Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue Integrated Road, Sewer and Watermain Renewal

Project description

The City of Ottawa is undertaking the preliminary and detailed design for the renewal of the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue. The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires an upgrade to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighbourhood.

The proposed work consists of the renewal of sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks, as detailed below:

• The streets within the project limits were originally serviced by combined sewers, circa 1940’s. Storm sewers were later installed in the 1970s. Much of the original combined sewers remain as the sanitary sewers and are in need of replacement. Today, the existing sanitary pipes are considered substandard with respect to the size and material. Work includes all sanitary services from the main to the property line.
• The watermain under Grove Avenue from Seneca Street to Bank Street was installed in stages between 1913 to 1917 and will be replaced due to age. Frozen services have been previously reported on Grove Avenue. Work includes all water services from the main to the property line.
• The watermain in Grosvenor Avenue from Grove Avenue to Hopewell Avenue was installed in 1916 and will be replaced due to age. The storm sewers within the project limits are to remain and will not require any work.
• Hydrant spacing for this area will be upgraded as required to meet current fire protection standards.
• Full road reinstatement, including the replacement of the existing sidewalks
• The sanitary sewer on Grove Avenue between Leonard Street and Grosvenor Avenue is still in good condition and no work will be done on this line
• The watermain and sanitary sewers on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Seneca Street are in good condition and no work will be done on these lines.

Project limits [ 14.3 MB ]

Project timing

Design: completed
Construction start: September 2023
Construction completion: spring 2025

Budget

Project funds approved to date is $6.7 million

Public engagement

An online public information session was held in March 2023, to present the design drawings to the public. At that time residents were able to review the design, ask questions and provide comment on the proposed works.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

Safety

The City of Ottawa is committed to safety in and around project sites. The project team continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

For any emergency outside normal working hours on weekdays and weekends, call the City at 3-1-1.
Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:

City Project Manager
James Porter, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure and Water Services
Design and Construction – Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 30339

Contractor Representative
Paul Puckett
GIP Paving Inc.
P.O. Box 264, 3232 Carp Road, Carp, ON, K0A 1L0
Tel.: 613-907-7283

Contract Administrator
Everett McGowan
Robinson Consultants Inc.  
350 Palladium Drive, Suite 210, Ottawa ON K2V 1A8  
Tel.: 613-592-6060, ext. 114

In March 2024, the City of Ottawa began construction to renew the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue in your neighborhood. Construction is to be suspended in late November 2024 and the Contractor is anticipated to return in spring 2025 to complete outstanding landscaping works and any correct any construction related deficiencies that arise over the winter months.

What: Work involved the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks.

Why: The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure reached the end of its useful life and required replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighbourhood.

When: Construction is anticipated to be suspended in late November 2024. The Contractor is anticipated to return in spring 2025 to complete outstanding landscaping works and any correct any construction related deficiencies that arise over the winter months.

Where: The work will take place on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Bank Street, and Grosvenor Avenue from Cameron Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, GIP Paving Inc., to complete the work.

Construction shutdown

With winter approaching, the contractor will return in spring 2025 to complete outstanding landscaping works to ensure favourable conditions for vegetation and placement of any hardscape features. Similarly, the Contractor will correct any construction-related deficiencies that arise over the winter months.

To ensure the successful completion of this project and acclimation of the community to the new roadway configuration, the City invites affected residents to contact the undersigned representatives during the construction shutdown period with any concerns that they may have regarding the quality of the work and the general functionality of the corridor.

In March 2024, the City of Ottawa will begin construction to renew the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue in your neighborhood.

What: Work will involve renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks.

Why: The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighbourhood.

When: Construction is anticipated to start in March 2024 and will be completed by late fall 2024.

Where: The work will take place on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Bank Street, and Grosvenor Avenue from Cameron Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, GIP Paving Inc., to complete the work.

Traffic management

Bank Street: Friday, March 22 at 6 pm to Monday, March 25 at 6 am.

Bank Street traffic will be reduced to a single northbound lane to accommodate sanitary sewer works beneath Bank Street. Southbound passenger vehicles will be redirected to use Sunnyside Avenue, Bronson Avenue and Riverside Drive, while trucks will be detoured to use Catherine Street, Bronson Avenue and Riverside Drive; however, southbound OC Transpo services will be permitted through the work zone. “Construction – No Stopping – Tow Away Zone” signs will be installed on Bank Street between Glen Avenue to south of Ossington Street prior to the work and will be removed shortly after completion.

Grove Avenue:

• Grove Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between Brewer Park and Bank Street. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.
• Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Bank Street will be temporarily converted to a two-way street during construction.

Grosvenor Avenue: Grosvenor Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between Ossington Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.

