The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has moved to rotating strikes and targeted Neighbourhood Mail bans. Mail delivery to and from the Town of The Blue Mountains may be significantly delayed and/or stopped for the duration of the strike.
The reconstruction of Peel Street has been identified as a project in the Town’s Development Charges Background Study (DCBS) for some time. The DCBS originally called for an Urban road cross-section with sidewalk, street illumination and street trees, but upon further review it was determined that the current road standards would not meet the project’s goals. A hybrid Rural/Urban Road with a 2.7m wide multi-use trail running parallel for pedestrians and cyclists was recommended for the reconstruction.
Preliminary designs have provided the Town with a flexible outline for the project in the future. Features of the reconstruction will include an improvement to profile of Peel Street, which will improve sightlines for drivers and pedestrians. A replacement of the pavement structure was also recommended to meet current standards.
A revised budget request sheet was included in the 2023 Proposed Town Budget for council consideration. This update accounted for current construction costs, and the proposed project scope to include a pedestrian bridge over the Little Beaver River. Unfortunately, shore stabilization issues became apparent along the Little Beaver River in the spring of 2025. Construction of the pedestrian bridge has been deferred until these issues can be addressed.
Why Now?
The Town is moving forward on the reconstruction of Peel Street as local development nears completion.
Project Updates
November 6, 2025 - Update on remaining work
Walker Construction has completed installation of the new watermain, and is in the process of rebuilding the road base. In the coming weeks they plan to continue prepping for concrete curb and base asphalt, however this work could be impacted by weather and conditions.
Due to a series of unexpected challenges that resulted in delays during the installation of the watermain, Walker will be required to carry some tasks forward to complete in the spring of 2026. At minimum this will include installation of the multi-use trail, surface asphalt, landscaping, ditching and tree planting.
October 29, 2025 - Water connections complete
Walker Construction has completed the required watermain connections and restored water service to the area. Pressure fluctuations may continue throughout the week. If your water is cloudy, please run your taps until clarity is restored. Thank you to all residents for their patience while this work was being completed.
October 23, 2025 - Upcoming temporary water outages
A series of temporary water outages will be required to allow for the connection of the new watermain on Peel Street North. While this work is being completed, Walker Construction will be required to reduce and/or shut off water supply to properties in the immediate vicinity. Reduced pressure is expected throughout the week of October 27-31, 2025. Full water outages are expected between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the following days in the areas indicated.
Monday, October 27
Cameron Street, from Peel Street North to 10th Line
153 Arthur Street West (Highway 26)
Tuesday, October 28
Waterview Lane
Timber Lane, from Peel Street North to Plum Ridge Circle
Wednesday, October 29
Lora Bay - all properties with municipal water
High Bluff Lane, from Peel Street North to 10th Line
Bay Street West
417320 10th Line
225 Cameron Street
Written notice will be provided to all impacted properties, with the exception of Lora Bay where mobile digital message boards will be posted on Sideroad 39 and Lora Bay Drive.
October 6, 2025 - Stormwater sewer installation continues
Walker Construction plans to continue focusing on installing the southern portion of the new storm sewer this week. Some additional watermain work will be taking place between Timber Lane and Cameron Street. Local traffic to Timber Lane and the north end of Peel Street will continue to be directed through Cameron Street.
September 15, 2025 - Open cut excavation to begin this week
Walker Construction will be continuing with watermain and storm sewer installation this week. Open cut excavation for watermain installation is expected to begin around midweek. It is anticipated that local traffic to Timber Lane will need to access Highway 26 via Cameron Street for the majority of the week. Later in the week, the traffic flow from Timber Lane may be rerouted to High Bluff Lane. This is to be confirmed based on the progress of the project. Please pay attention to posted directional signage and traffic cones.
September 5, 2025 - Watermain installation continues
Walker Construction plans to continue with watermain installation next week via excavation and directional drilling. Later in the week, they also expect to begin installation of the new stormwater sewer. Residents on Timber Lane should anticipate that access to Highway 26 will need to be made via Cameron Street. Please obey all signage and be aware of construction workers, contractors and pedestrians.
