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Local business leaders in Exeter are asking the province to create a construction mitigation fund to help protect Main Street businesses during an upcoming road construction project.
The Exeter Business Improvement Area, along with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, has sent a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Transportation and Minister of Rural Affairs. The groups say the planned Connecting Links construction could seriously hurt local businesses if help is not provided.
Business Manger of the Exeter BIA, Caroline Hill explains why the BIA decided to send the letter.
Exeter is a busy gateway community for Huron County, especially in the summer months. Many small businesses rely heavily on seasonal visitors to stay open through the rest of the year. However, the construction project will divert traffic about three kilometres away from town through Crediton.
The concern is that long-term detours could change travel habits.
Business owners say similar construction in 2024 caused major losses.
Those losses forced some owners to delay upgrades and investments.
Hill says a construction mitigation fund would help businesses recover lost revenue during long projects.
The Connecting Links program provides provincial funding to help municipalities complete major road repairs. While the BIA supports the need for infrastructure upgrades, it says the financial burden on small businesses must also be addressed.
The BIA and CFIB are also asking the province to review rules around detour signage. They say clearer signs could help encourage drivers to continue visiting Exeter during construction.
Business groups across Ontario have raised similar concerns, and the issue was recently discussed at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference.
In the meantime, local business leaders are asking residents and visitors to continue shopping locally and to be patient while construction is underway. Hill says supporting Exeter businesses during construction is key to keeping the community strong for years to come.
