Overview
This long-term program involved the management and reconstruction of approximately 500 km of open ditch and culvert systems in the Town of Georgina. Roadside ditches served the purpose of capturing and conveying drainage away from public and private property to stormwater outlets. The Town faced challenges with standing water and flooding due to low elevations and flat topography.
The ditch reconstruction program aimed to reconstruct major sections of ditches and culverts each year to ensure they functioned effectively. The program included the replacement of driveway culverts and roadway cross-culverts where required.
Virginia Boulevard and Burnie Road ditches
Based on a multi-criteria analysis, it was determined that Virginia Boulevard and Burnie Road would be the first two roads where ditch rehabilitation works would be performed. The scope of work included the rehabilitation of 2.82 km of ditches along Virginia Boulevard and 0.4 km of ditches along Burnie Road. Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team was awarded the contract to design and oversee the construction works for this project.
Photos
Photos
Map of affected area
Public Engagement
Town Contact
Patryk Frankiewicz, P.Eng
Senior Project Manager
Email
Consultant
Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team
Ed Gazendam
Email
Contractor
Master Utility Division Inc.
Mitch Fairbarn
Email
Timelines
Timeline
- September 2023 – Design completed
- April 2024 – Construction started
- June 2024 – Construction completed
Documents
Documents
Letter to the residents - March 22, 2024
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this project?
The purpose of this project was to improve drainage and reduce the amount of standing water in the roadside ditches.
Will access to my driveway be impacted?
Part of the scope of this project included the replacement of culverts under driveways. Therefore, driveway access may have been temporarily closed for a short period. The Town and/or contractor communicated with residents to minimize impacts.
There is always water in my ditch.
In some locations, the ditches carried water from large upstream areas. Water may have continued to flow in the ditches for several days after a rainfall.
In locations near Lake Simcoe or adjacent to wetlands, the water level in the lake or wetland could back up into the nearby ditches.
The ditches did not drain out until the lake level was lowered. Lake levels were controlled seasonally as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway system.
Can I modify the ditch in front of my home or add decorative material such as river rock?
Residents were not permitted to modify the ditches adjacent to their homes. The ditches were designed to contain and convey stormwater runoff to the appropriate outlet, and any modifications could have resulted in adverse impacts.
Who is responsible for maintenance of the ditches after the project is completed?
Refer to the Town’s Summer Maintenance webpage which addresses questions related to ditching and culverts, including the level of maintenance done by the Town.