On this page:
1. Project Updates
2. Staff Reports & Council Decisions
3. Public Consultation
4. Map of Project Area
5. Quarterly Progress Reports
6. 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 2022/2023
- Victoria Street
- Louisa Street, from Elma Street to Beaver Street
- Beaver Street
- 100m of Alice Street east of Victoria Street
- Elma Street, from Arthur Street to Louisa Street
Phase 1B - Construction in 2025 (est.)
- Elma Street, from Louisa Street to Alfred 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
November 25, 2025 - Phase 1B Reconsideration Staff Report
The recommendations included within Staff Report CSOPS.24.075 approved at the October 29, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting were formally approved by Council on Monday, November 25, 2024. The report was prepared in response to Council's motion to reconsider the previously approved design for Louisa Street between Bruce and Elma. More details are available in the Staff Reports section on this page.
Contractors are currently working to complete the Electrical Safety Authority inspection for the lighting in the new Beaver Street Parkette. Following the inspection, EPCOR will schedule a time to connect the light standards to hydro.
Staff continue to work on the report requested by Council at their meeting on December 18, 2023. Based on current timelines, the Staff Report is expected to be presented to Council before the end of 2024. As requested by Council, the report will include:
- Information on opportunities for construction including Louisa Street Design Option #3A as referenced in Staff Report CSOPS.20.049
- Details on the number of mature trees that could be preserved through the elimination of the previously approved parkette
- Responses from Louisa Street residents, local businesses and the Thornbury BIA in relation to the potential elimination of the previously approved parking on Louisa Street
The downtown Thornbury Parking Strategy was not included in the 2024 Budget, and is expected to be brought forward for consideration again in the 2025 Draft Budget.
Staff continue to work on gathering all relevant reference material and background information related to the Staff Report requested by Council at their meeting on December 18, 2023. The Staff Report will include information on opportunities for construction including Louisa Street Design Option #3A as referenced in Staff Report CSOPS.20.049, details on the number of mature trees that could be preserved through the elimination of the previously approved parkette, and responses from Louisa Street residents, local businesses and the Thornbury BIA in relation to the potential elimination of the previously approved parking on Louisa Street. The comprehensive downtown Thornbury Parking Strategy requested by Council was not approved in the 2024 Town Budget, so will not be proceeding at this time.
The Staff Report is expected to be brought before Council in later summer 2024.
December 21, 2023 - Notice of Motion for reconsideration passed
At the December 18, 2023 meeting of Town Council, a Notice of Motion was brought forward to reconsider previous Council decisions regarding design elements of Louisa Street. The Notice of Motion was passed in a vote of 7-0. More details about this can be found in the Staff Reports & Council Decisions section of this page.
View Staff Reports & Council Decisions
December 1, 2023 - Update in response to Tree Trust TBM letter
The Town's Director of Operations provided an update on the project at the November 28 meeting of Committee of the Whole in response to a letter from Tree Trust TBM. Council and staff had a high-level discussion about many aspects including the potential impacts of excluding the previously approved parkette and parking infrastructure, the Town's liability if hazard trees are not dealt with and the potential cost implications of changing design direction and delaying the project further. Following the discussion, it was indicated that a Notice of Motion for reconsideration of a previous Council decision would be provided at the December 18, 2023 meeting of Council. If five members of Council vote in favour of this motion on December 18, staff would then bring a report concerning the design reconsiderations to a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
The staff update and subsequent discussion begins at the 5:54:00 mark on the recording of the Committee of the Whole meeting.
October 31, 2023 - Tagging of trees for removal within Phase 1B boundaries
Trees slated for removal within the boundaries of the Thornbury West Phase 1B Reconstruction project are scheduled to be marked this week. The Town’s project team will be posting notices on all trees that will be removed. The marked trees will be removed through the winter to avoid conflicts with nesting birds. A contractor will be secured through the Phase 1B construction tender which is expected to be awarded in late 2023 or early 2024. An inventory and health assessment of all trees within the project boundaries was completed by an arborist in February of 2021, and health and conditions have been monitored since that time. Deterioration has been noted amongst multiple trees located in close proximity to properties that have seen significant renovations, new builds or service pipes replaced.
