As part of the City of Kitchener’s ongoing efforts to provide exceptional service, we have scheduled road and sewer improvements in your neighbourhood on the streets listed above.

These improvements are tentatively scheduled to begin, on or about, April 10, 2023. The estimated completion date is on or about November 30, 2023 subject to Council budget approval in early 2023. We will update you once a schedule for the construction has been confirmed. We will also let you know when construction is scheduled to start on your section of the street, and how long access to your driveway will be affected.

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.

To carry out these improvements, it will be necessary to close streets to through traffic. Prior to any road closure, signs will be posted on the approaching streets telling motorists of the date and the duration of the closure. Pedestrian access to all properties will be available at all times. Vehicle access to all properties within the construction area will be available for as long as possible. On-street parking permits, which will allow parking on nearby side streets, will be hand-delivered to affected homes before vehicle access is cut off.

The specific improvements scheduled for Highland Road East (Queen’s Blvd. to Stirling Ave. South) are:

• 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.
• Reinstall existing curb and gutter, and sidewalks.
• Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
• Replace all driveway ramp entrances in concrete.
• Guided by the city’s Complete Streets Guidelines (2019), several new features will improve safety for all forms of transportation:
  • Wider sidewalks and three new pedestrian refuge islands will allow safer pedestrian crossings and traffic calming.
  • Addition of cycle tracks, as directed by the city’s Cycling and Trails Master Plan (2021). Cycle tracks are outside of the roadway and separated by a barrier curb directly beside the sidewalk. They are attractive to all ages and abilities, due to the strong separation from motor vehicles.
  • The combination of adjacent sidewalks and cycle tracks makes winter maintenance more efficient. It also transfers the responsibility to clear sidewalks of snow from property owners to the city.
  • Improved bus stop access.
  • Narrower pavement widths and other traffic calming measures.
• The existing parking bay with 11 spaces next to the townhouses at 110 Highland Road will be kept. The 2 spaces next to the Highland Courts Park entrance will be removed to add a pedestrian crossing connecting to the park. Approximately 23 spaces will be added in new parking bays near Woodside Park and between Delaware and Stirling. These designated parking bays will improve safety, reliability, and traffic flow. They will also be available throughout the day. The existing on-street parking spaces that are limited to off-peak use and/or Sundays will be removed.

All residents are invited to view a concept image of the proposed cross-section of Highland Road.

The specific improvements scheduled for Delaware Avenue (Highland Road East to Lorne Avenue) are:

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.
• Installation of curb and gutter.
• Upgrade the asphalt roadway.
• Replace all driveway ramp entrances in concrete.
• Sidewalk installed on the north side only, according to the city’s Sidewalk Infill Policy (2015). This street has been identified as Priority 1, which states that sidewalks are required on both sides of the roadway. However, City Council may authorize an exemption if staff are not able to reasonably mitigate constraints and address issues. For example, negative impacts on cultural heritage, the site, the environment, and maintenance. We have recommended a sidewalk on the north side only. This is to preserve existing trees and avoid conflicts with telecommunications equipment.
• Reconstruct the laneway (off Delaware Avenue – Highland Road East).

As a resident of this area, we’d like your input!

Please fill out the short survey about the proposed changes and how you may be affected to help us understand and address any concerns you may have about this project. Please call the project manager if you would like printed copies of the presentation materials.

Before construction starts, a technical survey 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.

If you have any questions and/or concerns about this project, please feel free to contact the project manager, Shailesh Shah, by phone at 519-741-2200 ext. 7144 or by email at shailesh.shah@kitchener.ca.

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 listed above.

As is common with many city reconstruction projects, the service of a consulting engineering firm has been arranged to work with City of Kitchener staff. The firm of IBI Group has been selected for this project.

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.
• Addition of active transportation infrastructure.

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 the spring of 2023.