Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The first phase of the Laclie Street and the Tecumseth Street reconstruction projects in Orillia got underway this week.
Mayor Don McIsaac says council has approved doubling funding for the city’s annual roads and sidewalk programming and capital funding topped $15 million for 2023.
“Over the next 10 years, we anticipate investing more than $175 million in our roads infrastructure, with $29 million on the Laclie Street Reconstruction project.”
Phase 1 of the Laclie Street Reconstruction project and Tecumseth Street reconstruction project started Monday were combined during the tender process and awarded to Arnott Construction Ltd., the same contractor completing Phases 2 and 3 of the Centennial Drive Area Improvements project.
The project includes construction of local sanitary sewers, storm sewers and watermains, as well as construction of curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and asphalt paving on Laclie Street from Neywash Street to Borland Street East and Tecumseth Street from Laclie Street to Centennial Drive.
The City and Arnott Construction will be working with local businesses and residents impacted by the reconstruction to ensure they have safe access.
It is expected that the Laclie Street Reconstruction Phase 1 project and the Tecumseth Street Reconstruction project will be completed at the end of November 2023. The total budget for both projects together is $8.6 million.
The entire Laclie Street Reconstruction project will be phased over four years subject to annual budget approval and will include reconstruction of Laclie Street from Neywash Street to Murray Street; a common left-turn lane between St. Jean Street and Murray Street; and bike lanes between North Street East and Murray Street.
Additional projects, including the Centennial Drive Area Improvements Phases 1 and 2 continue this summer. Centennial Drive Area Improvements Phase 3 is anticipated to start in the coming weeks and will impact access to Temporary Lot 13 at 70 Front St. N.; however, the City has added Temporary Lot 15 at 20 Front St. S. with more than 100 parking spaces available. For more information related to impacts to park amenities, road closures, access points and more, visit orillia.ca/waterfront.