Arnott Construction has completed work on Phase 1A of the project. The final elements of the new Beaver Street Parkette including lighting and seating fixtures are expected to be delivered and installed before the end of October. The construction tender for Phase 1B will be released in the fall of 2023. Trees slated for removal within the Phase 1B work boundaries will be marked in the fall of 2023, and removed in late 2023 or early 2024. For more information, please watch the video embedded above.
August 29, 2023
Arnott Construction is currently completing the finishing touches to Phase 1A of the project. Topsoil is being placed, sod and tree planting is expected to be completed in the next week and furniture will be installed in the Beaver Street Parkette once it arrives on site.
August 15, 2023
Sidewalks and curbs through the project area have been installed. Asphalt crews are scheduled to be on site beginning Thursday, August 17 (weather permitting) to begin paving on Louisa Street, Elma Street, Alice Street and Victoria Street for the next two weeks. Access to driveways will be maintained at all times, except during active asphalt placement. Temporary asphalt will be placed in some sidewalk areas that are expected to be re-disturbed by Phase 1B work beginning next summer. Planting of street trees on Victoria Street and trees in the Beaver Street Parkette is expected to begin this week as well.
August 3, 2023
The Town's contractors have completed installation of curbs throughout the project area. Concrete crews are currently scheduled to return on Tuesday, August 8 - weather permitting - to begin placement of the new sidewalks. Sidewalks will be installed on both sides of Elma Street, and on the north side of Louisa Street and Alice Street. Sidewalk placement requires curing time and therefore vehicle access to driveways beyond the new sidewalks will be restricted for up to 72 hours following installation. Residents will be able to park on Louisa Street, Elma Street and Alice Street overnight, but we ask that they park outside the construction zone during working hours. Written notice will be provided to impacted properties.
We also ask that residents refrain from walking on or marking the concrete in any way as this will result in sections having to be removed and re-poured. This work is extremely weather dependent, so we appreciate residents being flexible in accommodating these tasks.
August 2, 2023
The Town’s contractors have begun pouring the new concrete curbs and sidewalks on the sections of Louisa Street, Elma Street and Alice Street that have been reconstructed this summer. Access to driveways will be restricted for seven days after the concrete is poured. During this time, residents are asked to park along the roadside or at an alternate location. Driving over the curb or sidewalk within seven days of the pour may result in cracking that would result in that section of curb having to be re-poured at a later date. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your cooperation in achieving the best possible outcome.
July 25, 2023
Underground infrastructure installation has been completed on Elma Street. The new water mains will be tied in to the existing water system the week of July 31, which will require temporary water service interruptions for select properties. Impacted properties on Arthur Street, Elma Street and Louisa Street will receive written notice prior to the interruptions. Preparation for the new curbs and sidewalks is ongoing, with installation scheduled to begin August 2. Installation of asphalt, topsoil, sod and street trees will follow in mid to late-August.
June 20, 2023
A Staff Report was presented to Council on Monday, June 19 seeking direction to add the complete construction of the Beaver Street Parkette to the Phase 1A contract to be completed this summer. The Town's contractor has capacity to complete this additional work this summer, and staff have found that there would be a number of benefits realized from the addition of this work. Council voted in favour of the staff recommendations. The Parkette is expected to be completed in mid August along with the rest of the remaining Phase 1A works.
June 15, 2023
Arnott Construction has completed the installation of all the new underground infrastructure on the first portion of Alice Street east of Victoria Street, and are in the process of rebuilding the road base there. Town Council voted at their Special Meeting on June 14 to confirm the decision of Committee of the Whole to add the reconstruction of Elma Street between Louisa Street and Arthur Street to the Phase 1A contract to be completed this summer. Arnott went to work on Elma Street first thing this morning, and are in the process of stripping the existing asphalt and surface infrastructure. The Town has issued an updated Construction Notice which includes the work to be completed on Elma Street within Phase 1A.
