Cambie businesses get traffic break

There's some relief in sight for small business owners alongVancouver's Cambie Street corridor, who have been suffering financial losses because of the construction of the Canada Line rapid transit project through their neighbourhood.

The City of Vancouver is opening uphalf a dozen streets between Broadway and 25th Avenue, to allowfor left and right turns for vehicles travelling northbound on Cambie.

At the moment, there are hardly any turns possible along the16 blocks of Cambie.

Leonard Schein of the Cambie Village Business Improvement Association said he lobbied hard for the new turns, but feelssomeone should have thought of scheduled street openings earlier in the process.

"It's really only the businesses themselves that, after the fact, have to then go and get things done," he said.

Cake shop owners welcome change

Keiko Kana and Jenny Ivory started up a new upscale cake shop on Cambie Street only three months ago.

They say the new turns near their store will be a huge help for potential customers, and make itmore convenientfor people who are tempted by the store to stop and buy something.

"It's easier access for them rather than having to drive all around the block, or several blocks," said Ivory.

Kana said it's an ordeal for most people to get to their shop, and she usually has to give would-be customers directions or send them a map.

The changes will take place early next week.

The B.C. Liberal government recently rejected a move by the provincial NDP to provide financial compensation for the business owners.

The $1.9-billion construction project will be completed by 2009, in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It will connect downtownVancouver with suburban Richmond and Vancouver International Airport.