REGINA — As the Dewdney Avenue Corridor Revitalization Project is near completion, some business owners have been unhappy with the city’s communication.

The Dewdney revitalization project began last April, and Mark Heise, CEO of Rebellion Brewing, says dialogue with Regina officials has been lacklustre in year two.

“We don’t even know how to get to the brewery some days because the road closures are not being communicated.”

Heise noted the backside of the brewery is accessible by taking either Hamilton Street, Cornwall Street or Scarth Street.

“In the last two weeks and especially on Saturday, [the city] actually changed the access multiple times during the day.”

Heise emphasized this creates confusion and an overall bad experience for customers, which can impact sales.

Heise estimates putting in tens of thousands of dollars in ads, sales or other marketing methods to ensure people are aware the brewery is open and have a reason to stop by.

As for other businesses along Dewdney, Bushwakker Brewpub has seen better dialogue with the city this year compared to last.

Bushwakker Brewpub bar and marketing manager Grant Frew said he met with 10 different people from the city, warehouse district, and Wappel Construction in the spring.

Frew is also in constant contact with city officials who answer his concerns within a day or two.

Business for Bushwakker Brewpub has been down over the past two years, with ongoing construction, and Frew said they’ve been losing out on tourist in the summer.

Bushwakker Brewpub has posted updates on the progress of Dewdney to their social media, along with videos to ensure customers are aware their business is open and how to get there.

Excitement for businesses

Both Heise and Frew said Dewdney’s transformation looks “amazing.”

“It is super exciting. Even just having some of the sidewalks on our side of the street open and some of the lights at night being lit up now,” said Heise.

“Just walking out our front door and stepping on those massive, beautiful paving stones and the new sidewalk and seeing the center boulevard and the new asphalt. It’s such a transformation,” said Frew.

Heise said he’s already seen an increase in foot traffic as sidewalks along Dewndey Avenue have been completed.

“That’s proof in the pudding. People love this stuff. It’s beautiful. It’s going to create a great ambience.”

The city estimates Dewdney will reopen before winter, and finishing touches on the project will occur next year.