June 9, 2023
Please be advised that the Committee of the Whole recommendation regarding Staff Report “CSOPS.23.032 – Addition of Elma Street to Thornbury West Phase 1A” will now be considered at the Special Meeting of Council on June 14, 2023, instead of at the Council Meeting on June 19, 2023. A letter has been delivered to residents within the boundaries of the proposed construction zone on Elma Street advising them of this change in schedule.
June 8, 2023
A Staff Report was presented to Committee of the Whole on June 6 seeking direction to add the reconstruction of Elma Street between Louisa Street and Arthur Street to the Phase 1A contract to be completed this summer. The Committee of the Whole voted in favour of the staff recommendations. The resolution will be confirmed by Council at their meeting on Monday, June 19. Based on current Phase 1A progress, work on Elma Street is expected to begin in mid to late June.
May 31, 2023
Arnott Construction has made great progress on the remaining Phase 1A work. The new sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer have been installed on Louisa Street, and they have started to rebuild the road base. Excavation work has also begun on the first 100m of Alice Street, and Arnott's crews have already started installing the new sanitary sewer.
A Staff Report is scheduled to be presented to Committee of the Whole on June 6 seeking direction to add the reconstruction of Elma Street between Louisa Street and Arthur Street to the Phase 1A contract to be completed this summer. With work progressing so well, staff have found that there would be a number of benefits realized from this proposed change to the schedule.
May 10, 2023
Construction on Phase 1A has resumed. The Town's contractor is active on Louisa Street between Elma and Victoria doing removals of existing infrastructure. In the upcoming weeks, they will be installing the new sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water main along with new service laterals to the property lines. They also have a crew touching up the topsoil around all of Phase 1A in preparation for sod installation. At this point, work on Alice Street east of Victoria Street is scheduled to begin the week of May 29.
April 28, 2023
Arnott Construction plans to mobilize back to the site on Monday, May 1 to begin the remaining work on Phase 1A of the Thornbury West Reconstruction Project. Arnott completed the reconstruction of Beaver Street from Alice Street to Louisa Street, and of Victoria Street from Alfred Street to Arthur Street in 2022. The majority of work in 2023 will be occurring on the first 115 m of Alice Street east of Victoria Street, on Louisa Street from Victoria Street to Elma Street, and in the new Beaver Street Parkette. Trees, sod and surface asphalt will be installed in areas completed in 2022 as well, but that work is expected to be shorter in duration with fewer impacts to residents.
In addition, a new entrance to the site construction yard in the north east corner of the Community Centre property will be built off of Elma Street. With the Beaver Valley Community Centre parking lot being reconstructed this summer, the contractor for the Thornbury West Reconstruction Project needs a dedicated access point to their yard in adherence with Ministry of Labour requirements.
November 24, 2022
With the arrival of snow, Arnott Construction has wrapped up work for the 2022 season. Watch our latest video update below for more information about incomplete and temporary work, and details regarding the schedule for the remaining Phase 1A and 1B work.
October 21, 2022
The majority of the new sidewalks and curbs through the project area have been installed, and Arnott Construction is beginning to place topsoil where required. Asphalt crews are scheduled to be on site the week of October 24 to begin resurfacing disturbed areas on Beaver Street, Victoria Street and Louisa Street. Residents should expect driveways to be inaccessible for brief periods of time while paving is being completed.
October 6, 2022
Arnott Construction has completed watermain and sanitary sewer installation for the season, and will be shifting focus to reconstruction and restoration work moving forward. Most sidewalks have been removed from the Phase 1A project area to prepare for the installation of new sidewalks which will align with the province's accessibility standards. This work is expected to begin in early to mid October, and be completed by mid November.
An update on the schedule for the remainder of Phase 1A and all of Phase 1B is scheduled to be presented to the Town's Committee of the Whole at their meeting on November 1, 2022.
