Frustration on menu as construction drags on

Nearly four months of construction outside Pad Thai, a longtime Portage Avenue restaurant, has deterred customers and strained the owner's finances. Claire Venevongsa, the restaurant's owner, expressed frustration, stating that the continuous construction has reduced sales and piled up bills. Despite the sidewalk repairs completing in late August, water main construction began in early September, causing parking difficulties and confusion about the restaurant's hours.

Venevongsa has been actively posting reminders on social media and answering customer inquiries, while also working a second job to support her family business, which has been in the neighborhood for 25 years. The City of Winnipeg initiated the water main renewal project in July due to several significant water main breaks earlier in the year.

The city is on schedule to complete the project by November 6, with lane closures through October 30. The city acknowledged the frustration caused by such projects, but businesses are responsible for any financial losses and do not receive compensation. Venevongsa has yet to find financial assistance programs to offset declining sales, and her insurance does not cover losses caused by construction.

Despite the challenges, she remains committed to serving customers, hoping they will continue to visit the restaurant.