High Street improvements in Sutton

Current status

• Surveying the area and gathering information about underground utilities is complete
• Background historical information gathered by the consultant
• Geotechnical drilling (studying the ground) is starting
• A draft communication plan was reviewed and updates are in progress

Next steps

• Consultant to draft a plan to reduce business disruptions during construction is being developed
• Workshops to share early design ideas and receive feedback are being planned for local businesses, residents and internal Town team members
• A pre-design report will be completed to summarize findings and plans

The engineering design stage of the High Street improvement project has recently begun.

The following briefly summarizes key aspects of the project:

Background: 

• The objectives of the project include: 
  • Beautify and enhance the commercial attractiveness of High Street in downtown Sutton’s Business Improvement Area (BIA) with streetscaping improvements including: 
    • Multi-use path, configuration of parking and sidewalks to enhance boulevard use and pedestrian access 
    • Street furniture, street trees, street lighting 
    • Consideration of potential additional options (if feasible) such as: 
      • Creation of a multi-purpose zone that can be used for parking and local “pop-up” events 
      • Relocation of overhead hydro
      • A community entrance feature to High Street from Highway 48 
  • Upgrade and modernize the local road, stormwater and water supply infrastructure. 
• In late August 2024 CIMA+ was awarded the engineering assignment for the project.  
• The main elements of the design phase of the engineering assignment include investigations, preliminary design, stakeholder communications, detailed design and tendering. 
  • Once the primary design concepts are determined in the preliminary design step, a Business Disruption Mitigation Plan will be developed for discussion in stakeholder meetings that are to be implemented as part of the communications plan (see below).

Current status: 

• The project kick-off meeting with the consultant, CIMA+, was held on Sept. 5, 2024.
• Work has begun on the following tasks: 
  • Background information collection and review 
  • Development of a draft stakeholder communications plan addressing:
    • Creation and posting of project-related information and regular updates to a Town-hosted project website and social media.
    • Conducting a number of focused meetings/design workshops with stakeholder groups.   
      • These workshops will review key design concepts and solicit stakeholder feedback before moving to the next step in the design process. 
    • Distribution of letters/notices to affected local residents at key project milestones.
  • Compilation of information required to support the detailed design 

Next steps: 

• Completion and roll out of the stakeholder communication plan including:
• Field investigations are planned to start in the latter part of September and will include: 
  • Surveying 
  • Identification and clearance of all underground utilities 
  • Geotechnical drilling investigations

The recently started design phase specific to the High Street improvements project will include the following additional public engagement activities:

• Creation and posting of project-related information and regular updates to the Town-hosted project website and social media.
• Conducting a number of focused meetings/design workshops with discrete stakeholder groups.   
• These workshops will review key design concepts and solicit stakeholder feedback before moving to the next step in the design process.
• Distribution of letters/notices to affected local owners/occupants at key project milestones.

A key reference that will guide the project is Georgina’s Streetscape Design Manual (December 2021). It provides a framework for building resilient, accessible, comfortable and attractive public spaces along the Town’s key streets. 

During previous public engagements for the design manual, presentation materials were provided that included large display panels on easels with the study area overview, preliminary streetscape cross sections and imagery, hands-on street building design puzzles, on the spot surveys were conducted and project information sheets were handed out.

The key take-away from these engagements was consensus on what the key improvement priorities were and where the streetscape revitalization efforts should be implemented. In summary, the community agreed that public realm enhancement such as providing adequate seating, planting more shade trees and shade structures, decorative planters and bioswales, improved pedestrian lighting, and adding public art were expressed as priorities.

Patryk Frankiewicz P.Eng.
Operations and Infrastructure
905-476-4301 ext. 2903
pfrankiewicz@georgina.ca

Wallace Lee
CIMA Canada Inc.
416-451-1208
Wallace.lee@cima.ca

Streetscape Program

May 29, 2024 - Council report

Notice 1 – September 2024
Notice 2 – December 2024
 

The goal of the High Street improvement project is to enhance commercial activity along High Street by creating a vibrant and popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

There will be some necessary disruptions during construction periods, however the Town and its consultant are developing a Business Disruption Mitigation Plan which will be discussed with representatives of the Business Improvement Area (BIA) and business owners to address their concerns as much as possible.

The construction plan for the project will seek to minimize disruptions to local businesses, including maintaining access to individual storefronts. This may include provisions for alternative parking and the creation of temporary pedestrian access walkways with clear directional signage.

While disruptions during construction are inevitable, maintaining access to individual storefronts will be a priority. This may include provisions for alternative parking and the creation of temporary pedestrian access walkways with clear directional signage.

The engineering design phase started in September 2024. This is anticipated to take approximately 10-14 months. Following this, and a procurement period of up to four months, construction will begin early in 2026. Best efforts on phasing the project to avoid closures during peak summer seasons are being considered throughout the project schedule. The project is expected to be substantially complete by 2027.

It is not intended that any full road closures of High Street will be required. Temporary closures of some lanes will likely be necessary. Advance notice of lane closures will be provided via website postings, flyers mailed to local residents and notifications posted on the Town’s Disruptions and Closures webpage.

Brief interruptions of individual water services will be required to allow connections to the new watermain to be completed. These interruptions are typically less than a few hours. Notification of water service interruptions will be delivered to the individual property owners/occupants at least 48 hours in advance.