Work is underway on a major facelift for the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street in St. John’s.

The monument and surrounding park were built nearly 100 years ago to mark the sacrifices made by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in WWI.

The provincial government this year announced funding to refurbish the National War Memorial, that will include a tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Work at the site is extensive, and that’s causing some concerns for area businesses.

Bala of the Madras Café located immediately next to the memorial, told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly this morning that since the work started, business has dropped dramatically. He says parking has been severely impacted and that’s causing him and his family great concern.

He says the family-run business has been in operation since September of 2021. “We put all our life-savings into this, and it looks like if this continues, we’re going to lose everything and our lives will be miserable.”