Staff at Cariboo Custom Monogram Ltd. on 11th Avenue North want people to know they are open for business.
With the proposed reconfiguration of intersections on Highway 97 North at Toop Road and Carson Avenue, the site where the store is located could be impacted if the project were to go through.
“We need the customers to know we are open,” said owner Nikki Fuller Monday.
Normally Fuller would be working late nights in December, but said so far she has only worked late once.
Fuller said she cannot help but wonder if people think her business is going to close because of the proposed highway reconfiguration.
That is certainly not the case, she said.
She also wonders if her business is in decline because of publicity surrounding the proposed highway changes, but said there has been no arrangement made between her and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at this point.
According to ministry, the current plan for the Carson to Fox Mountain project may require the purchase of portions of several properties adjacent to the highway, in order to widen and improve safety of the highway.
“Based on our preliminary design, the ministry has reached out and connected with most property owners or businesses which may be impacted by the right of way requirements for the project. One of these is the property located at 497 Eleventh Ave. N. This property is currently leased out to Cariboo Custom Monogram,” said a ministry spokesperson.
“The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will work with the owner of Cariboo Custom Monogram to relocate the business, if this is a preferable option for the business.
“As the project moves through to detailed design, the actual right of way requirements will be determined and the ministry will negotiate with land owners to purchase necessary lands.”
City council has yet to make a decision on the matter, and is waiting for a report from city staff regarding information gathered during the public consultation process. The report is expected to be delivered Dec. 17.