Construction on St-Laurent Threatens Restaurants’ Outdoor Dining Season | Eater Montreal

"Stephen Kamp, co-owner of the Mile End cocktail bar Sparrow — known for its wooden pews, vintage wallpaper, and stellar brunch service — said on Instagram that instead of rebuilding their patio they’re “waiting another two months” for the city to do a sidewalk repair that couldn’t be done while businesses were closed and that the city insists is urgent; he was told “minor” construction would begin either on May 3 or 10 and continue until mid-June. He says he understands the work must be done but that the timing is brutal after a year of closures, worried that construction—which in the city is notoriously prone to delays—might carry on past June and “crush[] our only opportunity to do anything this summer.” Kamp also warned that tearing up the space in front of the business could limit access and deter customers who might otherwise linger out front with a traditional Halifax donair in hand." - Valerie Silva