August 29, 2025 - Watermain installation continues
Walker Construction has been making good progress on the project. Crews will be taking the day off on Monday, September 1 for Labour Day, and then will continue with watermain installation for the rest of next week. They also plan to begin preparing to directional drill sections of watermain, and will also be preparing for installation of the new stormwater sewer.
Residents on Timber Lane should anticipate that access to Highway 26 will need to be made via Cameron Street. Pay attention to posted signage for changes to traffic flow, and be aware of construction workers throughout the area.
August 22, 2025 - Work plan for week of August 25
Walker Construction will be continuing with watermain installation throughout the week of August 25. By the middle of the week, they expect to begin working on ditching along the stormwater outlet towards Georgian Bay, along with additional removals work.
Peel Street North will be closed between High Bluff Lane and Timber Lane for watermain installation. Residents on Timber Lane can expect that all traffic will be required to use Cameron Street to access Highway 26. Be advised that there have been complaints of speeding on Cameron Street, and that a request has been made to the OPP to monitor traffic in the area.
August 19, 2025 - Erosion control and excavation
Walker Construction has started installation of erosion control fencing, and plans to begin stripping topsoil in preparation for work on the watermain. Please obey all posted signage within the construction area, and use extra caution when workers are present.
August 1, 2025 - Site mobilization to begin
Walker Construction Limited will begin mobilizing the project site on Wednesday, August 6. The contractor is hoping to utilize Town-owned vacant land located east of the Georgian Trail as their staging area, with no expected impacts to the Georgian Trail route.
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July 23, 2025 - Construction Notice issued
The Town has issued the Construction Notice for the Peel Street North Reconstruction Project. Walker Construction is expected to mobilize to the site to begin work within the next two weeks.
July 21, 2025 - Walker Construction to begin mobilization
Walker Construction will begin mobilizing to Peel Street to begin site setup and preparation the week of July 21. A formal Construction Notice with more information on what to expect throughout construction is being prepared and will be posted to the Town's website in the next few days. The notice will also be mailed to property owners in the project area. Removal of existing asphalt and surface cover is expected to start the week of July 28.
Walker Construction Limited has been awarded the construction tender for the Peel Street North Reconstruction project. The contractor will be providing the Town with a detailed construction plan and schedule in the coming weeks. A formal Construction Notice will be mailed to properties within the project area prior to the contractor mobilizing to the site.
The construction tender for the Peel Street North Reconstruction project is now open on the Town's Bids and Tenders website. Bids will be accepted until June 26, 2025. Once a contractor is retained, they will provide a more detailed schedule for the work and the Town will send out a construction newsletter.
It should be noted that the pedestrian bridge has been removed from the tendered scope of the Peel Street North Reconstruction Project. Between March 30, 2025 and April 4, 2025, a significant rainfall event caused downstream erosion along the Little Beaver River. This area is currently being studied as part of the Town-wide Drainage Master Plan, which may identify the need for riverbank protection measures prior to installing the pedestrian bridge. Given the need to proceed with the road reconstruction in 2025, and the uncertainty regarding timing and requirements for riverbank stabilization, the pedestrian bridge component has been excluded from the current tender package. A staff report will be brought forward to Council later this year to recommend deferring the pedestrian bridge work to a future year.
Ongoing updates will be posted to the project web page as information becomes available.
The Town's project team is currently in the final stages of reviewing the detailed design drawings, and working with the consultant to prepare the construction tender package. It's currently anticipated that the tender will be posted before the end of June 2025.
Staff are currently reviewing the final engineer drawings in anticipation of releasing them for a construction tender. At this time there is no scheduled date for the release of the tender, but staff are proceeding with the goal of releasing it for construction in 2025.
The previously planned report regarding the servicing of Lora Greens has been cancelled. Staff have decided to exclude this work from the scope of the Peel Street North Reconstruction project. Servicing options for Lora Greens will be reviewed at a later date as that development application proceeds.
