Halifax businesses brace for summer construction chaos on Argyle Street
Businesses along Argyle Street in downtown Halifax are facing another round of construction just as the summer season approaches. The work, which began on 29 April, involves replacing old drain pipes—a project expected to last four to five weeks. Owners worry the noise and disruption could drive away customers at a critical time of year. The current project replaces a trench drain installed in 2017, which had an estimated 25-year lifespan but has now failed. Crews are digging up sections of the street to upgrade the system, causing noise and access issues for nearby shops and restaurants.
Philip Holmans, owner of World Tea Shop, has already noticed fewer customers since jackhammering started on 4 May. He recalls a similar situation in 2017, when construction led to a 75% drop in his income. This time, he says clearer warnings from the municipality about the project’s scale would have helped him prepare. Matthew Relf, bar manager at Stubborn Goat Gastropub, expects the work to disrupt their patio season. Meanwhile, Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, stresses the need for better communication with affected businesses. The municipality has promised to keep access open to shops and patios during the project.
The construction is set to continue for at least another month. Businesses will need to adapt as crews complete the drain replacement. The municipality’s efforts to maintain access may help, but owners remain cautious about the financial impact.
