With Lacombe Main Street under serious construction, there was concern shoppers were going to find it difficult to get around due to a lack of parking, which would then affect local businesses.
 
Now into the third week, we took to the streets to find out how it’s been affecting the public’s shopping experiences and the impact on businesses.
 
 
“It hasn’t been that bad. We just go another way out of town so it hasn’t affected me too much except today when I had to park way down there and now I’m wondering how do I turn around?”
 
“I’ll be honest, it is disruptive, but there are some great shops uptown so you make it work. I really appreciate the fact that we still have this area for parking. Lacombe is a great place to live, love the city.”
 
“I don’t really like shopping downtown here for the most part because there is no parking to start with, so this just makes it double worse.”
 
“Makes it harder to cross the street to some of the businesses over there and I had to drive around to find a parking spot because I’m getting my hair done today. I wish it was over, but I guess it’s needed, so you know, what thy heck eh?”
 
After speaking with downtown businesses, they are staying positive about the situation although some have seen a slight decrease in business.
 
Manager of The Vintage Belle's Antiques and Collectibles Stephen Rimmer says business is a little down, but understands the importance of it. 
 
“Needs to be done we realize, because we’ve even had a few back up through our sinks, toilets and gas over the years that come and leave a foul stench in the store. We are really hoping that this well help fix that.”
 
Manager of Primrose Boutique Candace Wolfson says she believes it’s actually helped the business.
 
“So far, so good. I think it’s almost been a good thing because the streets are closed and people are forced to walk around and explore a little bit more.”
 
 
Owner of Nowco Home Hardware Tyler Nowochin says it has hurt business, but says he is happy with the communication he’s been able to have with the city.
 
“Pidherney’s has been very accommodating to any requests that I’ve had with the business to mitigate how it’s affecting business and the city has been really good to deal with.”
 
Owner of Red Hot Threads Krystal Rundell says people seem to be getting use to the construction.
 
“The first two weeks it definitely did (affect business), but now people are realizing that it’s not a big deal and there are ways around it.”
 
 
Construction is expected to complete by the end of October.