Update and boulevard tree removal

Planning for the reconstruction of Herbert Street from George Street to Union Street continues, and the City is in the process of procuring a private contractor to complete the reconstruction works.

The virtual Public Information Centre in November contained a survey for residents on their preference for the finish of the boulevard space between the back of curb and sidewalk. The survey had twenty-three respondents. Of those, thirteen respondents were from residents directly affected by the choice, and of those thirteen residents, 85% preferred a vegetated boulevard with the other 15% preferring a concrete boulevard. Based on these results, the City will vegetate the boulevard as part of the design, with one exception where the boulevard is already concrete and the adjacent resident has requested it remain.

The final project drawings, which show the vegetated boulevard, will be uploaded to the Engage Waterloo site as part of the pre-construction virtual Public Information Centre posting. This will occur once a contractor is procured and the drawings finalized. The pre-construction Public Information Centre information will also include more on what to expect during construction and is expected to be posted late April 2022.

Prior to the end of March, Kodiak Tree Services will be removing some boulevard trees along Herbert Street. The trees slated for removal are identified on the design drawings presented as part of the virtual PIC at the end of November. Please note that the design drawings show four trees to be removed, however City staff removed one of those trees recently therefore there are only three trees remaining. These trees were assessed for removal by the City’s Forestry department at the start of the project.

During April and May, Aecon Construction will replace and upgrade natural gas infrastructure along the roadway on behalf of Enbridge Gas. Following completion of the natural gas works, Waterloo North Hydro will relocate a number of utility poles on the east side of the road to be slightly closer to the curb in order to allow for a wider sidewalk to be constructed.

To accommodate the utility upgrades and relocations, the reconstruction of the road will need to be split over two construction seasons. The first phase of construction from George Street to John Street will be from June to October 2022, and the second phase of construction from John Street to Union Street will be from May to July 2023. The final top coat of asphalt will be placed on all sections of the project in 2024. Please refer to the updated project schedule in the “Lifecycle” section of this page. Further details on who will be performing the work and what to expect during construction will be available once a contractor has been selected.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this important infrastructure rehabilitation work.