Southdale Avenue: Kehl Street to Hoffman Street

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The construction is now complete and the project has entered the maintenance phase. This means we will inspect all aspects of the work done to ensure that it meets our standards. We will also address any deficiencies. Once this phase is complete, we will add a final layer of surface asphalt. This is usually about two years from the start of maintenance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 519-741-2345 or engineering@kitchener.ca


Map of project limits

As part of the City of Kitchener’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional service, staff has scheduled road and sewer improvements in your neighbourhood. The reconstruction is being done to replace the older, deteriorated underground services.

The following is a brief list of specific improvements being considered:

  • 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.
  • Curb and gutter, and sidewalks will be installed.
  • Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
  • In accordance with council policy staff will explore new sidewalk on Southdale Drive from 12 Southdale Avenue to Kehl Street.

Please read the Information Package for more details about how this construction may affect you.

All residents are also invited to review the Project Information Boards for more information.

Progress and major milestones will be posted on this project page. Subscribe to get email notification of project updates by using the Stay Informed 'Subscribe' button.

Road reconstructions help Kitchener adapt to climate change

Replacing outdated stormwater pipes and adding green infrastructure during road construction makes Kitchener more resilient to future flooding caused by climate change. This road reconstruction project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. For more information about the City of Kitchener's partnership with the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, visit kitchener.ca/Stormwater.

Soak up rain and reduce runoff

Kitchener has partnered with Reep Green Solutions to help you make changes to beautify your yard and reduce runoff. To learn more and see if you qualify for a free, on-site consultation with a landscape designer, visit Reep's Rain Smart Neighbourhoods.

As part of the City of Kitchener’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional service, staff has scheduled road and sewer improvements in your neighbourhood. The reconstruction is being done to replace the older, deteriorated underground services.

The following is a brief list of specific improvements being considered:

  • 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.
  • Curb and gutter, and sidewalks will be installed.
  • Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
  • In accordance with council policy staff will explore new sidewalk on Southdale Drive from 12 Southdale Avenue to Kehl Street.

Please read the Information Package for more details about how this construction may affect you.

All residents are also invited to review the Project Information Boards for more information.

Progress and major milestones will be posted on this project page. Subscribe to get email notification of project updates by using the Stay Informed 'Subscribe' button.

Road reconstructions help Kitchener adapt to climate change

Replacing outdated stormwater pipes and adding green infrastructure during road construction makes Kitchener more resilient to future flooding caused by climate change. This road reconstruction project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. For more information about the City of Kitchener's partnership with the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, visit kitchener.ca/Stormwater.

Soak up rain and reduce runoff

Kitchener has partnered with Reep Green Solutions to help you make changes to beautify your yard and reduce runoff. To learn more and see if you qualify for a free, on-site consultation with a landscape designer, visit Reep's Rain Smart Neighbourhoods.

The construction is now complete and the project has entered the maintenance phase. This means we will inspect all aspects of the work done to ensure that it meets our standards. We will also address any deficiencies. Once this phase is complete, we will add a final layer of surface asphalt. This is usually about two years from the start of maintenance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 519-741-2345 or engineering@kitchener.ca


  • City Acceptance of Sod on July 10, 2023

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    As a follow-up to the letter dated May 9, 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 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.

  • Sod Placement on May 10, 2023

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    As part of the completion of the reconstruction of Southdale 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, July 10, 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
    • Fertilizing with a granulated fertilizer and aeration

    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 and such 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.

  • Update on Project Status (December 2022)

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    As we approach the end of 2022, please be advised the City’s hired road constructor, J-AAR Excavating Limited, will be carrying over the following work to be completed in the spring of 2023:

    • Landscaping works including topsoil and sodding. When sod becomes available in the spring of 2023, we anticipate our road constructor will start when the weather permits. For newly placed sod there is a 60-day warranty period through the City’s project. Where new sod is placed, a letter will follow issued by the City outlining the 60-day warranty period of sod and the contractor’s obligations.

    In the spring of 2023, the city will perform a check of all the work items completed to date and note any items that are unsatisfactory, which the contractor will have to address accordingly. In the meantime, if you note any items that you would like to bring forward or inquire about, you are welcome to contact me directly.

    We understand that living through road reconstruction isn’t easy, and we appreciate all your ongoing patience throughout the duration of the project. From all of us involved on the project team side, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a happy new year!

  • Surface Works and Driveway Access Notice

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    Please be advised that on or about week of October 3rd, crews will begin working on string line setup for upcoming installation of concrete curb and gutter by curb machine to follow on Southdale Avenue. Crews will also be marking out the curb driveway drops for the new curb.

    Driveway Access during Surface Work:

    The contractor estimates that driveway access will be lost for about 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.


    Please do not park your vehicles at Queen Elizabeth Public School during this time. 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 us yet, 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, etc.

    Feel free to contact me or Eric Costa, the site inspector, if you have any questions or concerns.


    City of Kitchener Project Manager

    Brent Garcia – 519-741-2200 ext. 7140

    City of Kitchener Construction Inspector

    Eric Costa 519-588-5106

  • Precondition Survey and On-Street parking

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    The City of Kitchener has awarded J-AAR Excavating Limited the contract for reconstruction work on Southdale Avenue (Kehl Street to Hoffman Street). Construction is scheduled to start on/or about mid-June 2022 with an anticipated completion on/or about late-fall 2022.

    As the City Project Manager, I am a key point of contact; my contact information has been provided in the contact list on the next page. 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 or contacted using the number provided in the contact list on the next page. 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 dBA Services Inc. and if they haven’t already, they will be contacting you within the next few days 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.

    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 me 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.

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

    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

  • Contractor Intro and Project Update

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    The City of Kitchener has awarded J-AAR Excavating Ltd. with the contract for reconstruction work including road and sewer improvements on Southdale Avenue. These improvements are scheduled to begin, on or about, mid-June 2022, with an estimated completion date on or about December 2022. You will be notified closer to the date construction is scheduled to start on your section of the street.

    The specific improvements scheduled for this street are:

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

    • Replace existing sanitary and water services from the new mains to the property line.
    • Curb and gutter, and wider sidewalks will be installed.
    • Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
    • Replace all driveway ramp entrances in concrete.
    • Install and/or replace retaining walls.
    • Construct a multi-use trail.

    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.

    Presentation materials were shared with the public last year outlining the details of the proposed improvements to these streets. Updated details have been posted for viewing for all members of the public including owners and residents that will be directly affected by the proposed improvements. For more information regarding this project please visit engagewr.ca/roadreconstruction. If you would like to receive updates for this project as they become available, please subscribe and you will be added to the email list for updates on this project.

  • Letter to Residents

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    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. The reconstruction is being done to replace the older, deteriorated underground services.

    The following is a brief list of specific improvements being considered:

    • 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.
    • Curb and gutter, and sidewalks will be installed.
    • Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
    • In accordance with council policy staff will explore new sidewalk on Southdale Drive from 12 Southdale Avenue to Kehl Street.