On this page:
1. Project Updates
2. Public Meetings & Information Centres
3. Map of Project Area
4. Quarterly Progress Reports
5. Frequently Asked Questions
At the beginning of the reconstruction project, the Town identified areas in Thornbury with infrastructure that is approaching 100 years old. The first two projects considered for infrastructure replacement were the Elma Street & Alice Street area, and the Victoria Street & Louisa Street area.
Through the preliminary engineering process, the Town identified that the two project areas were similar in nature. As a result, the two independent projects were combined and are now referred to as the "Thornbury West Phase 1 Reconstruction Project."
Final engineering work, which is the process where the design is completed and construction takes place, was awarded for the Elma Street & Alice Street area in 2019. However, the project faced unanticipated delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction will be divided into Phase 1A and Phase 1B to allow more time for the Town to review options for tree retention.
Phase 1A - Construction in 2022
- Victoria Street
- Louisa Street, from Elma Street to Beaver Street
- Beaver Street
- 100m of Alice Street east of Victoria Street
Phase 1B - Construction in 2023 (est.)
- Elma Street
- Lorne Street
- Park Lane
- Louisa Street, from Bruce Street to Elma Street
- Remaining portion of Alice Street
Why Now?
Existing infrastructure requires replacement due to multiple watermain breaks, sewer deterioration, infiltration and excessive road cracking.
Project Updates
August 15, 2022
Arnott Construction will be continuing with the installation of storm sewer on Beaver Street in addition to commissioning the new watermain. EPCOR will be relocating hydro lines at the entrance to Appleridge and at the intersection of Victoria Street and Louisa Street. The Town has also received a report from the vibration monitoring technician, and can confirm that peak vibration levels recorded over the past week are well within acceptable ranges.
August 8, 2022
Arnott Construction will continue to focus on installing the new watermain between Alice Street and Alfred Street, while shifting to storm sewer installation on Beaver Street. Hydro crossing work will also be completed on Victoria Street between Louisa Street and Alice Street. The Town asks that the public continues to use Alice Street from Beaver Street to access the Moreau Park Dog Park to reduce traffic through the primary construction area.
August 2, 2022
Work on Victoria Street is progressing well. Construction crews have completed the water main replacement from Arthur Street to Alice Street, and have begun installing the storm sewer. Over the coming weeks, crews will be focused on completing the watermain from Alice Street to Alfred Street, and installing storm sewer from Louisa Street to Alice Street. To reduce traffic through the construction site, the Town asks that the public uses Beaver Street and Alice Street to access the Moreau Park Dog Park.
July 19, 2022
Construction crews have begun installing the water main and storm sewer on Victoria Street and Beaver Street. The majority of the work this week will be happening on these streets between Louisa Street and Alice Street . Residents seeking to access Moreau Park or the Beaver Valley Community Centre are recommended to approach via Alfred Street to avoid the primary construction zone.
July 8, 2022
Arnott Construction will begin mobilization to the site on Monday, July 11. To begin, the majority of activity will be seen on Beaver Street, on Victoria Street between Arthur Street and Alice Street, and near the water tower.
Staff Report CSOPS.22.050 was brought before Town Council for further discussion on July 4, 2022. The Report includes a summary of the results of the online questionnaire regarding the proposed Parkettes, and asks Council to approve the final design concepts and funding for the Parkettes. During the meeting, Staff provided more information on costs for different surface materials for the multi-use trail in the Beaver Street Parkette, and for the addition of public washrooms at the Louisa Street Parkette.
Council voted to increase the Thornbury West Phase 1 Reconstruction budget to allow for the construction of both Parkettes, and chose to include a concrete trail surface through the Beaver Street Parkette and exclude the construction of washrooms at the Louisa Street Parkette.
The Town has issued the Construction Notice for the Phase 1A of the Thornbury West Reconstruction Project. Construction will begin once utility relocations are complete.
The Phase 1A engineer drawings have been issued for construction. This includes the plans for:
- Victoria Street
- Louisa Street, from Elma Street to Beaver Street
- Beaver Street
- 100m of Alice Street east of Victoria Street
A schedule for construction will be released and posted to this page when available.
