Important updates on sod placement and handover
May 26, 2026
This update provides important information about recent sod placement, warranty periods, and sod acceptance (handover) across the project area. Please read the section below that applies to your street.
This work is part of the Council-approved Capital Budget to renew aging city roads, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, watermains, and sidewalk for current and future needs. The general contractor for this project is Sierra Infrastructure Inc. / Ltd.
Sod is being placed on:
- Ann Street (Frederick Street to Dead End)
- Fife Avenue
- Becker Street
Sod is now accepted on Ann Street (Frederick Street to Fife Avenue).
Sod placement information
Please take note of this notice's date (May 26, 2026), as there will be a follow-up notice delivered at the time of sod acceptance and handover at the end of the sod placement limited warranty end date.
Maps of work areas
Sod 60-day placement limited warranty end date: Friday July 24, 2026
The contractor is responsible for the following items within the first 60-days after placed, which include:
- Installation of topsoil and sod including rolling of the sod
- Watering of the sod immediately after placement, and during the 60-day warranty period.
- First cut of the sod within 14 days after placement
An inspection will be completed by the project team just before the end of the 60-day limited warranty period.
Work hours
Work will take place from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. Work on weekends may also be required from time to time, but is unlikely, and is pre-approved Saturday and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Restoration
The construction work area will be restored with sod, concrete and/or asphalt where required. Interlocking bricks, flagstone on a granular base, or other similar features that are removed from public and private property during construction will be replaced.
Contractor watering truck
The contractor is responsible to water the newly placed sod during the first 60 days after placement. The contractor will typically water by way of water truck. On-street parked vehicles on the roadway during watering does impede and limit the watering truck’s access and ability to water boulevards. We kindly ask to limit parking on the street after sod is placed.
Resident watering
We encourage residents and property owners to continue watering throughout the sod warranty period and after the sod is accepted (according to the Region of Waterloo water use by-law). Working together on watering will help the sod to establish and give it the best chances.
Lawn mowing and grass cutting
Aside from the Contractor’s first cut taking place within 14 days of sod placed, it is the responsibility of the resident or property/business owner to continue to always cut and maintain the grass. It must be a height of 75mm (or 3 inches) and not any shorter. We encourage you to raise your mower height to the highest possible, as this helps the new sod continue to grow. It also gives it the best chance to survive through hot weather over the course of the next 2 years. Cutting the lawn too short will void any sod warranty immediately.
Fertilizer, aeration and overseeding
A year after the installation of sod, in springtime the contractor is responsible to fertilize, aerate and overseed the newly sodded areas from the previous construction year.
Sod inspection and handover
The city will inspect the condition of the newly sodded area at the end of 60 days. The contractor will be required to replace any deteriorated sod noted at the time of inspection. After this inspection and the replacement of any deteriorated sod, the care and maintenance of the sod will be handed over to become the resident or property/business owner’s responsibility. To find out best practices for sod care and maintenance, please visit the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario.
Sod acceptance information
This letter is a follow up to the one dated October 2025 titled: “Sod Placement Notice".
If you are a resident or business/property owner within this work area, this notice confirms that the sod placed at or near your property is being handed over to you. You are responsible for care and maintenance of the sod from the date of this letter forward.
Sod handover date: May 26, 2026
The care and maintenance of the newly placed sod is now handed over to become the resident/business/property owner’s responsibility. Please visit the Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario to find out best practices for sod care and maintenance. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Project Manager listed at the end of this notice.
Resident watering
We encourage residents and business/property owners to continue watering the sod (adhering to the Region of Waterloo water use by-law). Watering will help the sod to establish and give it the best chances to thrive. It can take several years for sod to fully establish.
Lawn mowing and grass cutting
The resident or property/business owner is responsible for continuing to cut and maintain the grass. It must be a height of 75mm (or 3 inches) and not any shorter. We encourage you to raise your mower height to the highest possible, which helps the new sod continue to grow. This also gives it the best chance to survive through hot weather and droughts over the course of the following 2 years.
Fertilizer, aeration and overseeding
A year after the installation of sod, in springtime the contractor is responsible to fertilize, aerate and overseed the newly sodded areas from the previous construction year.
Tree planting
The City’s Forestry division will send out a separate notice for the tree planting plan. It is typical that tree planting is one of the last items completed on the project. Trees are typically planted after restoration of sod is placed. Please look for the notice from the Forestry division for more information.
