Lawrence Avenue: Karn Street to Victoria Street South

Sousa Concrete, the Contractor, is planning to start installing new concrete curb, sidewalk, and driveway ramps starting on Sept. 9, 2024. This will be ongoing until about Oct. 4, 2024.

The ongoing concrete work will limit driveway access and thus residents will be required to park on side streets in permitted areas with their issued parking passes. Please see below for more information.

What to expect during surface work construction

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.

Driveway access during surface work

The contractor estimates that driveway access will be lost for about 3-5 weeks while concrete curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk, concrete driveway ramps and asphalt road paving is planned to occur. The duration of lost driveway access is due to several factors including:

• time required for crews to complete their work
• time required for concrete to properly cure to reach its proper strength
• subcontractor’s schedule
• other unforeseen factors such as weather

Road and sidewalk access

To complete the work safely, there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the work zone. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. The contractor may construct wood planks/bridges over the newly poured concrete sidewalks at various points along the site to provide pedestrian access to properties.

Driveway access

The contractor will notify you of any temporary restrictions to your driveway access. Due to the nature of the work, driveway access may not be possible at all times.

During reconstruction, temporary parking permits will be issued to displaced residents to allow on-street parking when needed. The permits will list streets for parking options where you can park longer than 3 hours and overnight. The site inspector will hand out the permits. Typically, two permits are handed out per property. If you require additional permits, please reach out to the site inspector.

Permits are to be displayed on the dash of your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle is parked in permitted areas only and that you do not interfere with any construction operations.

We communicate with the Bylaw Enforcement team to ensure residents displaced by construction are noted, although illegal parking and/or safety related issues will continue to be enforced.

Accessible accommodation

The City's contractor must ensure safe and accessible walkways and entryways are maintained for everyone during construction. Any temporary access disruptions will be communicated as soon as possible. If you experience a disruption, have a specific access need or related accommodation request, contact the person listed below.

Residents who require accommodation (examples: for level entry, longer notice) must contact the Project Manager to arrange for access during construction.

On-site communication

Sometimes, contractors need to communicate with homeowners about what is happening on-site. This could be about driveway access, water shut-offs, pre-construction inspections, and site restoration work (examples: landscaping, installing pavers). The contractor's staff will be identifiable by their high-visibility company branded clothing. If you need to speak with staff on the construction site, please ask for the Site Inspector.

Garbage and recycling

Please have materials placed at curbside before 7 a.m. on your collection day. If required, the contractor will move bins to an appropriate location and return them in reasonable amount of time after collection. Please ensure that you label your bins with your address.

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. Further information notice regarding sod will follow once the sod is placed.

Parking

This project will affect on-street parking. Parking in the active work zone is not permitted as space is needed for construction equipment and materials. If your parked vehicle affects construction work, it will be relocated with no charge to the owner.

If you require parking enforcement, please contact 519-741-2345.

Moving in/out and deliveries

Efforts will be made to accommodate properties that have scheduled move-ins / move-outs and deliveries. Please contact the site inspector in advance to advise of any delivery access.

Site Inspector

If you have construction questions or an issue onsite, we ask that you be directed to the site inspector who represents the city onsite. The site inspector is onsite daily and can be identified by the white hardhat they wear with either the city logo or consultant company logo on it.

William Kinnaird

226-750-5122 (TTY:1-866-969-9994)

william.kinnaird@kitchener.ca

If the site inspector is unavailable, please contact the Project Manager listed at the end of this notice.

Need more information?

If you have questions about the upcoming work, please contact us.

City Project Manager

Rob Trussler

519-897-2816 (TTY:1-866-969-9994)

rob.trussler@kitchener.ca

Engineering General inquiries

519-741-2406

Thank you for your continued patience.

The City of Kitchener will reconstruct the road on Lawrence Avenue from Karn Street to Victoria St South. The Contractor who has been awarded the Contract is Sousa Concrete.