September 9, 2022
Arnott Construction has informed the Town that work on Louisa Street West is expected to begin on Monday, September 12. Construction activity will start at the Victoria Street intersection, and then will proceed east on Louisa Street towards Elma Street in stages over the coming weeks.
September 8, 2022
In preparation for the Beaver Valley Fall Fair, Arnott Construction has cleared construction materials from the Beaver Valley Community Centre parking lot. A defined walkway between the Community Centre parking lot and Moreau Park will be prepared and fenced. Fall Fair attendees are advised to use Alfred Street to access the Community Centre, and to avoid any areas disturbed by construction or where construction materials are being stored.
August 31, 2022
Arnott Construction has completed installation of the new watermain on Victoria Street, and has made the necessary connections to Alfred Street and the Town's Water Tower. Crews are currently installing storm sewer on Victoria Street between Alice and Alfred Street, and working on relocating the east entrance to the LCBO and Foodland plaza.
August 19, 2022
Arnott Construction will be commissioning new watermain on Tuesday, August 23 and Wednesday, August 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this time, properties serviced off of Victoria Street and Beaver Street will experience temporary water service interruptions. The contractor will be hand delivering written notice with more information to impacted properties.
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.
October 25, 2022 - Update on Phase 1B construction schedule
Staff Report CSOPS.22.070 is scheduled to be presented to the Town's Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, November 1. This report provides an update on various projects and initiatives, including the anticipated schedule for Phase 1B of the Thornbury West Reconstruction project.
Construction of Phase 1A has been proceeding well, but began behind schedule due to delays in relocating third party utilities. Due to these delays, construction of the remainder of Phase 1A, including a small portion of Alice Street, and Louisa Street between Victoria Street and Elma Street, will carry over to be completed in 2023. Construction of Phase 1B, including Elma Street, Lorne Street, Park Lane, and the remainder of Louisa Street and Alice Street, is expected to begin and be completed in 2024.
July 4, 2022 - Parkette PIC Follow-up Staff Report
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.
View Summary of Questionnaire Results
June 6, 2022 - Construction Notice for Phase 1A
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.
May 20, 2022 - Phase 1A drawings issued for construction
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.
View Construction Engineer Drawings
May 3, 2022 - Phase 1A construction tender awarded
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.
View Tendered Engineering Drawings
March 31, 2022 - Notice of Public Information Centre for proposed parkettes
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.
March 28, 2022 - Tree Removal Beginning for Phase 1A
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.
March 1, 2022 - PIC Follow-up Staff Report and Phase 1A Design Drawings
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.
Staff Reports & Council Decisions
Since preliminary engineering began in 2016, the design of the Thornbury West Reconstruction project has evolved significantly through public consultation and Council direction. Details are available in the accordions below.
Staff Report CSOPS.24.075 was presented to Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The report was prepared in response to Council's motion to reconsider the previously approved design for Louisa Street between Bruce and Elma, and includes a detailed summary of the considerations outlined by Council concerning the possible elimination of the previously approved parking and parkette. Committee voted to support the staff recommendation of proceeding with cross section #3 to retain and formalize the parking spaces as outlined in Staff Report CSOPS.20.040, but gave direction to eliminate the seating area from the proposed parkette while retaining the urban forest planting plan. Staff-initiated design changes will see the possible retention of some mature trees near the corner of Louisa and Bruce Street, however the loss of the remaining trees on the street is unavoidable due to the installation of the new sanitary sewer and service laterals. The Committee meeting minutes are scheduled to be reviewed and adopted by Council at their meeting on November 25, 2024.
Presentation of the report begins at the 46:20 mark of the meeting recording.
At the December 18, 2023 meeting of Town Council, a Notice of Motion was brought forward to reconsider previous Council decisions regarding design elements of Louisa Street. The Notice of Motion was passed in a vote of 7-0. An addition to the agenda was then heard which prompted discussion and provided staff with further direction to prepare a follow-up Staff Report with opportunities for construction that will include:
- Louisa Street Design Option #3A as referenced in Staff Report CSOPS.20.049
- Elimination of the parkette to preserve as many mature trees as possible
- Elimination of parking on Louisa Street in consultation with Louisa Street residents, local businesses and the Thornbury BIA
- Inclusion of a comprehensive downtown Thornbury Parking Strategy in the 2024 Draft Budget for Council consideration.
