Bear with us.

It’s business as usual during Craig Street’s million-dollar makeover.

That message will reach locals and tourists alike during Craig’s four-month revamp likely starting this week, officials say.

“Every street will be accessible and open to pedestrians,” said MaryAnn Harley of the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society.

Signs will guide visitors around construction and past a pictorial history of Craig being revamped to a pedestrian walkway matching city square.

Hartley urges parking in lots adjacent downtown when Craig’s stalls are under construction.

Signage will identify open stores as merchants stage construction sales such as Makeover Madness.

“Everyone holds the vision it’ll be a beautiful Craig Street at the end.”

That includes Liz Steward of Just Jake’s and Craig Street brew pub.

She expects a drop in customer traffic, especially during July’s summer festival, but “a bit of short-term pain is good for long-term gain.”

Steward’s satisfied the DBIA and city hall are coordinated to lure folks downtown as benches, trees, rejigged parking, new under-street plumbing and more are added.

City treasurer Peter de Verteuil said council gave the DBIA about $7,500 for ads and signage touting a vibrant downtown despite roadwork.

Duncan must do the Craig job now to use good weather and low water tables, he noted.

“There isn’t really a good time to close the street.

“Some businesses will be impacted more than others but we want to mitigate that.”

Judy Hill of Judy Hill Gallery and Gifts also believes Craig’s makeover will boost long-term business.

“We’ll be raving about it later; it’ll be nice when it’s all finished.

“I don’t know when they could have done it and made everyone happy.”

Neither did Hilary Huntley of the weekly Duncan Farmers’ Market temporarily moving June 27 to Ingram from Craig street.

“Do you whine because it’s not perfect or do you make lemonade?

“Their design will be perfect for our market.

“They’re adding power and water for us, angle parking, and making Craig more walkable with no curbs to trip on.”

Kate Rossetto of the Duncan-Cowichan Summer Festival Society said renos wouldn’t derail the big Summer Festival parade July 18.

DBIA and the city are properly promoting downtown during the festival that’s a week longer this year between July 12 and 24, she said.

“It’s not the best timing but we’re working with all players for a win-win situation,” said Rossetto.

Visit www.downtownduncan.ca for updates.