This work is part of the Council-approved 2024 Capital Works Program to renew aging city roads, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, watermains, and sidewalk for current and future needs. Please see a map of the work area below. Impacts on properties are expected, including planned water shut-offs, excavation pits and limited parking. For the duration of the construction, affected properties will receive water via a temporary water supply system.

If you would like to receive updates for this project, please subscribe and you will be added to the email list. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click 'Subscribe'.

Map of work area

What to expect during construction

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.

Construction noise

You may experience intermittent noise and vibration during construction (from vacuum trucks, excavators, dump trucks, power generators, air compressors, paving equipment, concrete equipment, etc.).

Pre-Condition Inspection of Structures

On heavy construction projects, it is the City of Kitchener’s standard practice to offer to inspect any buildings that might be affected by construction activities before construction starts. If during or after construction residents/tenants experience any concerns with their property, the information from the pre-construction inspection will prove very helpful in quickly and accurately resolving any claims, should they arise. We do recommend that you remove light, fragile or delicate objects from shelves when construction activity is taking place adjacent to your property.

The City-hired contractor may need access to your house/building to complete a pre-condition inspection survey. The contractor will deliver a pre-construction survey request to schedule a time to complete the survey.

The contractor will not show up asking for entry without prior notice. If you have questions or concerns regarding the identity of the contractor or contractor worker, please contact the person by the contact information at the bottom of this notice.

On-Site Communication

There are times when contractors need to communicate with homeowners about what is happening on-site. This could be about driveway access, water shut-offs, pre-construction inspections, and site restoration work (landscaping, installing pavers etc.). Contractor's staff will be identifiable by their high-visibility company branded clothing. If you need to speak with staff on the construction site, please ask for the Site Inspector.

Accessible Accommodation

The City's contractor must ensure safe and accessible walkways and entryways are maintained for everyone during construction. Any temporary access disruptions will be communicated as soon as possible. If you experience a disruption, have a specific access need or related accommodation request, contact the person listed below.

Residents who require accommodation (level entry, longer notice, etc.) must contact the Project Manager to arrange for access during the construction period.

Water service disruptions

The water to your property will need to be shut off to allow for connection and disconnection to the temporary water supply. The contractor will provide at least 48-hour advance notice for all planned shut-offs.

Throughout the work, it is recommended that you temporarily disconnect any water treatment systems (i.e., softeners or filters), water-cooled air conditioners or similar plumbing fixtures.

Automatic lawn sprinkler systems may also be affected; therefore, you may need to water manually. If you did not receive advance notice and your water was turned off, an emergency water shut-off may have been necessary to complete the work.

Telephone and Internet Services

This work may affect phone and internet cables for individual properties that aren't buried deep below the sidewalk. The contractor will coordinate with utility companies to minimize disruption. Residents who find their service has been disrupted should notify their phone or internet service provider immediately to start the repair process.

Important information for owners of sprinkler systems / heated driveways and private landscaping features

Property owners should remove items located within City property limits (boulevard) to avoid damage. This includes items such as landscaping (plants and pavers), decorative objects, sprinkler systems or heated driveways. If you have a sprinkler system or heated driveway, please contact the Project Manager listed below.

Road and Sidewalk Access

To complete the work in a safe manner, there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the work zone. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Driveway Access

The contractor will notify you of any temporary restrictions to your driveway access. There will be times where driveway access is not possible due to the nature of the work.

During reconstruction, temporary parking permits will be issued to displaced residents to allow on-street parking when needed. The permits will list streets for parking options as you will be permitted to park longer than 3 hours and overnight. Permits are to be displayed on the dash of your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle is parked in permitted areas only and that you do not interfere with any construction operations. We communicate with the Bylaw Enforcement team to ensure residents displaced by construction are noted, although illegal parking and/or safety related issues will continue to be enforced.