This agenda item was also passed in a vote of 7-0. The Staff Report is expected to be brought forward in January or February of 2024. Due to the interconnected nature of the engineering design of the project and the design changes that will potentially come through the direction from this Staff Report, it is now expected that construction of Thornbury West Phase 1B will be pushed back to 2025.
The Notice of Motion and subsequent discussion around the addition to the agenda begins at the 6:24:30 mark on the recording of the Council meeting.
Staff Report CSOPS.23.043 was presented to Council on June 19, 2023. The report requested approval to increase the value of the Phase 1A construction contract by $275,000 from the pre-approved capital budget to allow for the construction of the Beaver Street Parkette to be included in the Phase 1A work. Council voted 7-0 in favour of the motion.
Presentation of the report begins at the 8:16:05 mark of the meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.23.032 was presented to Committee of the Whole on June 6, 2023. The report requested approval to increase the value of the Phase 1A construction contract by $1.35 million, and increase the value of the engineering contract by $9,000 from the pre-approved capital budget. This was in response to the fact that the contractor had capacity to add the reconstruction of Elma Street between Louisa and Highway 26 to their current contract. Committee voted 6-0 in favour of this motion, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on June 19, 2023.
Presentation of the report begins at the 44:10 mark of the meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.22.050 was presented to Committee of the Whole on June 27, 2022. The report provided a summary of the Public Information Centre and the results of the online questionnaire regarding the proposed parkettes. Committee voted 6-0 to approve Concept 2 for the Beaver Street Parkette, and Concept 1 for the Louisa Street Parkette. The motion also included approval to increase the project budget by $900,000 to fund construction of the parkettes. Committee asked that staff return to the July 4, 2022 Council meeting with options for trail surfacing in the Beaver Street Parkette, and estimated costs for constructing washrooms in the Louisa Street Parkette. At their meeting on July 4, Council voted 7-0 to direct staff to proceed with a concrete surface for the Beaver Street Parkette trail, and to not proceed with washrooms as part of the Louisa Street Parkette.
Presentation of the report to Committee of the Whole begins at the 4:08:15 mark of the meeting recording
View Committee Meeting Recording
Discussion of the report by Council begins at the 7:09:10 mark of the meeting recording
Staff Report CSOPS.22.010 was presented to Committee of the Whole on March 1, 2022. The report included a summary of the comments and questions that were received at the Public Information Centre held on December 1, 2021, and requested direction to proceed with the final design and hold an additional Public Information Centre regarding the parkettes proposed for Beaver Street and Louisa Street. Committee voted 5-0 in favour of the staff recommendations, and made an addition to the motion directing staff to dedicate $250,000 from the construction contingency budget to use towards alternative construction techniques while working around trees. This motion was adopted by Council at their meeting on March 14, 2022.
Presentation of the report begins at the 2:52:30 mark of the meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.21.059 was presented to Committee of the Whole on August 24, 2021. The report included a summary of the comments received through the Public Meeting held on July 12, 2021 regarding the proposed stop up and closure of Beaver Street. The report asked Council to provide direction to draft a by-law to stop up and close Beaver Street, to improve Lansdowne Street with a temporary gravel trail and to increase to project budget by $250,000. Committee added provided additional direction requesting staff to provide a report with potential traffic calming initiatives for Lansdowne Street and Beaver Street. Committee voted 7-0 in favour of all these recommendations, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on September 7, 2021.
Presentation of the report begins at the 3:03:15 mark of the Committee meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.21.045 was presented to Committee of the Whole at their meeting on June 15, 2021. The report provided a summary of the comments and questions received at the first Public Information Centre regarding the reconstruction of Victoria and Louisa Streets. The report also presented the Arborist Report for the entirety of the Thornbury West Phase 1 Reconstruction project. The report was received by Committee for information purposes in a vote of 7-0. This decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on June 28, 2021.
