Local business owners are hoping the city will "hit a home run" on the Mitton Street sewer separation and revitalization project.
City council voted 6-3 in favour of directing staff to proceed with the detailed design for option 1 of the reconstruction project.
Joshua Walters, owner of Maud's Variety and Love Buzz Coffee, spoke on behalf of 25 property and business owners (representing 17 businesses) during Monday's council meeting.
"This project's going to take an estimated six months and will significantly disrupt the businesses in Mitton Village," Walters said. "We've seen across our city how these projects can threaten the well-being of our small businesses, and we can only assume this is going to be a difficult season for us. It's because of this that I implore you to make it worth it."
Option one includes traffic calming measures and flex spaces, giving businesses the option to create patios or pop-ups for events.
Although the concept does include the loss of six on-street parking spaces (out of 28), Walters said a "low tolerance" for any reduction in parking is not true.
"Sometimes a very small number of loud voices receive more than their fair share of attention," he said. "I'm here to make it abundantly clear that there is, in fact, a high tolerance for a reduction in on-street parking, especially when this reduction is in the service of features that enhance our business area."
Councillors Bill Dennis and Terry Burrell both raised concerns about the loss of any parking spaces. They, along with Councillor Dave Boushy, voted against the motion.
"I don't think it is a good idea. It is awful hard to park there sometimes, even as is," Burrell said.
City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts, who also owns a business in the Mitton Village area, said if the parking spaces are consistently full, that's good news for businesses. She also noted the availability of parking in other areas, aside from on-street options.
"My store has tons of customers coming in, and they will walk two blocks to get in my store," McRoberts said. "If we give them something to come and enjoy and we show the customer service, and they're getting a quality product or service, they're going to come."
Resident Javi Aviles-Saez and NuSarnia Foundation Executive Director Tristan Bassett also spoke in favour of option one.
"This redesign is about creating a street that feels inviting, that feels active, and worth spending time on," Bassett said. "A place that supports local life and long-term prosperity."
The full-scale Mitton Street reconstruction project, between Wellington Street and Davis Street, is scheduled to take place in 2026.
