Construction is ongoing in Collingwood for the towns downtown revitalization project.
Mayor Chris Carrier says that work is still about 3 weeks ahead of the overall schedule because of the early start to construction.
Although he says that because work has only been going on for a few weeks, they are only currently a few days ahead of schedule, but based on the long range weather forecast, Carrier predicts that by the time the project is done, it will be 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
He says the completion date they are aiming for is Canada Day, as opposed to the third week of July, and adds that the main street will be opening just before Canada Day.
Carrier says he’s been talking with businesses downtown as well, and tells us that there are some mixed feelings.
He says that they seem to be optimistic because the traffic count downtown is high, and the parking lots are full most of the time.
But Carrier adds that businesses are also concerned, like most businesses, about riding out the economic troubles.
And he says the stores are also worried about how the high dollar will affect sales with the closures for construction.
Carrier says he really is encouraging everyone to keep shopping locally.