THUNDER BAY -- A local business owner says a financial tug-of-war between the city and his landlord over the cost of parking lot repairs is costing him clients.
The Harbourview Optometry Centre is one of several businesses impacted as some customers refuse to navigate the treacherous terrain of its parking lot.
The entrance to the parking lot on Memorial Avenue isn't easy to navigate and Dr. William Ulakovic, of the Harbourview Optometry Centre said the deplorable conditions are costing him and his partners business.
Ulakovic said he can't get a clear answer on whose responsibility it is to repair the lot. It sits on city land, leased to Dawson Properties, which owns the building that houses the Optometry Centre and Stride Orthopaedics.
Complicating matters is the fact that the entrance also serves other businesses that operate out of buildings not owned by Dawson.
Eighty-one-year-old David Carlson isn't a Harbourview client but he did have a scheduled appointment at neighbouring Stride Orthopaedics Monday morning. When he arrived, he took one look at the condition of the parking lot and knew he'd never make it to the front door.
Sadly, Ulakovic has heard this all before.
Reached via e-mail, Thunder Bay's Realty Services Manager said the responsibility to repair the lot lies with the owners of the commercial buildings, as per the conditions of the leases.
He also said those leases have recently come to term and are up for renewal.
Dawson Properties did not respond to an interview request.
(TBT News/ Ryan Bonazzo)
