The recent water main break occurred just as Shawn Kearns was about to close his business at Greenbriar Market and Refillery on Bowness Road at the end of December. Kearns expressed relief at narrowly avoiding the impact of the break, estimating a loss of $30,000 in sales during a previous water main break in 2024.
Businesses in affected areas such as Point McKay, West Hillhurst, Parkdale, and Montgomery are facing familiar challenges due to the water main break, with a boil-water advisory in place. Owners are grappling with the need to boil water for various purposes and concerns about road closures potentially deterring customers.
Annie Tran, owner of Now Nails and Spa, faced uncertainties in the aftermath of the break, particularly due to the closure of 16th Avenue N.W. impacting customer access. The salon must adhere to boiling water requirements for services like pedicures and manicures during the advisory, potentially leading to temporary adjustments in service offerings.
At Abbey’s Creations Ice Cream, co-owner Paul Hopfner experienced a sense of déjà vu, grateful that the disruption occurred outside peak ice cream season. Despite being able to manage the impact, Hopfner highlighted the challenges posed by recurring interruptions, expressing concerns about long-term business sustainability in Montgomery.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas urged Calgarians to support affected businesses during the water main break, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity. While the city is exploring ways to assist businesses, no specific financial support commitments have been made yet, with the focus on establishing clear timelines for the return to normalcy.
Kearns, though no longer operating in the affected area, advocated for city support for local businesses, recalling the lack of assistance during the previous water main break and hoping for a different approach this time.