Davie Village is getting wider sidewalks. The shops have to get through the work first.

Davie Street at Bute Street, with rainbow crosswalks, sidewalks, shops and traffic on a sunny day — Davie Street at Bute Street, July 27, 2018, before the current street work. Context photograph. Photo: Jeff Hitchcock / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0. Resized for web.

The City has started rebuilding two blocks of Davie Street, from Jervis to Thurlow. The aim is a more comfortable place to walk, reach a shop and spend time outside. The work is expected to run until spring 2028. City construction notice

That is a long stretch for a street whose businesses depend on people finding the front door. The City says bus service will continue, though stops may move. People walking should expect temporary detours, while drivers will encounter lane changes, closures and parking restrictions.

Wider sidewalks would be welcome here. The City's West End commercial-streets plan calls for more space to stroll, meet and linger. Sidewalks that are easier to use could make Davie better for residents and visitors, and better for the shops too.

The construction period deserves just as much attention as the design drawing. Global News reported on September 18 that Little Sister's Book and Art Emporium is worried about its ability to get through the disruption.

The City chose to begin after the World Cup and Pride events, in part to reduce disruption to businesses. For now, people need to find the shop door, cross comfortably with a mobility aid and get off the bus close enough to do their errands.

Spring 2028 is a long time to wait for a better sidewalk. Little Sister's and its neighbours need people to keep coming through the door in the meantime.

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Follow Davie Village through construction.