Despite torn-up sidewalks and big tractors rolling by, Water Street businesses are making it work with help from the City of St. John’s.

Work is ongoing on the second phase of the Water Street Rehabilitation Project between Bishop’s Cove and Ayre’s Cove.

The operations manager at Blue on Water, Sullivan Power (above), says it’s been tough to operate with sidewalks torn up and re-routed. He says they have felt the impact, but understands the project is necessary.

Power says the city has been more responsive this year. He says the city has been good with communication and responding to the needs of downtown businesses.

Terri Ryan, supervising manager at The Heritage Shop on Water Street, says few customers are complaining about the work, but he calls it a bit of a “mouse trap” situation.

She says sales have been impacted but they have been in constant contact with the city.

Ryan says there is a liaison who goes between the businesses impacted by the project. She says there are certain things that have to be done and are unavoidable, like receiving shipments. She says so far, everything has been pretty much on schedule and the city has been helpful.

Downtown ‘a Walk in the Park’ Compared to San Francisco, says Visitor

Meanwhile, a man visiting St. John’s from California isn’t phased by the ongoing work on Water Street at all.

Gary, from San Francisco, says the road work here isn’t nearly as bad as what they are used to. He says the work doesn’t deter him from roaming through the downtown and that it’s a walk in the park compared to San Francisco.