Presentation of the report begins at the 6:08:30 mark of the meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.21.044 was presented to Committee of the Whole at their meeting on June 15, 2021. The report outlined an opportunity to improve three separate intersections that were identified as hazardous through the project traffic study, and the opportunity to incorporate the reconstruction of Beaver Street between Alice and Louisa, and Louisa Street between Victoria and Beaver in the project. Committee voted 7-0 to direct staff to initiate the public process for stopping up and closing sections of Beaver Street as a key part of these improvements, and to approve a budget increase of $1.13 million to fund the additional works. This decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on June 28, 2021.
Presentation of the report begins at the 5:21:30 mark of the meeting recording.
Staff Report CSOPS.20.049 was presented to Council at their meeting on August 24, 2020. The report was provided in response to the motion passed at the August 11, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting. Upon review of the report, Council voted 7-0 to direct staff to proceed to preliminary design with the inclusion of sidewalks on both sides of Victoria Street between Alfred and Highway 26, and to proceed with Alternative #3 for Louisa Street between Bruce and Elma which includes:
- 6 metre road with one-way traffic westbound
- 3.5 metre parallel parking facility on south side of road
- 1.5 metre sidewalk on north side of road
- Barrier curb and gutter on north side of road, and mountable curb and gutter on south side separating traffic lane from parking facility
- Retaining wall as required on south side of road between slope and parking facility
Staff Report CSOPS.20.040 was presented to Committee of the Whole on August 11, 2020. The report requested direction from Council to select from five possible cross sections to be used for the preliminary design of Victoria Street and Louisa Street, including the number of sidewalks to incorporate. The Committee moved a motion directing staff to provide an estimate of cost for one and two sidewalks that will be constructed on Victoria Street South between Alfred Street West and Arthur Street West, and between Alfred Street West and Napier Street. The motion also directed staff to provide an estimate of costs for Alternative #3 referenced in the report, and to prepare a new Alternative #3A that eliminates the retaining wall and existing parking. Committee voted 6-0 in favour of this motion.
Staff Report CSOPS.20.034 was presented to Committee of the Whole on June 2, 2020. The report requested direction to combine the Elma & Alice Street Reconstruction project with the Victoria & Louisa Street Reconstruction project, and to enter into negotiations with Tatham Engineering Limited for the Final Design and Project Management for the combined projects. Committee voted 7-0 in favour of the recommendation, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on June 15, 2020.
Staff Report CSOPS.19.088 was presented to Committee of the Whole on December 9, 2019. The report was provided in follow-up to Council's reconsideration motion passed on November 15, 2019, and requested direction to proceed with new sidewalk alignments in response to resident concerns. This included:
- A sidewalk on the north side of Alice Street between Bruce and Victoria
- A sidewalk on the west side of Elma Street between Alfred and Alice
- Sidewalks on both sides of Elma Street between Alice and Highway 26
This recommendation was approved by the Committee in a vote of 5-0, and the decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on December 16, 2019.
In response to resident deputations, Council made a motion to reconsider a previous decision during the Special Meeting of Council held on November 15, 2019. The reconsideration motion was passed, and Council provided new direction to staff to prepare a report for the December 9, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting providing options for sidewalk locations on Elma and Alice Streets including engineering and planning criteria, and considering “Complete Streets” programs as documented by Grey County.
Staff Report CSOPS.19.083 was presented to Council at their meeting on October 21, 2019. The report provided three options for sidewalk alignments on Alice and Elma Streets, and highlighted the impacts that each option would have on existing trees. These options included:
- Sidewalks on both sides of Elma and Alice Streets
- Sidewalks on the north side of Alice Street, on the west side of Elma Street between Alfred and Alice, and on both sides of Elma Street between Alice and Highway 26
- Alternative sidewalk alignments that would potentially help reduce impacts to existing trees
Council directed staff to proceed with Option #1 which included sidewalks on both sides of Elma and Alice Streets.
