NEWS RELEASE
THE CITY OF ORILLIA
*************************
The second phase of the Front Street Reconstruction project gets underway this week as road construction projects were deemed essential by the province of Ontario to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is reviewing all capital projects in order to evaluate what needs to move forward in the best interests of our community," said Mayor Steve Clarke.
"The Front Street reconstruction project is a vital infrastructure project that will set the stage for future downtown waterfront revitalization. Spearheading and supporting economic development will be absolutely critical for Orillia to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19. But let me clear, physical distancing and prevention measures will be paramount and strictly enforced by the contractor and as a city we will be monitoring this closely,” said Clarke.
Beginning Tuesday, March 31, Front Street South from Colborne Street East to Mississaga Street East will be closed for approximately six weeks. The road closure is required in order for the city’s contractor, Arnott Construction, to carry out the planned road reconstruction, including the replacement of the existing water main, sanitary sewer and storm water drainage system.
The road will be closed to all traffic; however, emergency vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained.
If required residents and businesses will be able to park in Municipal Lot 8 (See map). Public on-street parking, and parking within the city’s public parking lots is free everywhere in the downtown for the month of April 2020. Residents and businesses will be issued parking passes when the period of free parking ends.
In light of the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, the city and its contractor (Arnott) have developed a contingency plan that could be used if the provincial or federal government direct that road reconstruction works must stop, or if it becomes impossible to protect worker safety. In the instance that any such situation arises, the contractor will backfill any excavations, and will restore the road surface and pedestrian surfaces to a safe and stable condition until work can resume.
For details regarding the Front Street Reconstruction project, and to sign up to receive updates, visit orillia.ca/frontstreet.
*************************
