Concession Street has reopened for business

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They say there are two seasons in Canada, winter and construction. And in Hamilton, one of those seasons has finally come to an end. After nine months of dirt, dust and heavy machinery, Concession Street has reopened for business.

Since March the street has been closed to traffic while work crews installed new watermains, sidewalks, lighting, bike stands, planters and benches. It was a costly project, 12 million dollars,
but Leo Santos from the BIA says was well worth the investment. “The benefit of any construction phase or any major project of the city is that the city keeps their eyes on that and the opportunity for us now to shine and to show what Concession Street has to offer..”

While some businesses along Concession Street say they have noticed little difference in sales others say with the road closed for 9 months they have taken a major hit. Like Ranim Reda from Big Bee. “It’s been a nightmare. you could sit here and have a nap. Our sales dropped more than 50%.”

“I’m down according to my POS system, which is my point of sale, a hundred thousand dollars. We are little guys. our livelihoods and they pretty much almost took away my livelihood. I went out and I had to go out and borrow money and I took on a day job to keep this place open.” Explained Dale Roach owner, Stone Roads bar and grill

While businesses along Concession Street are cheering the re-opening of the road, it will be another month before work is completed on King Street in Stoney Creek.