Paving a Smoother Road: Helping small businesses survive infrastructure work

This CFIB report identifies much needed practical solutions to the impact of construction on small business operations, based on results from a survey of thousands of Canadian small business owners and exclusive feedback received from several North American cities.

CFIB research shows that between 2012 and 2017, 41 per cent of Canadian small businesses have been disrupted by local construction projects. Of those, 65,000 small businesses have been affected in a major way that has often resulted in the business being forced to borrow money, relocate, or close down all together.

There is overwhelming support among small business owners for the adoption by local governments of a coherent construction mitigation policy, including compensation for business losses. A large portion of the costs of construction can be avoided with better planning, execution and by giving more consideration to the reality of local businesses.

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