B.C. grocer concerned road construction could hamper customers' curbside pickup

Like many small business owners, Brian Quarmby has had to make some changes to the way he does business amid COVID-19.

Running a small grocery store in the heart of Prince George, B.C., means he's had to limit hours and provide curbside pickup, so that he can keep his business open and his staff and customers safe. For the most part, he says, it's worked out well. 

But he says two weeks of construction in front of the store, Birch & Boar Charcuterie & Provisions, will affect his ability to serve his cutomers.

"With this construction we're really concerned for our fans and our customers about how they're going to be able to pick up food safely," Quarmby told Daybreak North host Carolina de Ryk.

According to a city spokesperson, a few parking spaces on George Street and pedestrian access to the store will still be available. But Quimby worries that signs put up to let residents know about the construction makes the road look completely closed, which will deter customers from visiting the store.

A similar project on George Street in 2018 forced a local cafe to close. Quarmby is worried his shop may suffer a similar fate. 

Lack of communication

Quarmby said he received no notice from the city that road closures were going to happen. 

"It's frustrating because most of the information I've got from the city is second-hand, and as the owner of the business affected I need to hear that directly," he said.

It's given him and his staff little time to make new plans, he said. 

"We understand that infrastructure has to happen and it is a very important part of the city, but local businesses are the heart and soul of downtown and your cultural core," Quarmby said.

In a release, the city said it regrets not informing businesses adjacent to the project about the road closures and limitations ahead of installing signs on the street. 

The construction is part of a project to expand the city's downtown energy system, which uses wood waste to heat city buildings. 

Adam Holmes, the city's director of infrastructure, said the project is proceeding now because many businesses in the area are closed, which means roads can be closed without affecting too many people. 

Holmes said bumping the construction up also means residents set to move in to a new development across the street won't be affected by construction.