The construction tender for Phase 1A has closed, and Arnott Construction Ltd. was the successful contractor. Construction is anticipated to begin in late May or early June. A schedule for construction will be released and posted to this page when available.
A virtual Public Information Centre to review the proposed parkettes has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Registration is required to attend.
The Town will begin clearing trees in anticipation of Phase 1A construction beginning later this spring. The removals are being done at this time to avoid any conflicts with nesting birds later in the spring.
Trees to be removed:
- One (1) Cedar on Victoria Street near Alfred Street (#3)
- Five (5) Maples on Victoria Street at Moreau Park (#11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- Four (4) Poplars on Victoria Street at Rankin Landing (#22, 25, 26, 27)
- One (1) Nootka Cypress (#220) and a few Cedars on Alice Street to make way for services
- One (1) Ash on Louisa Street that is dead (#72)
- Five to six (5-6) Black Locust on Beaver Street that are small and in poor condition (#270 – 275)
- Clearing the patch behind Beaver Valley Community Centre/Water Operations Building
Please refer to the Arborist Report prepared in February 2021 to view specific locations based on the reference numbers.
A Staff Report will be presented to Committee of the Whole summarizing the comments and questions that were received at the Public Information Centre (PIC) held on December 1, 2021. The report includes several options that have been investigated since the PIC to possibly increase tree retention throughout the project area. It also outlines a phased approach to construction that would afford more time to review options for tree retention.
This phased approach would see the reconstruction of Victoria Street, Louisa Street from Elma Street to Beaver Street, Beaver Street and 100m of Alice Street east of Victoria Street in 2022 – referred to as Phase 1A. The 100% design drawings for Phase 1A are also available on the project page.
The report also requests that Council direct staff to hold a PIC to receive comments from the public regarding the proposed parkettes.
November 10, 2021 - Notice of Public Information Centre
A virtual Public Information Centre has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Registration is now available.
August 24, 2021 - Follow up to Public Meeting Regarding Stop Up and Close Beaver Street
Staff Report CSOPS.21.059 was presented to Committee of the Whole summarizing the comments received prior to and at the Public Meeting regarding the stop up and closure of Beaver Street. The report also offers options to accommodate transportation needs following the potential closure of Beaver Street.
June 18, 2021 - Notice of Public Meeting regarding Beaver Street
The Town of the Blue Mountains has completed a traffic study as part of the preliminary engineering for the Thornbury West Phase 1 Reconstruction Project. The study recommends:
- Stop Up and Close Beaver Street from Victoria Street to Louisa Street
- Reconstruct the entrance to Foodland/LCBO to Victoria Street
The result of these recommendations will be to correct hazardous intersections at Beaver/Victoria and Beaver/Louisa.
June 15, 2021 - PIC summary report and addition of Beaver Street
A Staff Report was presented to Committee of the Whole providing Tatham Engineering’s summary of the Public Information Centre regarding the Victoria and Louisa Streets Area Preliminary Engineering held on March 11, 2021. This report also provides an update on the Thornbury West Reconstruction Project.
An additional Staff Report was presented to Committee of the Whole providing background on the Victoria and Louisa Streets Traffic Study, and requesting that additional portions of Beaver Street and Louisa Street be added to the project scope.
February 23, 2021 - Public Information Centre for Victoria and Louisa Streets Preliminary Engineering
Staff Report CSOPS.21.011 was presented to Committee of the Whole to provide Council with the materials and information that will be presented at the proposed Public Information Centre for the Victoria and Louisa Streets Preliminary Engineering.
February 12, 2021 - Thornbury West Arborist Report
Envision-Tatham has reviewed existing trees located within or adjacent to the road allowance throughout the project area to assess potential impacts and provide recommendations for tree protection during construction.
February 11, 2021 - Victoria and Louisa Streets Traffic Study
Tatham Engineering Limited has completed a traffic study investigating the intersections of Beaver Street with Louisa Street and Victoria Street, and of Louisa Street with Victoria Street. The purpose of this study is to identify and review potential improvement opportunities for the Beaver/Victoria/Louisa intersections.
