Bishop Street restaurant owners have suffered a first setback in their fight with the city of Montreal over STM construction work that they say is killing their business.
A Quebec Superior Court justice refused their request for temporary compensation until the trial begins, which would only be in a year and a half at the earliest.
The merchants are suing the city for lost revenues during the 42-month project that to build a ventilation system for the metro. The work began last fall and is only expected to end in 2020.
#BishopStreet merchants say the 42-month construction project that started in October 2016 is killing their businesses. #CJAD pic.twitter.com/XBdJ6eddrt
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 3, 2017
Barriers take up their side of the street and hide the businesses from view; pedestrians coming from Ste Catherine can't use the sidewalk to go all the way north on Bishop.
Owner of Ferrari Restaurant Elio Schiavi said he's lost nearly $80,000 over the past year and doesn't know how he'll survive the winter - the toughest season for restaurateurs.
Signs are up to try to help #BishopStreet restaurants lure clients. They haven't done much. 1 owner says lost nearly $80K since 2016.#CJAD pic.twitter.com/nneVChQDOD
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 3, 2017
He and other restaurant owners argue that merchants on Gouin and St. Hubert received some city funds to get them through roadwork in their area.
Montreal mayor Denis Coderre said he's "not saying no" to interim financial relief, adding that the city is looking into it now that they have metropolis status and new powers.
Schiavi said help would be welcome; otherwise his restaurant - which turns 36 this month - may not make it another year.
Ferrari Restaurant owner Elio Schiavi says interim comp until trial begins could go a long way, though they needed it "yesterday." #CJAD pic.twitter.com/ogFB4Q7h2v
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) October 3, 2017