August 27, 2024 - Upcoming hydro pole relocation and update on Staff Report
Hydro One has informed the Town that they plan to complete hydro pole relocations on the west side of Peel Street North, north of Cameron Street on Thursday, August 29. Localized temporary hydro outages are expected. Impacted properties will be notified of any outages in writing by Hydro One prior to the work commencing.
Staff are also currently finalizing a report providing additional details on the Lora Greens Servicing options, as requested by Council at their meeting on July 15. This Staff Report is expected to be presented in Q4 of this year.
July 15, 2024 - Addition of trailhead forest to project scope
Staff Report CSOPS.24.047 was pulled by Council for further discussion at their meeting on July 15, 2024. Following some discussion, Council voted to approve the addition of the trailhead forest to the project scope, and requested more information on the optional servicing routes for the Lora Green development property. For more information, please view the Staff Reports section on this page.
June 27, 2024 - Proposed additions to project scope
A Staff Report is scheduled to be presented to Committee of the Whole on July 2, 2024. The report provides an overview of the various changes to the original scope of work for the Peel Street North Reconstruction project, and seeks Council direction on whether or not to incorporate two additional scope changes in the final design. For more information, please view the Staff Reports section on this page.
June 19, 2024 - Update to anticipated construction schedule
The project team is currently evaluating the possibility of adding some additional items to the Peel Street North Reconstruction project scope. A Staff Report regarding these items is expected to be presented to Council within the next month. Once the scope has been solidified, the Town expects engineering and design to be completed in the fall of 2024, with construction beginning in early 2025.
April 15, 2024 - Completed Arborist Report
MTE Consultants Inc. has provided the complete Arborist Report regarding the Peel Street North Reconstruction project, including Bay Street West. The report includes the complete tree inventory, development proposal and overview of tree protection measures.
The Town has received an updated version of the Tree Preservation Report regarding the Peel Street North Reconstruction Project. The report includes a complete Tree Inventory and an outline of the tree protection measures to be implemented.
Please Note: Town staff have identified some inaccuracies within the Updated Tree Preservation Report. These files have been removed along with the Tree Removals Plan. A new Tree Preservation Report will be posted once the Town's engineering consultant has finalized the design.
February 29, 2024 - Upcoming tree removals
Epcor and Hydro One have advised the Town that they are preparing to start relocating the hydro poles and electrical lines on Peel Street North in the coming weeks. In anticipation of this, the Town has secured an arborist to begin removal of trees that are in conflict with these utilities. These tree removals are anticipated to be completed before mid-March.
December 21, 2023 - Council approval to proceed to 100% design
Staff Report CSOPS.23.060 came before Council through the Committee and Board Minutes portion of the agenda at their meeting on Monday, December 18, 2023. The report was pulled for further discussion as Council looked for clarity on how public comments were being addressed. Following some discussion, Council voted to proceed with the recommendations approved at Committee of the Whole which included advancing the design to the 100% stage using the approved road cross-section with a concrete surface for the multi-use trail. More details are available in the Staff Reports section of this page.
November 30, 2023 - Public Information Centre Follow-up Staff Report
Staff Report CSOPS.23.060 was presented to Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. This report provided a summary of the comments and feedback that were received through the Public Information Centre held on October 5, 2023, and requested direction to advance the design to the 100% stage using the approved road cross-section with a concrete surface for the multi-use trail. Committee voted in favour of the staff recommendations. More details are available in the Staff Reports section of this page.
November 24, 2023 - Revised Draft Tree Preservation Report released
Please Note: Due to some inaccuracies with the Draft and Revised Draft of the Tree Preservation Report, these files have been removed along with the Tree Removals Plan. A new Tree Preservation Report will be posted once the Town's engineering consultant has finalized the design.
A revised version of the Draft Tree Preservation Report has now been made available. A Tree Removals Plan has also been published which provides a more visual indication of the trees within the road allowance that are expected to be retained and removed.
October 23, 2023 - Public Information Centre #2 Summary
The presentation deck and recording of the Public Information Centre held on October 5, 2023 are now available to view in the Public Meetings & Information Centres section below.
