Hillcrest Avenue reconstruction

Note: Construction updates are being provided as a courtesy to keep residents appraised of upcoming work. Due to the nature of construction, schedules can quickly change and residents should be prepared for unexpected changes.

The current construction plan for the following two weeks:

• Monday, May 6 – If needed, finish replacing water and sanitary service laterals from the mains to property line for all houses.
• Starting Tuesday, May 7 - Close intersection of Hillcrest and William St W to allow for installation of new watermain, sanitary and storm sewer in intersection. All access in and out of the street will be via Alexandra during this time.
• Once all watermain is installed, the contractor will start the watermain commissioning process. This process involves filling the new watermain with water, swabbing, disinfecting, and testing water in the new main.
  1. Note: The process of commissioning the new watermain ensures the safety of the water provided to residents. The process takes time as several steps need to be completed in sequential order, and some need to be completed 24 hours apart. Additionally, the water quality testing requirements are extremely stringent. The process takes roughly a week to complete, but it’s not uncommon to take several weeks if portions of the process need to be repeated. If this occurs, the contractor may run out of work that can be done while waiting for the watermain to be commissioned. At this point it may seem like work on the project has shutdown. This is frequently a source of frustration for residents, but please note that the work of commissioning the watermain is of critical importance and is still happening even though you may not see anyone on site.
• While the new watermain is being commissioned, the remaining storm sewer on Hillcrest will be installed. This will involve starting at Alexandra and working south down Hillcrest.
• Towards the end of the two week period, if the watermain is successfully commissioned, the new watermain will be connected to the existing system. Following this, residents will receive notices regarding water shutdowns for the purposes of transferring water from the temporary watermain to the new watermain.
• Schedule permitting, the contractor may start excavating the roadway and placing a new granular base for the roadway.

The contractor has found Rogers cable wires running shallow through the boulevard on the west side of the street. Theses wires were not located, are unexpectedly shallow and in certain areas hugging infrastructure that is being removed. Some wires have already been accidentally cut by the Contractor and repaired by Rogers. If you have Rogers internet/cable and it stops working, please refer to the instructions in the “Public Information Package from public meeting 2” regarding loss of internet.

Residents frequently complain to the City regarding the wires strung through the trees after construction is finished. Please note that these wires are owned by Rogers and only they are permitted to re-bury them. For more information on this please refer to the following link: https://www.rogers.com/support/internet/cable-burial-process

Note: Construction updates are being provided as a courtesy to keep residents appraised of upcoming work. Due to the nature of construction, schedules can quickly change and residents should be prepared for unexpected changes.

The current plan for construction over the next week is:

• Monday April 22 – Install storm manholes and sewer at intersection of Hillcrest and Alexandra Ave.
• Following storm installation – resume replacement of sanitary sewer starting midblock and ending just shy of William St.
• Time permitting – Grout fill and abandon existing watermain and begin installation of new watermain, starting at Alexandra and moving towards William St.

Note: Construction updates are being provided as a courtesy to keep residents appraised of upcoming work. Due to the nature of construction, schedules can quickly change and residents should be prepared for unexpected changes.

The current plan for construction over the next week is as follows:

• Thursday April 11 – Rain day, no work planned.
• Friday April 12 – Finish hooking houses up to temporary watermain and remove road asphalt/curbs.
• Monday April 15 – Begin replacement of sanitary sewer, starting near Alexandra and working towards William.

Once the replacement of underground infrastructure begins, the amount of construction work on the road will increase dramatically. Residents will need to start moving their vehicles out of their driveway’s by 7 a.m. to avoid the risk of being blocked due to construction during the day.

Residents who were not able to attend the second Public Information meeting on April 2, 2024 can review the final design in the project library. An information package is also available for residents to download.

Please be advised that the City of Waterloo will be holding an upcoming Public Information Centre (PIC) for local residents to provide information regarding the planned reconstruction of Hillcrest Avenue in 2024.

Public Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Place: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School – Gymnasium (enter school from main doors off Roslin Ave.)

55 Roslin Avenue South, Waterloo

This second PIC will be attended by the City’s engineering consultant, GM Blueplan, and the contractor hired for this project, Sousa Concrete. Representatives from all three will be available at the PIC to answer questions about the upcoming construction.

The purpose of the PIC is to allow residents to view the final designs and ask questions about the construction process. If you have not already done so, please contact the City’s project manager regarding any mobility or medical challenges you may have to ensure that accommodations can be made. Without this information, decisions may be made during construction that favour expediency over access, based on the assumption that special accommodations are not needed.

Construction is anticipated to start on or about April 4, 2024. Updates during construction may be posted on Engage Waterloo at various intervals or prior to key events. Please ensure you are signed up to receive updates from Engage Waterloo when posted.

