Huntsville's downtown facelift is nearly done after several delays
A major construction project to revitalize the downtown core in Huntsville is nearly complete, roughly one year behind schedule.
"Without jinxing ourselves with weather, we are about two nights away," said Tarmo Uukkivi, Huntsville's director of operations and protective services.
Construction started in March last year and was meant to be finished the following fall, but according to town officials, progress was slowed by inclement weather and supply chain issues.
The lengthy project during the pandemic was challenging for some downtown businesses.
"We weren't really bothered at the beginning phases, but then once we opened back up again, it definitely slowed down foot traffic downtown, and especially parking," said Orbis Barbershop and Salon owner Stacey Thornton.
But the finishing touches on the revitalization project comes just in time for business owners welcoming tourists visiting cottage country this summer.
"Customers have even noticed," said Heather Leavens, Zahara's Boutique manager. "They haven't been up for a year, and they've noticed how it has beautified Huntsville, and they enjoy coming now."
The project addressed ageing underground water and sewage infrastructure and includes new sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, landscaping, new parking configurations, traffic signals and paving.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
developing A bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.