In the wake of this week’s water main rupture, Shawn Kearns found himself in the process of shutting down Greenbriar Market and Refillery on Bowness Road as December drew to a close. Kearns expressed a sense of relief at the timing, stating, “We managed to avoid this crisis, at least for now.”
Kearns approximated a loss of $30,000 in revenue for the store due to decreased foot traffic during the 2024 water main incident. He and his business partner will sustain sales at their Crossroads Market outlet. For enterprises in the impacted zones – encompassing parts of Point McKay, West Hillhurst, Parkdale, and Montgomery under a boil-water directive – the situation seems all too reminiscent of the exasperating circumstances they encountered in 2024.
Businesses are now required to take additional precautions by ensuring water is adequately boiled before consumption or utilized for activities like washing dishes. Furthermore, concerns arise regarding road closures, with some proprietors fearing a decline in customer visits. NOTaBLE The Steakhouse took to social media to reassure patrons of their New Year’s Eve operations and provide directions for reaching the establishment.
Annie Tran, the proprietor of Now Nails and Spa, faced uncertainties following the rupture. The salon is situated on a segment of 16th Avenue N.W. currently inaccessible to motorists, raising doubts on customer access. Alberta Health Services stipulates that water used for filling pedicure basins and manicure soaks must undergo boiling during the advisory period.
Tran emphasized the importance of water in their services, highlighting the need for significant water usage in pedicures and manicures. She indicated that if the advisory persists, she may consider temporarily discontinuing services such as pedicures that demand substantial water usage. At Abbey’s Creations Ice Cream, co-owner Paul Hopfner noted a sense of déjà vu, grateful that the incident occurred now rather than during peak ice cream season. Despite the shop’s ability to navigate through disruptions, the incident still poses challenges.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas urged Calgarians to support affected businesses during the city’s recent update on the water main incident. Farkas visited local establishments to understand firsthand the challenges they confront. While the city is exploring various avenues to assist businesses, no financial aid commitments have been made yet, with the immediate focus on establishing clear timelines for a return to normalcy.
Kearns expressed his desire for the city to extend support to business owners in the area, reflecting on the lack of assistance during the previous incident. He emphasized the necessity for city support for small businesses this time around, contrasting the previous response of leaving businesses to fend for themselves.