The City of Waterloo has approved the reconstruction of Shakespeare Drive (Browning Place to cul-de-sac on Shakespeare Place), with construction scheduled to start in the Spring of 2026. The City has selected GEI Consultants to provide design and contract administration services for the reconstruction project. The map below shows the approximate limits of reconstruction.

As part of the reconstruction, all underground municipal infrastructure will be replaced, including sanitary sewer, storm sewer, watermain and sanitary and water services up to the common property line. Surface work 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.

GEI Consultants have been in the area during May 2025 to complete a topographic survey for the project. The survey includes the frontage of your property as well as the street. The purpose of this survey was to obtain surface elevation data and locate existing features (trees, gardens, steps, walkways, retaining walls, etc.) for preliminary study and engineering design.

Additionally, a separate consultant will complete a soils investigation in accordance with provincial regulations. This work will take one to two days and will generally only block small sections of roadway and boulevard. The work shouldn’t impact mobility. However, the equipment used can make short, high-pitched bursts of noise which residents should be prepared for.

The City will provide various notices and updates prior to and during construction. Prior to construction residents will be invited to two in-person Public meetings. The first will provide information on the proposed design. The second will provide more information on what to expect during construction and provide an opportunity to meet the contractor. As the project progresses the City will reference this project webpage on Engage Waterloo where relevant project information will be posted.

Where possible the City will make efforts to minimize the amount of disruption to your day-to-day activities; however, major reconstruction projects often result in some disruptions. 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 possible 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.