Parking

This project will affect on-street parking. Parking in the active work zone is not permitted as space is needed for construction equipment and materials. If your parked vehicle affects construction work, it will be relocated with no charge to the owner.

If you require parking enforcement, please contact 519-741-2345.

Traffic Management

Efforts have been made to manage traffic in the area for the safety of workers, road users and residents. Road users should expect delays and increased traffic on nearby main and side streets.

GRT Service

Travel times may be affected. Visit www.grt.ca for accurate schedule information.

Access to Trails

Access to trail heads in nearby locations will be permitted during construction. Signs will be posted to alert trail users of this disruption.

Moving in/out and Deliveries

Efforts will be made to accommodate properties that have scheduled move-ins / move-outs and deliveries. Please contact the site inspector in advance to advise of any delivery access.

Garbage and Recycling

Please have materials placed at curbside before 7 a.m. on your collection day. If required, the contractor will move bins to an appropriate location and return them in reasonable amount of time. Please ensure that you label your bins with your address.

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. Further information notice regarding sod will follow once the sod is placed.

Site Inspector

If you have construction questions or an issue onsite we ask that you be directed to the site inspector who is onsite daily and wearing a white hardhat with either the City logo or consultant logo on it. If the site inspector is unavailable, please contact the Project Manager listed below.

William Kinnaird, Site Inspector

226-750-5122

william.kinnaird@kitchener.ca

Need more information?

If you have questions about the upcoming work, please contact us.

City Project Manager

Rob Trussler

rob.trussler@kitchener.ca

519-897-2816 (TTY:1-866-969-9994)

Engineering General inquiries

519-741-2426

Thank you for your continued patience.

As part of the City of Kitchener’s ongoing efforts to provide consistent and reliable service, staff has scheduled road and sewer improvements in your neighborhood on the street(s) listed above.

These improvements are scheduled to begin around Early April 2024, with an estimated completion date around late August 2024. Once a schedule for construction has been confirmed you will be notified. You will also be notified closer to the date construction is scheduled to start on your section of the street, and how long access to your driveway will be affected.

About the improvements

The specific improvements scheduled for this street are:

Upgrade the existing storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water mains as required.

• Replace existing sanitary and water services from the new mains to the property line.
• Existing sidewalk will be replaced, and new sidewalk will be installed on the other side.
• New curb & gutter to be installed on both sides.
• Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
• Replace all driveway ramp entrances in concrete.

The City is proposing some elements of the “Complete Streets” approach including a narrower roadway and wider sidewalk where applicable. The roadway asphalt width will be 7.0m between Karn Street and Talbot Street, and 6.5m between Talbot Street and Victoria Street South. The existing sidewalk will be replaced with the new sidewalk of 1.5m wide and the new infill sidewalk on the other side will be 1.8m wide.

These improvements are being done to upgrade the existing, deteriorated underground services and above-ground surface features, in order to prevent future system failure. The project will be funded through utility user fees and will not result in a direct charge to the homeowner.

How you may be affected

To carry out these improvements, it will be necessary to close this street to through traffic. Prior to any road closure, signs will be posted on the approaching streets advising motorists of the date and the duration of the closure.

Pedestrian access will be always maintained to all properties and vehicular access to all properties within the construction area will be maintained for as long as possible. On-street parking permits, which will allow parking on adjacent side streets, will be hand-delivered to affected homes before vehicular access is cut off.

You can find more information on how you may be affected by a road reconstruction in the information package also located on the project page.

Answer the questionnaire

In order to help us address any specific issues or considerations, we ask that you please complete the Resident/Owner Questionnaire Form before Nov. 24, 2023.

During the next few weeks, you may observe surveyors undertaking a detailed field survey in your neighbourhood. The survey is being completed in preparation for the reconstruction of the street(s) listed above.

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 and walkways, etc.) on the plans for preliminary study and final design.

The surveyors should not interfere with your regular activities but will identify themselves if you have any questions.