The Public Information Centre provided an opportunity for attendees to review and provide feedback on the 90% design. The project team will be presenting a follow-up Staff Report regarding the meeting to Town Council in the future.
October 4, 2023 - Draft Tree Preservation Report
Please Note: Due to some inaccuracies with the Draft and Revised Draft of the Tree Preservation Report, these files have been removed along with the Tree Removals Plan. A new Tree Preservation Report will be posted once the Town's engineering consultant has finalized the design.
The Draft Tree Preservation Report has been made available for review. This document includes details on the existing tree inventory, tree protection measures to be implemented and expected removals. The report will be revised and finalized with the completion of the design, following the upcoming Public Information Centre.
October 2, 2023 - 90% Drawings available for review at Town Hall
A complete set of 90% design drawings have been made available to be viewed in Town Hall at the Operations Division front desk for members of the public who would prefer to view a physical copy of the materials.
September 15, 2023 - 90% Design Drawing Submission
The Town has received the 90% Design submission from MTE Consultants. These drawings will be discussed in more detail during the upcoming Public Information Centre scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023.
September 11, 2023 - Notice of Public Information Centre 2
The Town has finalized the date for the second Public Information Centre (PIC) regarding the Peel Street North Reconstruction project. This PIC will be held virtually on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to gather input from stakeholders and residents on the final design. The meeting will include a public comment and question period. All those interested in the project are invited to attend. Pre-registration is required.
Utility relocates will begin this summer along Peel Street North in anticipation of the reconstruction work which is scheduled to begin in 2024. Impacts to residents during the relocates will be minimal, but some trees will need to be removed within the road allowance to allow for the relocation of gas, hydro and telecommunication lines.
January 13, 2023 - Proposed project scope, budget and schedule updates
An updated budget request sheet has been included in the Town's 2023 Proposed Budget for Council consideration. This request accounts for the increase in construction costs that has occurred since the original budget submission. It also includes the additional costs of a proposed pedestrian bridge across the Little Beaver River to complete an active transportation route on Bay Street West, and extension of the sanitary sewer and watermain across Highway 26 to service the 125 Peel Street Campus of Care Project. These additions will be subject to Council approval through the 2023 budget process. The project schedule has also been updated to show the anticipated completion of construction in late 2024.
Town Council will be reviewing the Proposed Budget through a series of special meetings from February 1-6, 2023.
October 24, 2022 - Addition of pedestrian bridge across Little Beaver River
Staff Report CSOPS.22.074 is scheduled to be brought to the Town's Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The report provides more background information on the proposed bridge, and asks Council to direct staff to add the pedestrian bridge to the project scope through the 2023 budget process. More details regarding the report are available in the Staff Reports section on this page.
A Staff Report was submitted to Committee of the Whole giving a summary of the optional road cross sections available for the reconstruction of Peel Street. More details regarding the report are available in the Staff Reports section on this page.
October 28, 2019 - Public Information Centre Report
A Staff Report was submitted to Committee of the Whole to review the results and feedback generated by the first Public Information Centre. More details regarding the report are available in the Staff Reports section on this page.
The subject land is a remnant parcel from the Trail Woods Subdivision that was created by the re-alignment of the Highway 26 and Peel Street intersection. The sale of the parcel will benefit the reconstruction of Peel Street.
Staff Report CSOPS.24.047 was presented to Committee of the Whole on July 2, 2024. The report provided an overview of the various changes to the original scope of work for the Peel Street North Reconstruction project, and asked Council to provide direction on whether or not to incorporate two additional scope changes in the final design. The Committee's vote was split 3-3 in regards to proceeding with the creation of a trailhead forest at the Georgian Trail east of the redesigned Trailhead Parking Facility, and working with the developer of Lora Greens to construct sanitary sewer, watermain and IT duct on a portion of the Georgian Trail. Committee voted 6-0 to pass a subsequent motion to receive the Staff Report for information purposes only.
