Construction Update April 9, 2020

Navacon, the Region's contractor has started work on King Street for the 2020 construction season.

We understand that some residents may have concerns with construction moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23^rd, the Province included construction activities on a list of essential services. On April 3^rd, the Province reduced the list of essential businesses but maintained that construction of roads, watermains, sewers and other municipal services is essential to ensure that these services continue to work properly and continue to meet our community’s needs. In moving forward with construction projects, the Region of Waterloo is acting consistently with other local area municipalities and most other major municipalities in the Province. We will continue to evaluate and re-assess the situation as required.

Contractors working for the Region will employ policies and procedures to protect the health and wellness of workers and the community in general as part the contractor’s Health and Safety Plan. Contractors will adjust these policies and procedures as required for each project and in accordance with relevant Federal, Provincial and Regional guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic issued at any given time. Region staff and consultants working for the Region will similarly be following all relevant COVID-19 guidelines during the course of construction.

If you have general questions about Covid-19 or want more information, please view the information provided by Region of Waterloo Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What health and safety precautions has the Contractor put in place to protect workers and the public?

Will anyone need access to my home or business?

At this time, we do not anticipate that anyone will need to access your home or business. Should the need for access arise, we will provide as much prior notice as possible and make necessary arrangements to complete the work in a manner consistent with current Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Should you receive a request from a contractor to access your home or business and you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Region’s Project Manager, Dave Brown.

Progress since last Update:

Concrete removal and temporary asphalt removals has been completed in stage 1 (Dover to Argyle) and street light poles have been installed on the south side of the street.
Tree soil cell installation has started between Lowther Street and Church Street

Upcoming Work over the next few weeks:

Concrete and temporary asphalt removal between Argyle Street to Westminster Drive, which will be followed by street light pole installation.
Tree soil cell installation to continue in stage 2, working north toward Argyle Street
Concrete curb and sidewalk installation between Dover Street and Argyle Street.

One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction, similar to 2019. Between Dover Street and Laurel Street, the removal of on-street parking will be necessary, but will be for a shorter duration than in 2019. Between Laurel Street and Bishop Street, on-street parking will be removed to allow our Contractor to safely and efficiently complete their work.

We appreciate the community's continued understanding as we complete this important work.

What are tree soil cells?

Soil cells are basket like structures installed underground and are designed to support the growth of street trees in downtown urban areas. They hold topsoil which promotes healthy growth of the trees and allows tree roots to spread out without affecting the surface around the tree base, which is usually concrete.

Below are a few progress photos of the soils cells being installed. The finished product sits just underneath the finished sidewalk.

Pic 1 - First, the pit is excavated. Then gravel is placed and compacted in the pit. The bottoms of the soil cells are then placed on the gravel. The orange pipe being placed inside the soil cells here is the gas main. The soil cells are designed to allow utilities to pass through them.

Workers installing bases for tree soil cells

Pic 2 - Columns and top frames are added to the bases. The black fabric on the sides of the pit is used to keep the top soil and surrounding soil separate from each other.

Columns and top frames are added to the soil cell bases