When public construction runs long, small businesses pay the price. In Conception Bay South, the Seal Cove Road Bridge closed May 4 for what the Town said would be about four months. Five months later, there’s no reopening date. The owners of Seal Cove Grocery store say sales are down 30% heading into the holiday season. 68% of small businesses say they should be compensated when a public construction project has a major impact on their operations. CFIB is urging provincial and municipal governments in Newfoundland and Labrador to adopt construction mitigation policies that include: • Funding to offset costs for affected businesses • Better planning and communication with business owners • Clear responsibilities for each order of government Municipalities need a plan before the next project, not after.