A convenience store and gas bar once in danger of closing has received a second chance after members of the community went out of their way to help.
Owner Jay Lee says business has gone down 80 per cent since a collapsed culvert almost entirely cut his convenience store off from passing motorists.
Carl Best lives in Riverview, N.B., but made the 15 minute drive to Lower Coverdale, N.B., just to fuel up and support the family-run business.
“I think we need to support them,” says Best. “This road is blocked off and nobody's driving on it anymore, so his business is going way downhill.”
Construction of the temporary bridge could last another month or more. With the help of the community, Jay Lee says he should be able to hang on.
“I'm losing money but I'm gaining my neighbours,” Lee says. “Very nice people.”
Jason Surette with Big Hearts Small City heard of Lee's situation and dropped by to offer some advice.
“I noticed that there was no real signage saying that he was still open and where the detour is on Route 114. He's only about a kilometre and a half past that detour location,” says Surette.
Jay Lee had to reduce his hours and staff, but he did keep one person on part time.
“I have a weekend high school student working here. She needs money for college so I cannot say to her stop working,” says Lee.
To show there are no hard feelings and say thank you, Jay Lee is offering free coffee to the construction workers putting in the new bridge.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis.
