'We've certainly lost business': No end in sight for Broad Street sidewalk closure Glass-prism sidewalks are failing and have been blocked off for nearly two and a half years. Darron Kloster Sep 22, 2024 5:12 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Previous Next 1 / 1 Barriers block glass-prism sidewalks next to the Yarrow Building on Broad Street in Victoria. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST Advertisement Expand Listen to this article 00:09:50 It’s been nearly two and half years since the City of Victoria condemned the historic glass-prism sidewalks on Broad Street near Bay Centre — and three businesses are still wondering when the barricades will come down.
The Broad Street side of the Yarrow Building and a portion wrapping around the corner on Broughton have been fenced off since April 2022, and two businesses have since left. Although there is access via ramps into the remaining bakery, coffee shop and retail store, the fencing blocks the windows, accumulates dirt and bird droppings and gives the impression that the stores are off limits, say the store operators. Jim Cassels, who has operated Simply the Best for more than 40 years in the 1000-block of Broad Street, said his novelty, gift and clothing store has lost 30% of typical revenue since the barricades went up.
“We’ve certainly lost business. We’re paying high rent in order for shoppers to see our windows and our customers can’t even get near our window.