. Clients are staying clear because they believe the area’s traffic issues are not worth fighting with.
Since the bridge closure, Admirals Road is not busy at all, and in fact, is easier to navigate than prior to the bridge closure.
Why is it that Saanich and View Royal councils cannot see the damage to local businesses when they make such a decision? Have they never owned a business, or struggled year after year through decisions like this, and not felt the pain due to not having money to pay rent or feed their family?
And what about so-called loyal clients? Do they not realize the damage they do independently when they change their behaviours due to road construction? I survived the construction of the intersection at Admirals and Colville roads that took two years to build. Now this.
And after that, Esquimalt council has plans to “traffic calm” Admirals Road.
I am left to wonder if there is anything left to fight for? I have been self-employed for 28 years and lately have wondered why I am fighting so hard when local governments keep getting in the way.
Perhaps it’s time to get rid of all these small local governments in favour of larger, more competent representation.
Scott Attrill
Victoria