December 2020 - Merging of projects
Over the past year and a half, Tatham Engineering has been working with the Town to complete the detailed design for the Elma Street and Alice Street Area Reconstruction Project. More recently, Tatham Engineering was awarded and has nearly completed the preliminary design for the Victoria Street and Louisa Street Area Reconstruction project. Due to the interconnected nature of the two projects, Tatham Engineering will also be completing the final design for the Victoria Street and Louisa Street Reconstruction. The two projects will be combined under a new title: Thornbury West Reconstruction - Phase 1.
December 2020 - Victoria and Louisa Streets update
The Town is advancing design work in support of the Victoria and Louisa Streets Area Reconstruction. The primary objective of this project is to replace the existing aged infrastructure to improve functionality and public safety and reduce maintenance costs for the Town. In addition, the roads will be reconstructed, complete with improvements to the drainage systems.
August 24, 2020 - Victoria Street South and Louisa Street West design options update
A Staff Report was presented to Town Council to review the proposed cross sections of Victoria Street South and Louisa Street West.
August 11, 2020 - Victoria Street South and Louisa Street West Reconstruction Design Options
Staff Report CSOPS.20.040 was presented to Committee of the Whole to review design options for the reconstruction of Victoria St. S. between Alfred Street and Arthur Street, and Louisa St. W. between Bruce Street and Victoria Street.
June 2, 2020 - Combining Victoria Street and Louisa Street with Elma Street and Alice Street Reconstruction Projects
Staff Report CSOPS.20.034 was presented to Committee of the Whole seeking Council direction to combine the two projects and enter into negotiations with Tatham Engineering Limited for the Final Design and Project Management for the combined projects.
December 9, 2019 - Sidewalk locations for Elma and Alice Street
Staff Report CSOPS.19.088 was presented to Committee of the Whole providing an overview of the potential sidewalk layouts along Elma and Alice Street.
November 8, 2019 - Elma and Alice Street final design update
Michael Campbell, Construction Coordinator, hand delivered the letter regarding Elma Street and Alice Street Reconstruction Final Design and Construction update to those residents involved.
October 21, 2019 - Follow-up to Sidewalk Locations for Elma and Alice Street
Staff Report CSOPS.19.083 was presented to Council with more information regarding the proposed sidewalk locations for Elma Street and Alice Street.
October 7, 2019 - Elma and Alice Street Area Streetscape Report
Staff Report CSOPS.19.064 was presented to Committee of the Whole providing an overview of the Streetscape Report for Elma and Alice Street prepared by Tatham Engineering.
June 13, 2019 - Elma and Alice Streets design advancing
Residents in Thornbury are advised the Town is advancing design work in support of the Elma and Alice Street Area Reconstruction project. The primary objective of this project is to replace the existing aged infrastructure to improve functionality and public safety, while reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the roads and lanes will be reconstructed, complete with improvements to the drainage systems, including restoration of all disturbed areas to previous or better condition.
January 10, 2019 - Elma and Alice Street Arborist Report
WSP Canada Inc. was retained to complete an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan in support of road and sidewalk construction along Elma Street and Alice Street.
December 2018 - Elma and Alice Street Preliminary Design Report
WSP Canada Inc. has completed the Preliminary Design Report for the reconstruction of Elma Street South between Arthur Street West and Alfred Street West, and of Alice Street West between Victoria Street South and Bruce Street South. The purpose of this report is to provide preliminary design considerations and decisions for the recommended alternatives for infrastructure upgrades.
July 31, 2018 - Letter to Elma and Alice Street residents
The Town engaged WSP Canada Inc. (Owen Sound office) in December of 2016 to prepare a preliminary design report for the reconstruction of specific portions of Elma Street S. and Alice Street W.
May 14, 2018 - Discussion with Elma and Alice Street Residents
Staff Report CSPW.18.039 was presented to Committee of the Whole providing Council with a summary of the April 4, 2018 meeting between Town Staff and a delegation of residents from Elma Street and Alice Street, and to obtain direction to complete the Preliminary Design Report for the Elma and Alice Streets Reconstruction Project.
May 14, 2018 - Infrastructure Level of Service Workshop Report
Staff Report CSPW.18.019 was presented to Committee of the Whole providing Council with the findings from the Level of Service Workshops Summary Report produced by WSP Canada Inc. In addition, the report sought direction on further discussions with Town residents regarding the expected level of service from infrastructure as outlined.