Before construction starts, you'll be contacted by a company retained by Sousa Concrete to conduct a pre-construction condition assessment of your property. This survey will include visual inspection and photography of various interior and exterior features of your home to determine pre-construction conditions in the unlikely event that damage is caused during construction. Please contact the inspection company as soon as possible to schedule an inspection as timing is short.

Tthe typical work hours during construction will be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During the initial days of construction, residents may have roadway access when the contractor is not working directly in front of your driveway. Once the initial setup work is complete the contractor will remove the roadway asphalt and curbs and begin replacing underground infrastructure. During working hours and occasionally overnight, the roadway will be closed and residents will need to park their vehicles on nearby streets. Overnight access restrictions are more prevalent near the end of construction when new curb, sidewalk and driveway aprons are installed due to the drying time needed for concrete. Residents will be provided with two parking passes per household. The parking pass allows for parking on nearby streets for longer than three hours or overnight. All other parking rules still apply. For more information on parking rules please refer to the City’s Traffic and Parking bylaw on the City’s website:

https://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/traffic-and-parking-bylaw.aspx

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this project and cannot attend the PIC, please contact the City’s Project Manager.

Thanks you to everyone who attended the Public Information Centre on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. For those who were unable to attend, the presentation boards and information booklet have been uploaded for residents to read and review.

Please be advised that the City of Waterloo and its engineering consultant for this project, GM Blueplan Engineering, will be holding a Public Information Centre (PIC) meeting to provide information to local residents about the planned reconstruction of Hillcrest Avenue in 2024. Details regarding the date and location of the PIC are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Place: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School – Gymnasium (enter school from main doors off Roslin Ave.)

55 Roslin Avenue South, Waterloo

The PIC provides interested residents with an informal forum to review the preliminary design plans, ask questions of City and engineering consultant staff, and learn more about the overall project scope and schedule. Subject to receipt of all technical and financial approvals, construction of this project is tentatively scheduled to occur from mid-April 2024 to Fall 2024.

The City encourages all interested residents to attend the PIC to learn about the scope and timing of the improvements, how access will be provided during construction, how mail delivery and waste collection service will be maintained, and how they will receive further information about the project prior to construction.

Residents should be aware that vehicular access to both the roadway and private properties is often restricted during construction activities. Construction will be completed under “road closed – local access only” conditions and primarily between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Residents with special needs including mobility issues, those who require frequent deliveries or frequent access to their property, or similar requirements are encouraged to attend to begin discussions regarding accommodation. If attendance is not possible, please contact the City’s Project Manager (contact information below) at your earliest opportunity. The Contractor and site inspectors will attempt to accommodate residents to the best of their ability while not compromising the safety of the construction zone. However, certain circumstances may require additional discussion and planning; advanced notification allows for alternative arrangements to be made.

Topics of interest to residents and frequently discussed at PICs include:

• identifying trees that may be removed;
• alternative parking locations when access to the road and/or private driveways is restricted;
• City standards for replacing sanitary and water service;
• measures to be implemented to mitigate impacts to landscaped features on private property;
• waste collection procedures during construction;
• City standards for replacement of driveway accesses within the municipal right-of-way and measures to be implemented to mitigate impacts to private driveways;
• potential requirements for access to private property in order to replace water and sanitary service laterals and associated disturbances; and;
• City policy regarding restoration of boulevard areas that contain landscaping completed by residents.
  
  *Note: The boulevard is defined as the space between the edge of a roadway and the property line. Along Hillcrest Avenue, the property line is located approximately 2.70 metres behind the back edge of the existing sidewalk.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this project and cannot attend the PIC, please contact the City’s Project Manager.

In the initial notice regarding the reconstruction of Hillcrest Avenue, it was noted that additional information would be provided regarding policies for landscaping and hardscaping features that are placed within the public right-of-way.

The City recognizes and appreciates the landscaping work of property owners to maintain their property. Unfortunately, where landscaping extends onto municipal land, the City must exercise its right of access to complete essential construction activity. This includes the excavation of vegetation, topsoil, subsoils, hardscape features (i.e. decorative fencing, posts, lights, edging, etc.), retaining walls or other material on municipally-owned land that is necessary to reconstruct public infrastructure.

In general, private alterations to the City’s boulevard are prohibited, with the exception of certain landscaping that complies with section 5.5 of By-law 2014-054, a By-Law to Regulate Work on Highways and Boulevards.

As reference, the city-owned boulevard on Hillcrest Avenue typically extends to approximately 2.70 metres (~8 feet, 10 inches) beyond the edge of sidewalk towards private residences. Please contact us if you require assistance in locating the property line in front of your residence.