Staff Report CSOPS.19.064 was presented to Committee of the Whole on October 7, 2019. The report included a Streetscape Report for the area of Elma and Alice Streets prepared by Tatham Engineering, and requested that Committee provided direction on the elements to be included. Committee directed staff to proceed with the following design elements:
- Correction/extension of private plumbing being the responsibility of the landowner
- Level of service to include storm sewers and laterals
- 8.5 metre road
- 1.5 metre sidewalk on both sides of the road
- Re-design of parking on Town land and church property by agreement
- Mountable curbs
- Cobra-head light fixtures on existing utility poles
- Street trees planted at 16 metre intervals with removal of private landscaping
Committee also asked staff to provide a follow-up report with more information regarding the specific locations of sidewalks for Elma and Alice Streets. Committee voted in favour of this recommendation, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on October 21, 2019.
Staff Report CSPW.18.019 was presented to Committee of the Whole and provided the recommendations for levels of service based on the workshops that had been held with Council. The report also requested approval of budget to prepare, conduct and report on public consultation regarding the findings of the level of service workshops. Committee voted in favour of the recommendations, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on May 28, 2018.
Staff Report CSPW.18.039 was also presented to Committee of the Whole on May 14. This report provided a summary of the April 4, 2018 meeting between Town Staff and a delegation of residents from Elma Street and Alice Street, and requested direction to utilize the staff-recommended design approach for the Preliminary Design Report for the Elma and Alice Streets Reconstruction Project. Staff recommendations included an 8.5 metre road width, barrier curb and gutter, sidewalks on one side of the road, street trees planted at 15-18 metres on centre and the addition of street lights to existing utility poles. Committee voted in favour of the recommendations, and this decision was also adopted by Council at their meeting on May 28, 2018.
Staff Report CSPW.17.043 was presented to Committee of the Whole on April 3, 2017. The report provided an outline of the cost and scope of the proposed workshop, and requested approval to award the contract for hosting the workshop to WSP Canada Inc. Committee voted in favour of the recommendations, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on April 19, 2017.
Staff Report CSPW.16.144 was presented to Committee of the Whole requesting approval to retain an engineering consultant to produce a preliminary design report for the reconstruction of Elma Street South and Alice Street West. Committee added a motion to direct staff to include a workshop on the design options and engineering standards for the older areas of Thornbury. Committee voted in favour of the recommendations, and this decision was adopted by Council at their meeting on November 28, 2016.
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.
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 2024 | Project Scope: Within revised scope Project Schedule: On hold pending Council reconsideration Project Budget: Within budget |
|---|
Q1 2024 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: On hold pending Council reconsideration
Project Budget: Within budgetQ4 2023 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Schedule revised
Project Budget: Within budgetNotes: Council voted to reconsider previous design direction. Phase 1B construction will be delayed until at least 2025.
Q3 2023 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Behind schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetNotes: Phase 1A has entered a two-year warranty period. The Phase 1B construction contract will be tendered in the fall of 2023.
Q2 2023 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Behind schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetQ1 2023 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Behind schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetQ4 2022 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Behind schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetQ3 2022 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Behind schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetQ2 2022 Project Scope: Within revised scope
Project Schedule: Behind schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetNotes: Start of construction work has been delayed as utility locates are ongoing.
Q1 2022 Project Scope: Scope revised
Project Schedule: On schedule
Project Budget: Within budgetNotes: The Town is investigating options for the addition of two Parkettes as a part of the project.
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.
In November 2023, the Town produced a letter which provided an update on tree retention efforts and the estimated number of trees that would need to be removed, along with the reasoning for their removal. This letter does not take into account design changes implemented since that time which would allow for the additional retention of trees #111, #113, #114 and #115.
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.
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.
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.
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 has been constructed to connect the new Beaver Street cul-de-sac to the corner of Alice and Lansdowne. This has allowed the Town to maintain an active transportation route and improve the urban tree canopy.