November 10, 2017 - Elma and Alice Street Geotechnical Investigation
WSP Canada Inc. has completed a geotechnical investigation to support the preliminary design alternatives of the municipal infrastructure renewal project on Elma Street South and Alice Street West in the Town of The Blue Mountains, Ontario.
The purpose of the geotechnical investigation was to obtain information of the subsurface conditions and soil types, including groundwater conditions, to provide geotechnical engineering recommendations for the replacement of underground infrastructure.
April 3, 2017 - Level of Service Workshop Outline
During the award of the engineering services to WSP Canada Inc. for the Elma and Alice Street Reconstruction Preliminary Engineering assignment, Council directed Staff to include a Workshop on the design options and engineering standards for the older areas of Thornbury. Staff Report CSPW.7.043 was presented to Committee of the Whole outlining the cost and scope of this workshop.
November 14, 2016 - Award of Preliminary Engineering Services
Staff Report CSPW.16.144 was presented to Committee of the Whole requesting Council approval to retain an engineering consultant to produce a preliminary design report for the reconstruction of Elma Street South and Alice Street West.
Public Meetings & Information Centres
The presentation deck and recording of the Public Information Centre regarding the proposed parkettes have been added below.
A Public Information Centre was held at Town Hall on December 13, 2017. If you wish to view the presentation, contact the Operations Department.
Town Staff and Council invited residents to participate in a walking tour of the area on September 6, 2017.
Quarterly Progress Reports
| Q2 2022 | Q1 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Project Scope | Within revised scope | Revised scope |
| Project Schedule | Behind schedule | On schedule |
| Project Budget | Within budget | Within budget |
| Notes | Start of construction work has been delayed as utility locates are ongoing. | The Town is investigating options for the addition of two Parkettes as a part of the project. |
Residents may experience traffic delays, lane restrictions, dust, noise, vibrations and other inconveniences during reconstruction. The Town will work with Arnott Construction Limited to reduce these impacts where possible by maintaining standard working hours and providing written notice of planned service interruptions or restrictions. We appreciate your patience throughout the project. Please view the Construction Notice for a more detailed summary of impacts.
The decision to convert Louisa Street West to one way is based on improving safety and providing more parking within the downtown core of Thornbury. Reconstruction of the road to current standards including dedicated parking would require a substantial retaining wall to be constructed on the south side of the road allowance. One-way traffic was found to be a better solution as it would provide the 6m minimum road width required for emergency vehicles, while also being able to accommodate dedicated parking in the space available. This configuration is also supported by the Town’s parking by-law. The turning movements onto Bruce Street from Louisa Street in both directions were also a concern due to the landscape and restricted sightlines.
A Staff Report was presented to support this decision.
Victoria Street South between Alfred Street West and Louisa Street West is listed in the 2019 Development Charges Background Study as a collector road. The Town does not have a collector road cross-section to provide guidance on what design elements should be included. With the shopping and restaurants at Arthur Street, and recreational and community facilities at Alfred Street, it was decided that this route will benefit from an enhanced level of service for active transportation.
This was supported by a Staff Report and Council resolution to increase the level of service on this section of road.
A traffic study was completed in the preliminary engineering of the Victoria and Louisa Streets Reconstruction project. This study included an evaluation of intersections impacted by this project, and identified the intersections of Beaver/Victoria; Beaver/Louisa and Beaver/Alice/Lansdowne as being unsafe. The study recommended the closure of Beaver Street between Victoria and Louisa, and the termination of Beaver Street north of Alice Street. A parkette is being proposed to connect the new Beaver Street cul-de-sac to the corner of Alice and Lansdowne. This will allow the Town to maintain an active transportation route and improve the urban tree canopy.
A Staff Report was completed to support this decision.
The Town has taken many steps to ensure as many trees as possible are retained. These steps include the retention of trees in poor condition whose canopies do not overhang the road allowance, retention of privately-owned trees that are in good condition where the reconstructed sidewalk edge is anticipated to match the existing sidewalk edge, and the enlargement of tree protection zones where possible for privately-owned trees that are only compromised by grading. In addition, the Town has consulted with a specialist arborist and the TBM Tree Trust to investigate further design and construction options that could possibly allow more trees to be retained.