Patricia Avenue: Henry Strum Greenway to Queen's Boulevard

The City of Kitchener will reconstruct the road on Patricia Avenue from Highland Road E to Queen’s Blvd in 2024 by completing this in two separate stages. The city’s hired contractor is Regional Sewer & Watermain Ltd will start Stage 3 work on/about April 2, 2024 with limits on Patricia Ave from Highland Road West to Queen’s Boulevard. Stage 4 will follow later in 2024.

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.

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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.).

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.

J F Carmichael Public School

For the safety of the public during construction, access to JF Carmichael Public School will be via either North Drive / Marlborough Avenue and/or Spadina Road West walkway. The contractor will be installing safety fencing along the frontage of the school on Patricia Avenue to help direct students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff to enter/exit the school via the alternate routes. For your safety, we ask that you please always avoid the active construction site on Patricia Ave.

Please see a map of the work area below and alternate routes.

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 the City logo on it. If the site inspector is unavailable, please contact the Project Manager listed below.

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.

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.

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

In order 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.

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.

Need more information?

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

City Project Manager

Jeff Riedl

jeff.riedl@kitchener.ca

519-497-5917 (TTY:1-866-969-9994)

Engineering General inquiries

519-741-2426

Thank you for your continued patience.

As a follow-up to the letter dated August 3, 2023, please be advised the City’s hired contractor has met their contractual obligations as it relates to the care and rectification of the newly sodded areas within the project limits noted above. With the contractor now excused from the watering and maintenance of the newly sodded areas, it is now the property owner’s responsibility to continue the watering, maintenance and care of these newly sodded areas, as required.

After construction, depression settlement may occur, meaning the soil over the area that was dug up had settled. Should depression occur, rectification of the depression will happen during the project two-year maintenance period.

Please note new sod can may take up to two years to fully root and establish itself. The weather, sun exposure, cutting the new sod too short and such can impact the establishment and health of young sod. We encourage property owners to continue periodic watering, care and maintenance of the sod going forward.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the city’s Project Manager by phone at 519-741-2200 ext. 7140 or email at brent.garcia@kitchener.ca

As part of the completion of the reconstruction of Patricia Avenue, the city’s contractor has replaced the topsoil and sod on or adjacent to your property. The contractor will now be required to provide ongoing maintenance, including watering of the sodded areas until Monday, October 02, 2023. After the 60 days, you will be notified by letter that the sod has been accepted, that it will no longer be subject to a warranty, and that ongoing care and maintenance will become the responsibility of the property owners.

In an effort to ensure the newly placed sod is given the best chance to root and survive the contractor will be subject to several requirements that will include:

• Daily watering for the first 7 days after the sod is placed.
• Ongoing watering during the first 60 days as needed, and
• First cut by the contractor within 14 days after placement

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 become the homeowner’s responsibility.

After construction, depression settlement may occur, meaning the soil over the area that was dug up had settled. Should depression occur, rectification of the depression will occur during the project two-year maintenance period.

Please note, new sod may take up to two years to fully root and establish. The weather, sun exposure, cutting too short, and other factors, can affect the establishment and health of young sod. We encourage property owners to continue periodic watering (adhering to the Region of Waterloo water use by-law) and care and maintenance after the end of the sod warranty.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the city’s Project Manager at phone number 519-741-2200 ext. 7140 or email at brent.garcia@kitchener.ca.

Stage 1 (from Henry Sturm Greenway to Highland Road E) begins this week

Please be advised that crews will begin working on stringline setup for upcoming installation of concrete curb and gutter by curb machine on Patricia Avenue. Crews will also be marking out the curb driveway drops for the new curb. Concrete curb and gutter is planned to be installed the week of June 26.

Driveway Access during Surface Work

The contractor estimates that driveway access will be lost for about 2-3 weeks while concrete curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk, concrete driveway ramps and asphalt road paving are 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
• and other unforeseen factors such as weather

Crews will work diligently to complete this work in a timely manner. Wood planks/bridges may be constructed at various points along the site, by the contractor, over the newly poured concrete sidewalks to provide pedestrian access to properties.

Temporary Parking Permits

During this time that driveway access is lost due to surface works, please park your vehicle in permitted areas identified on the temporary parking permit that was provided by the City of Kitchener. The permits must be displayed on your dashboard and you must abide by City on-street bylaw parking regulations. Park your vehicle outside of the construction work zones on the streets noted on the parking permit. If you require additional permits, please contact us by phone or email and we will make arrangements accordingly.

Accessibility Requirements

If you have not yet reached out to me, please let me know of any accessibility requirements, and we will work together with the contractor to arrange suitable accommodations. This could include (but not limited to) accessibility parking needs, moving out of your residence, special deliveries, private work, etc.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Contacts

City of Kitchener Project Manager

Brent Garcia – 519-741-2200 ext. 7140 or brent.garcia@kitchener.ca

City of Kitchener Construction Inspector

Jeff Gruber – 226-749-2957 or jeff.gruber@kitchener.ca

Thank you for your continued patience during the construction project.

Please be advised that crews will be starting to work at or near the intersection of Highland Road W and Patricia Avenue that will have impacts to vehicle and pedestrian access. Please abide by the construction advisory signage throughout the work. During this time, the contractor will maintain pedestrian access throughout the construction limits on one side of the street at all times.

Full Intersection Closure of Highland Road W at Patricia Avenue

• Planned to start on/about Tuesday June 6, 2023
• Duration approximately 2-3 week closure
• Detour signs will be in place for motorists to navigate this closure and other utility work on West Ave.
• Business access during the intersection closure will be maintained. Access will be either from Belmont Ave or Queens Blvd only. There will be no through traffic.

