Edmonton business surrounded by construction projects blames ‘accessibility nightmare’ for drop in customers
Posted August 5, 2026 12:43 pm.
Last Updated August 5, 2026 12:48 pm.
When Erin Mack opened her clothing store on Edmonton’s 124 Street seven years ago, she was relying on foot traffic to gain customers and thrive.
But now Paper Doll Clothing and other businesses on 124 Street are caught between multiple construction projects – like the closure of the Wellington Bridge on 102 Avenue.
“We have certain customers who’ve stopped coming altogether, because of the access,” Mack said.
“We shouldn’t be having to combat the city to get people here.”
Mack says having more than one construction project at the same time has added struggles for both customers and businesses.
“I understand that’s part of infrastructure, but I would say this is the first year where it’s been too much,” she told CityNews. “Too much all at the same time. It seems like there isn’t planning about the multiple access routes closed at the same time.”
The neighbourhood west of downtown is home to many restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. But getting to the area has been difficult, businesses say, with the construction of 104 Avenue, the closure of 102 Avenue, and the ongoing construction on Jasper Avenue creating a major accessibility issue.
“When people decide not to come because of construction, parking issues, then it creates a lack of customers, and the energy and the vibrancy that the businesses are used to seeing here,” said Luwam Kiflemariam, executive director of the 124 Street Business Association.
“And so when they’re worried and they’re seeing another project come up, another one without real coordination, it’s a pretty scary time for them.”
In a social media post last week called the situation an “accessibility nightmare” and urged the city to “do better.”
Mayor Andrew Knack says he’s heard from Edmontonians.
“Going forward, we need to apply a stronger economic lens to how we plan and deliver major infrastructure projects, meaning considering the impact on local businesses in every major decision we make, including construction planning,” Knack said in a statement to CityNews.
Mack says she’s seen a huge drop in foot traffic this year, also citing parking as a factor.
“They’ve taken away the paid park meters,” Mack said. “The signs are obscure. People are having a hard time. The apps go down all the time. They’re getting ticketed because they can’t figure out how to pay for the limited parking there is.”
With so many businesses closing this summer, she hopes the city steps in to avoid more closures.
“I’d like to see a little more coordination with local businesses, a little more insight into, ‘OK, if we close down 102, perhaps we need to make sure that 104 is always open.’”
