McKenzie Avenue: Ottawa Street North to Sheldon Avenue North

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 the Engineering division at 519-741-2345 or engineering@kitchener.ca 

• Stage 1 and 2 Sod Placement

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  As part of the completion of the reconstruction of McKenzie Ave., 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 June 6, 2024, (notwithstanding a suspension of this requirement during a winter dormant period of Nov. 15 to Apr. 15 inclusive). After which time, it is the property owner’s responsibility to continue the watering and maintenance as required.

  The city will inspect the condition of the newly sodded area just prior to the date noted above, and the contractor will be required to replace any identified deteriorated sod. After this inspection and the replacement of any deteriorated sod, the care and maintenance of the sod will become the homeowner’s responsibility.

  Occasionally, after construction, depression trench settlement may occur, meaning the soil over the area that was dug up had settled. This may occur in the sodded areas or elsewhere on this project and is covered under the two-year warranty period. Please note, new sod can may take up to two years to fully root and establish itself. The weather, sun exposure can impact how well young sod takes root. We encourage property owners to continue periodic watering (adhering to the Region of Waterloo water-use bylaw, found at regionofwaterloo.ca/conservation), 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 by phone at 519-741-2200 ext. 7414 or by email at eric.costa@kitchener.ca.

• Surface Works and Driveway Access

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  Please be advised that on or about September 28, 2023, crews will begin working on string line setup for upcoming installation of concrete curb and gutter to follow on Mckenzie Ave between Ottawa St and Sheldon Ave. The installation of concrete curbing is scheduled on or about October 4,2023.

  Driveway Access during Concrete 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
  • 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.

  On Street Parking

  During reconstruction, temporary parking permits have been issued to displaced residents to allow on-street parking when needed. The permits 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 or require additional permits, please speak to the site inspector for further direction or contact me, the construction project manager, directly.

  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 in or out of your residence, special deliveries, etc.

  Curbside Waste Collection

  For curbside waste collection, please write your address on all your containers and have out to curbside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. The contractor is responsible to ensure pickup of your waste items and return your containers within a reasonable amount of time after collection occurs.

  We’re happy to meet with you or discuss by phone, any concerns, questions or feedback that you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me, the City’s Project Manager by phone at 519-741-2200 ext. 7414 or by email at eric.costa@kitchener.ca.

  Project Team Contact Information

  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. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click 'Subscribe'.

  City of Kitchener Project Manager

  Eric Costa – 519-588-5106

  Consultant Project Manager – MTE

  Lyndsay Dokas – 519-465-4313

  Consultant Construction Inspector – MTE

  Jason Martin – 519-221-2453

  Contractor – J Weber

  Murray Childerhose – 519-648-3302

  Corporate Contact Centre (24 hour)

  519-741-2345

  We appreciate your patience and understanding during this project.

  
  

• Introduction Letter

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  The City of Kitchener has awarded J. Weber Contracting Limited the contract for reconstruction work on McKenzie Avenue. Construction is scheduled to start on/or about June 19, 2023 with an anticipated completion on/or about November 2023.

  The City of Kitchener has retained an Engineering Consultant to act as Project Manager for this project and they should be your first point of contact should you have any questions, concerns or require special access to your residence during construction. Their contact information can be found in the contact list provided at the end of this letter. However, as the City Project Manager I remain a key point of contact; my contact information has been provided in the contact list. 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. 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 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.

  The pre-condition inspection will be conducted by OZA Inspections Limited and if they haven’t already, they will be contacting you within the next few days to arrange for this survey. This assessment 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 inspection 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 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

  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. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on the project page, then click 'Subscribe'.

  Contacts

  City of Kitchener Project Manager

  Eric Costa – 519-741-2200 ext. 7414

  Consultant Project Manager – MTE Consultants Inc.

  Lyndsay Dokas – 519-743-6500 ext. 1339

  Consultant Construction Inspector – MTE Consultants Inc.

  Jason Martin – 519-221-2453

  Contractor – J. Weber Contracting Ltd.

  Murray Childerhose – 519-658-3750

  Corporate Contact Centre (24 hour)

  519-741-2345

  
  

  We appreciate your patience and understanding during this project.

• Updated project information

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  We have updated information about this project. Please review Information Package #2 and the Project Information Boards #2 for details about this construction and how you may be affected. Construction is expected to begin in June 2023.

  
  

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• Project Details

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

  These improvements are scheduled to begin, on or about, May 1, 2023, with an estimated completion date on or about August 31, 2023; subject to Council budget approval in early 2023. 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 also how long access to your driveway will be affected.

  The specific improvements scheduled for this street are:

  Upgrade the existing storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water mains, including additional hydrants.

  • 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.
  • Replace all driveway ramp entrances in concrete.
  • Install and/or replace retaining walls.

  The City is proposing some elements of the “Complete Streets” approach including a narrower roadway and wider sidewalks on both sides of the street. The roadway asphalt width will be reduced from 9.0m to 7.0m from Ottawa Street to Sheldon Avenue, except for on either side of the intersection with Randerson Avenue where the width will be 6.0m. No changes to on-street parking are currently expected. The width of the sidewalk on both sides of the street will be increased from the existing width of 1.5m to 1.8m.

  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.

  In order 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 maintained to all properties at all times 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.

  Presentation materials outlining project details have been posted for viewing of all members of the public including owners and residents that will be directly affected by the proposed improvements. .

  Before construction starts, an inspection of the existing homes and businesses will be undertaken to determine the condition of the buildings in the construction area. The selected consulting firm will contact you directly to arrange for a voluntary inspection of the exterior and interior of your building. This inspection is done to protect the property owner.

• Surveyors in the area.

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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 replaced.
  • Upgrade the asphalt roadway.

  More information about the project will be made available for all members of the public including owners and residents that will be directly affected by the proposed improvements.

  It is anticipated that construction will occur in 2023.