Please be advised that crews will be starting to work at or near the intersection of Highland Road W and Patricia Avenue that will have impacts to vehicle and pedestrian access. Please abide by the construction advisory signage throughout the work. During this time, the contractor will maintain pedestrian access throughout the construction limits on one side of the street at all times. Please continue to follow traffic and pedestrian signs posted onsite.

Full Intersection Closure of Highland Road W at Patricia Avenue

• Planned to start on/about Tuesday June 6, 2023
• Duration approximately 2-week closure
• The City will be setting up Traffic Detour signs for motorists to get around this closure.

Patricia Avenue Lane Closure (Southeast side of Highland Rd W)

• Planned to start on/about Monday May 29, 2023
• Duration for one week in advance of the full intersection closure and will continue during and after the road closure.
• This setup will prevent vehicles from turning onto Patricia Ave from Highland Rd W

Work Continues on Stage One: Patricia Ave (from Henry Sturm to highland Rd W)

• Please note that work will continue on Stage One of Patricia Avenue, as the contractor continues to progress and finish this stage work.
• During this time the trail detour that runs along Henry Sturm will remain in place.

Other Contract Work in the Area

• In addition to work for this contract of Patricia Avenue, please be advised that there is other contract in the area that may also provide delays or impacts to access. This other contract work is outside of this contract work.

Should situations arise during or after this construction project, the following contact information and telephone numbers are provided for your convenience.

City of Kitchener Project Manager

Brent Garcia – 519-741-2200 ext. 7140

City of Kitchener Site Inspector

Jeff Gruber – Phone: 519-741-2200 ext. 7192

Contractor – Regional Sewer and Watermain Ltd

Luiz Rodrigues – 519-650-5151

Corporate Contact Centre (24 hour)

519-741-2345

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this project.

As part of the Patricia Avenue reconstruction project please find the detour map of the Henry Strum Trail.

Here is a description of how we will protect and manage city trees during reconstruction work of Patricia Avenue between Henry Sturm Greenway and Queens Boulevard.

Existing city trees were assessed during the design phase of this project to identify trees to be preserved and trees to be removed because of their health, risk, or potential long-term contribution to the urban forest. Tree planting opportunities are also identified.

These projects provide an opportunity to make decisions based on a long-term view with the goal of developing a sustainable urban forest.

Measures used to protect trees during construction include protective fencing, special construction practices (e.g. tunneling under trees) and minimizing the area of disturbance around trees.

A map and list of trees to be removed and new tree plantings are provided with this letter. The contractor will remove the trees marked for removal shortly after project commencement. Routine and special tree maintenance work may also be performed. This work includes removal of branches that are lower than 14’ (4.3 m) over the road, and 8’ (2.4 m) over the sidewalk. Low branches on private trees that overhang the sidewalk and roadway may also be pruned.

With each new tree that is planted, the City will also provide a watering bag that will be regularly filled by City staff during the growing season (May to October) for the first two years. Regular watering of newly planted trees is the most important step in establishing healthy trees. Adjacent residents are encouraged to give supplemental water during drought periods, and to water the mulch pile and a bit outside the mulch in early years to promote root growth into the boulevard.

If you have any concerns regarding this plan, please contact Joseph Lance, forestry field technician, at 226-753-2137.

For all other construction related inquiries regarding this project, please contact Brent Garcia.

The City of Kitchener has awarded Regional Sewer and Watermain Ltd the contract for reconstruction work of Patricia Avenue from Henry Sturm Greenway to Queen’s Boulevard. Construction is scheduled to start on/or about early April (weather pending) with the first three (3) stages having an anticipated completion on/or about end of winter 2023, with stage four (4) proposed works carried over into 2024. a

A Construction Inspector will be on site daily while the contractor is working. Should you have any questions or concerns while the work is in progress the Construction Inspector can be identified by the white hardhat and can be approached at any time. Should you experience an after-hours emergency, please contact the 24-hour Contact Centre at 519-741-2345.

The Contractor will start the project with the setup of their temporary watermain and by completing the pre-condition survey.

Pre-Condition Survey 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 survey will prove very helpful in quickly and accurately resolving any claims, should they arise.

The pre-condition survey will be conducted by OZA Inspections Ltd. and if they haven’t already, they will be contacting you to arrange for this survey. This survey includes an inspection of the interior and exterior of each property to document the existing condition prior to construction. In large high rise apartment buildings the ground floor area will be inspected, but the individual apartment units above will not be inspected.

We appreciate that some tenants/residents may not want a pre-condition survey of their home and we would like to stress that you are under no obligation to do so. Should this be the case, please advise the representative when they call. Please be advised if the survey is declined and you request it at a later date, the re-mobilization cost will be the responsibility of the homeowner.

You will likely feel some vibrations during the routine operation of construction equipment; however, studies have shown that these vibrations are much less severe than the vibration level likely to cause structural damage. We do recommend that you remove light, fragile or delicate objects from shelves when construction activity is taking place adjacent to your property.

Should you experience any problems during construction, please contact the me (the Construction Project Manager) immediately and I’ll address or direct your concern to the contractor if needed. If immediate action is needed, such as an issue with your services and City Staff or Representatives are not immediately available, you are welcome to contact the contractor directly.

On Street Parking

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. If you require parking enforcement, please contact 519-741-2345. If you have any inquiries, please speak to the site inspector for further direction.