As the British Columbia government touts progress on the Broadway subway extension, some Vancouver businesses in the construction zone question if they can hang on for two more years.
The $2.95 billion subway line was originally supposed to be finished in 2025, but is now aiming for a fall 2027 launch.
During a tour on Monday, Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth downplayed concerns from businesses on Broadway who say fencing, no-stopping zones and the removal of parking in the area have driven away customers.
“There has been a very good relationship between the project and businesses along the line, and we’re in contact with them literally on a daily basis,” Farnworth said.
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“There has been a lot of liaising between the project team and the local businesses to ensure the impact is as minimal as possible.”
Not everyone operating businesses on Broadway agrees.
Matthew Greenwood, who owns the Up in Smoke cannabis store at Broadway and Alberta Street, says sales have fallen …