Council pulled the report for further discussion at their meeting on July 15. Following a discussion regarding the servicing options for Lora Greens, Council voted 7-0 directing staff to provide options and costs of alternatives to the proposed servicing route. In a separate motion, Council voted 7-0 to approve the inclusion of the trailhead forest in the project scope.
Presentation of the report on July 2 begins at the 7:54:15 mark of the Committee meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.23.060 was presented to Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. This report provided a summary of the comments and feedback that were received through the Public Information Centre held on October 5, 2023, and requested direction to advance the design to the 100% stage using the approved road cross-section with a concrete surface for the multi-use trail. Committee of the Whole voted 4-2 in favour of the staff recommendations. Council pulled the report for further discussion at their meeting on December 18 to get more information on how resident concerns were being addressed. Council voted 5-1 in favour of proceeding with the recommendations approved by Committee of the Whole.
Committee discussion of the report begins at the 2:19:10 mark of the November 28 meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.22.074 was presented to Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The report provided background information on the proposed pedestrian bridge connecting Bay Street West over the Little Beaver Rider, and asked for direction to add the bridge to the project scope through the 2023 budget process. Committee voted 5-0 in favour of the recommendations, and this was adopted by Council at their meeting on November 14.
Committee discussion of the report begins at the 7:16:40 mark of the meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.20.030 was presented to Committee of the Whole on June 2, 2020. The report was provided in response to previous Council direction seeking more information for level of service options on Peel Street North. The report included three new hybrid cross-section options for consideration. Committee voted 7-0 in favour of staff proceeding to preliminary design with hybrid Option #3 as outlined in the report. This option included 3.5m wide vehicle lanes, barrier curbs and a 2.7m wide multi-use trail. This decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on June 15.
Staff Report CSOPS.19.065 was presented to Committee of the Whole on October 28, 2019. The report provided an overview of the feedback heard through the first Public Information Centre, and requested direction to proceed to preliminary design using the Town's standard 8.5m road cross-section. Committee voted to direct staff to provide another Staff Report with more details about the level of service options for Peel Street North. This decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on November 13.
Public Consultation
There are no more Public Meetings or Information Centres expected for this project. Comments can be directed to Council through the Clerks Department, and questions can be directed to the Project Manager through the Manager of Capital Projects.
Notes: Delays resulted from issues finalizing design and commissioning watermain.
Q2 2025
Project Scope: Scope revised Project Schedule: Within revised schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Notes: The pedestrian bridge has been removed from the tendered scope due to issues with shore stability that became apparent following early April storms.
Q1 2025
Project Scope: Within revised scope Project Schedule: Within revised schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Q4 2024
Project Scope: Within revised scope Project Schedule: Within revised schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Q3 2024
Project Scope: Within revised scope Project Schedule: Within revised schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Q2 2024
Project Scope: Within revised scope Project Schedule: Within revised schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Q1 2024
Project Scope: Within revised scope Project Schedule: Schedule revised Project Budget: Within revised budget
Notes: The project team is currently evaluating the possibility of adding some items to the project scope. The schedule has been revised as construction is now anticipated in 2025.
Q4 2023
Project Scope: Within expanded scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Q3 2023
Project Scope: Within expanded scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Q2 2023
Project Scope: Within expanded scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within revised budget
Notes: Project scope and budget have been officially revised through the 2023 Town Budget to include a pedestrian bridge over the Little Beaver River.
Q4 2022
Project Scope: Within scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within budget
Q3 2022
Project Scope: Within scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within budget
Q2 2022
Project Scope: Within scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within budget
Q1 2022
Project Scope: Within scope Project Schedule: On schedule Project Budget: Within budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Five possible cross-sections were presented to the community at the Public Information Centres held in July of 2019. Based on resident feedback received through the Public Information Centre, Town Council directed the project team to produce alternative options. Three alternative cross-section options were presented to Committee of the Whole in June of 2020. The cross-section approved by Town Council includes a 7m road surface to reduce traffic speed, addition of barrier curb and gutter including storm sewer, construction of a 2.7m multi-use trail on the north side of Peel Street, and the installation of street lighting to meet the Town’s standards.