During a road reconstruction project, the city will address private landscaping on city property in the following manner:

• Advanced notice prior to construction will be provided via mail and on Engage Waterloo, so that residents have an opportunity to remove and/or salvage any landscaping features you wish to reinstate after construction (i.e. where the landscaping complies with the requirements of Section 5.5, such as herbaceous plants less than 45 cm in height or inorganic ground cover less than 19 mm in diameter, etc.).
• Advance notice of the start of construction will be provided via mail to affected residents in the late winter/early spring of 2024. This will contain the anticipated start date of construction and provide a final opportunity for you to remove and/or salvage any landscaping you wish to reinstate after construction. Construction is currently anticipated to commence mid-April 2024.
• Any landscaping not removed prior to the start of construction may be damaged and/or removed, if necessary, by the city contractor. As part of the reconstruction the city will reinstate boulevards with topsoil and sod but will not replace, or reimburse costs for, any private landscaping removed prior to or damaged during construction. Any owner who subsequently places landscaping in the city-owned boulevard does so entirely at his or her own risk.
• If the existing landscaping consists of hardscape features, such as concrete, masonry, or wooden edging around planting beds, low-height retaining walls, decorative light stands, fences, etc., please contact the project manager (undersigned below) as soon as possible to discuss in further detail. As stated above, the City will not replace, or reimburse costs for, any private landscaping/hardscaping in a city-owned boulevard that is left in place and damaged during construction. However, dependent on the specific items/locations and anticipated construction impacts, the city may be able to assist in removing or relocating (to private property) these features as part of the road reconstruction work.

The policies above apply to landscaping/hardscaping and do not apply to paths of travel needed for access to the property. Driveways, walkways and other hard surfaced paths of travel from private to public property will be re-instated as close as practicable to existing conditions after construction.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to renew the public infrastructure on Hillcrest Avenue.

The City of Waterloo is pleased to introduce GM BluePlan Engineering Limited as the engineering consultant selected to complete design and contract administration services for the reconstruction of Hillcrest Avenue.

GM BluePlan’s topographic survey crew will be in the area on various days during the period of June 19 to July 7, 2023. In order to gather the required details, the survey will include the frontage of your property as well as the street. The purpose of this survey is to locate all existing features (trees, gardens, steps, walkways, etc.) on the plans for preliminary study and engineering design. The surveyors should not interfere with your regular activities but will identify themselves if you have any questions.

Please be advised that the City of Waterloo has scheduled the reconstruction of Hillcrest Avenue, from Alexandra Avenue to William Street West. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2024, subject to Council’s approval. The map shows the approximate area of reconstruction:

As part of the reconstruction, all underground municipal infrastructure will be replaced, including sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain. Sanitary and water service laterals will be replaced up to the common property line. Surface works will include new concrete curb and gutter, new sidewalks, and a new pavement structure. Areas disturbed by construction, such as walkways, driveways and grassed areas will be restored to City standards. Please note that the City standard for boulevards within the public right-of-way is topsoil and sod. Private landscaping by residents within the public portion of the boulevard will not be replaced by the City.

The City is in the process of procuring an engineering consultant to provide design and construction administration services for the duration of the project. Residents may also notice various tasks being completed in advance of construction such as topographic surveying and geotechnical drilling and soil sampling.

Please note the following important information at this stage:

Notify the City’s Project Manager if you have any mobility challenges. During construction, driveway access is generally unavailable during working hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Sidewalks will be maintained to the extent feasible when driveway access is not available. However, there will be times when even sidewalk access is impacted. Knowing any existing challenges in advance will help plan for specific needs.

Hold off replacing driveways or walkways. Construction will result in the ends of driveways and walkways being removed and patched at the end of construction. Waiting to replace driveways and walkways until after construction will avoid the need to cut into new pavement.

Image showing asphalt driveway that has been patched next to the sidewalk following construction.

Concrete driveway that has been patched next to sidewalk following construction

Begin moving landscaping plants out of the public right-of-way if you wish to keep them. City property extends to approximately 2.70 metres (9 feet) beyond the back of sidewalk. This space will be disturbed during construction. Any landscaping or hardscaping in this space will not be replaced by the City following construction. More information on this subject will be provided in subsequent notices.

Over the coming months several on-site activities will be completed in support of engineering design, such as topographic surveying, geotechnical drilling and hydro-excavation. The topographic survey team will need access to your property but should not interfere with your regular activities. The surveyors will identify themselves if you have any questions. The drilling crew that will perform the geotechnical investigation to assess soil and groundwater conditions will not need access to private property and will work entirely within the public right-of-way. The drill rig should only be on-site for 1-2 days and may generate short bursts of high pitched noise.