Downtown Tree and Paver Replacement

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We are undertaking work along King Street to replace trees and improve the paved surface between the sidewalk and roadway. There are many benefits to this work, including:

  • Replaced aging electrical equipment and damaged or uneven pavers
  • Improved performance of the planters and tree wells
  • Easier management and better health of trees along King Street
  • Improved installation and maintenance of horticulture displays in planters

The first part of this project is already complete. It took place fall 2022 between Water Street and Ontario Street. The final part takes place spring 2023 between College Street to Young Street.

The City of Kitchener received a non-repayable contribution of $499,000 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund to complete this project.

We heard that residents and businesses had many questions and wanted more information about this project. We created this page so you can ask questions and learn more – and so we can hear about and address concerns earlier in the process.

Where and when is the work happening?

Maps showing the work zones for this project. Construction fencing will be from the back of the existing sidewalk to the back of the curb along: 1) the north side of King between Young and Ontario, and 2) in front of Bobby O’Briens. There will also be fencing from the face of the existing buildings to the back of the curb on the south side of King between College and Young.

This work will take place from March 17 to the end of June, as follows:

  • King Street, the south side opposite Carl Zehr Square, College to Young (Area 3)
  • King Street, north side Young to Ontario (Area 5)
  • King Street, south side at 125 King St. W. (Area 2)

The work in Area 3 involves concrete work and may be subject to some weather delays if we have a particularly cold end to winter.

How you might be affected

  • There will be no full street closures. We will sometimes need to close a lane for a short time to allow for the delivery of construction materials.
  • We will close lanes intermittently as needed for short periods of time. As described in the image above, traffic control personnel will be present to direct traffic flow during those times.
  • Parking may be affected during construction. Businesses along this part of King Street should tell delivery services about this work and the effect on parking and lane closures.
  • Public access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. But temporary adjustments to the pedestrian routes will occur as the work progresses.
  • Your garbage collection may be affected. In this case, take your garbage either across the street where work is not happening or to the nearest side street for collection.
  • Patio installations for 2023 in the areas above will be take place following completion of construction.
  • The current design of King Street will not change because of this work.

Please note that there may be other downtown sidewalk or road disruptions unrelated to this project as well.

Stay Informed

To get updates, add your email to the Stay Informed section and click ‘Subscribe’.

Government of Canada logo. Funded by: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario / Financé par: Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l'Ontario.



We are undertaking work along King Street to replace trees and improve the paved surface between the sidewalk and roadway. There are many benefits to this work, including:

  • Replaced aging electrical equipment and damaged or uneven pavers
  • Improved performance of the planters and tree wells
  • Easier management and better health of trees along King Street
  • Improved installation and maintenance of horticulture displays in planters

The first part of this project is already complete. It took place fall 2022 between Water Street and Ontario Street. The final part takes place spring 2023 between College Street to Young Street.

The City of Kitchener received a non-repayable contribution of $499,000 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund to complete this project.

We heard that residents and businesses had many questions and wanted more information about this project. We created this page so you can ask questions and learn more – and so we can hear about and address concerns earlier in the process.

Where and when is the work happening?

Maps showing the work zones for this project. Construction fencing will be from the back of the existing sidewalk to the back of the curb along: 1) the north side of King between Young and Ontario, and 2) in front of Bobby O’Briens. There will also be fencing from the face of the existing buildings to the back of the curb on the south side of King between College and Young.

This work will take place from March 17 to the end of June, as follows:

  • King Street, the south side opposite Carl Zehr Square, College to Young (Area 3)
  • King Street, north side Young to Ontario (Area 5)
  • King Street, south side at 125 King St. W. (Area 2)

The work in Area 3 involves concrete work and may be subject to some weather delays if we have a particularly cold end to winter.

How you might be affected

  • There will be no full street closures. We will sometimes need to close a lane for a short time to allow for the delivery of construction materials.
  • We will close lanes intermittently as needed for short periods of time. As described in the image above, traffic control personnel will be present to direct traffic flow during those times.
  • Parking may be affected during construction. Businesses along this part of King Street should tell delivery services about this work and the effect on parking and lane closures.
  • Public access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. But temporary adjustments to the pedestrian routes will occur as the work progresses.
  • Your garbage collection may be affected. In this case, take your garbage either across the street where work is not happening or to the nearest side street for collection.
  • Patio installations for 2023 in the areas above will be take place following completion of construction.
  • The current design of King Street will not change because of this work.

Please note that there may be other downtown sidewalk or road disruptions unrelated to this project as well.

Stay Informed

To get updates, add your email to the Stay Informed section and click ‘Subscribe’.

Government of Canada logo. Funded by: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario / Financé par: Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l'Ontario.


  • Construction complete, final inspection underway

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    We are pleased to announce the downtown tree and paver replacement construction is now complete. The project is now in a final inspection phase. The contractor will address any Phase 2 deficiencies over the next few weeks. Once the patios are removed for the season in October, they will address any Phase 1 deficiencies. We may need to temporarily fence off small areas while the contractor completes this work. The entire project is expected to be complete by November.

  • July lane closures and restrictions

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    Please be aware that during the next month there will be concrete pouring that will result in some restrictions and lane closures downtown, along King Steet. The work will be done by Helmutz Landscape and Interlock on behalf of the City of Kitchener as part of the Downtown Kitchener Trees and Paver project.

    View the construction areas map

    From June 30th, work will be complete in Area 5 with the opening of the drive isle between 122 and 102 King Street to allow access to the rear parking lot. The drive isle in front of Bobby O'Brian's will also be open for use.

    Due to weather delays, Area 3 across from City Hall will continue into the first two weeks of July that will result in the sidewalk from 227-191 King Street and 183-173 King Street being closed. Access to all businesses will be maintained.

    For the duration of this work there will be daily lane restrictions.

    Events taking place on King Street will continue to run as scheduled. Construction areas will be signed and secured.

    We thank you for your patience and understanding as we finish this project. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Carol Bacon through email at carolb@kitchener.ca.


  • Downtown Tree and Paver Update

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    Unfortunately, we have to extend the construction of phase 2. This is due to several challenges, including:

    • Unfavourable weather
    • Material and product availability
    • Other construction work

    We will continue to work with our contractors to speed up construction as much as possible. We expect construction to be complete by the end of June, so long as weather permits.

  • Maps and information now available

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    Thank you to everyone who joined us at our information session earlier this month. The maps showing the location of construction at each phase of the project are now available:

    If you have any questions, please contact Carol Bacon at carol.bacon@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2200 x4405 (TTY:1-866-969-9994).

  • Information session Mar. 7

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    March 7, 2023

    3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

    Rotunda, City Hall (200 King St. West)

    Join us for this information session about the downtown tree and paver removal project. Learn more about:

    • Construction and timing
    • How pedestrians, traffic and parking may be affected
    • Illustrations of the pedestrian access to businesses and residences


    No registration needed. Drop in any time.

Page last updated: 11 Aug 2023, 11:31 AM