With only a few weeks remaining before the City of Prince George undertakes a major construction project on George Street, many of its business are still in the dark about what will be happening on their doorsteps.
Some business owners are saying they are mainly relying on rumours. And when construction on George Street does begin, there will be some concern for the effect on businesses with the street in disarray.
"The street's going to get closed and a lot of our elderly people can't make it down the street," said Barber Shoppe employee Veronica Hight.
Hight, who regularly chases away cars from neighbouring businesses taking up the spots outside the barber's doors, was informed about the work by a friend who works for the city.
She said she's worried about access for her elderly customers.
"It's about respect for your elders," she said.
This week, work began to implement the new downtown district energy system - a Lakeland Mills-based operation that will burn sawmill residue and other wood waste from the mill to provide hot water heat for civic facilities and other participating buildings downtown, including Four Seasons Pool, City Hall, Coast Inn and Civic Centre.
In order to connect the various buildings to the mill, a pipe will be installed beneath the length of George Street to City Hall.
Marcel Landry at Un Petit Caf said he was not looking forward to the street being dug up for the second year in a row, after the work to install street lights last year.
Owner of Robyn's Woolgathering, Robyn Bugara, said she hasn't heard anything from the city or the Downtown Business Improvement Association.
"If they're going to do it, summer would be the best time for me," Bugara said.
Though some area business owners have heard the work, which will disrupt the flow of traffic along the road, is imminent, city staff said a start date hasn't been set.
All businesses and affected properties will be given formal notice before work begins, said City of Prince George utilities division manager Marco Fornari.
"It depends on how fast we get along here," said Fornari. "It's likely going to be weeks away."
Mary Jane Hannah, general manager of the Ramada Inn, has been closely following the project since the hotel has interest in joining into the energy system and expects to see construction begin by the beginning of September.
"We didn't receive formal notice, but because we were aware of what was happening, we've been in contact with the city," Hannah said.