Significant effort is being made to reduce the duration of the construction impacts in your community. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

On-street parking and local access

As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur. Residents with electric vehicles will need to find alternative charging arrangements when access is restricted. The use of extension cords within the public right of way is not permitted.

Should you have additional concerns about reduced access, such as business deliveries or accessibility requirements, please contact the project manager.

Impact on the right of way and adjacent private properties

The reconstruction is within the City’s right of way but may result in some disruption to part of the private property directly adjacent to the work. The City will reinstate sections of landscaping, driveways and walkways that are disturbed by construction; however, if you have plants or any other assets located within the City’s right of way that you want to preserve, we suggest that you may want to move them in preparation for the construction work.

Temporary water services

During the watermain reconstruction, your property will be placed on a temporary water service. While your property will be on this temporary water service, your water usage will be estimated since the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on your past average water usage. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

Construction disruptions

The contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of the construction work. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation. For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).

In September 2023, the City of Ottawa began construction to renew the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue in your neighborhood.

Works completed to date

Installation of the new sanitary sewer and watermain beneath the intersection of Grove Avenue and Leonard Avenue was completed. A temporary water service was installed to service homes on Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Leonard Avenue in preparation for the replacement of the watermain. A section of the existing sanitary sewer beneath Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Leonard Avenue was also removed and replaced, inclusive of works on adjacent catchbasins.

October 2023 Construction outlook

The sanitary sewer and watermain beneath Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Leonard Avenue will be replaced. Affected residents will remain on temporary water services until such time as the new watermain installation has been completed and commissioned for use. The City’s contractor will implement a cold weather protection plan for the temporary water services to ensure continued safe use of temporary water services, should freezing conditions arise.

Limitations upon 2023 construction

It is anticipated not all components of the work will be completed this construction season for the segment of Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Leonard Avenue. While it is anticipated that all underground works will be concluded before winter shutdown, removal and replacement of the sidewalks and renewal of the roadway will likely be deferred to the 2024 construction season. Upon conclusion of the underground works, the roadway and sidewalks will be restored to a safe, temporary conditions until such time as the City’s contractor returns in spring 2024 to continue construction activities.

Traffic management

Grove Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between Seneca Street and Grosvenor Avenue. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Grove Avenue between Leonard Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue has been temporarily converted to a two-way street during construction.
Significant effort is being made to reduce the duration of the construction impacts in your community. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

On-street parking and local access

As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur. Residents with electric vehicles will need to find alternative charging arrangements when access is restricted. The use of extension cords within the public right of way is not permitted. Should you have additional concerns about reduced access, such as business deliveries or accessibility requirements, please contact the project manager listed below.  

Impact on right of way and adjacent private properties

The reconstruction is within the City’s right of way but may result in some disruption to part of the private property directly adjacent to the work. The City will reinstate sections of landscaping, driveways and walkways that are disturbed by construction; however, if you have plants or any other assets located within the City’s right of way that you want to preserve, we suggest that you may want to move them in preparation for the construction work.

Temporary water services

During the watermain reconstruction, your property will be placed on a temporary water service. While your property will be on this temporary water service, your water usage will be estimated since the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on your past average water usage. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

The picture below shows the temporary water services presently in place on Grove Avenue.

Caissons behind sidewalks

Large diameter steel caissons have been installed behind the sidewalk in front of some residences. These caissons are retaining structures permitting excavated access to the new and existing water connections between the watermain and the service line to residences. The caissons have been covered to prevent unintended access. Once the new watermain has been installed beneath Grove Avenue, the City of Ottawa’s Drinking Water Services team will open the caissons and complete the connection of the new watermain to the services lines to residences.

Pumping operations

You may have noticed at times that a large pump was left on Grove Avenue or Seneca Street near the work running during the day and sometimes overnight. This pump is needed to provide a connection between the new sanitary sewer and the existing sanitary sewer and maintain the flow within the sanitary sewer system without sewage backing up into residences.

Construction disruptions

The contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of the construction work. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation.

For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).

In August 2023, the City of Ottawa will begin construction to renew the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue in your neighborhood.

What: Work will involve renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks.

Why: The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighbourhood.

When: Construction is anticipated to start in August 2023 and will be completed by late fall 2024. Construction will be suspended and roadway access restored in late fall 2023, with work to restart in spring 2024. The timing for the works in 2024 will be confirmed in spring 2024.

Where: The work will take place on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Bank Street, and Grosvenor Avenue from Cameron Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue.

Works in 2023 are anticipated to be limited to Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Grosvenor Avenue, inclusive of intersection works at Grove Avenue and Léonard Avenue.

Works in 2024 will see works on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Bank Street, and Grosvenor Avenue from Cameron Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, GIP Paving Inc., to complete the work.

Traffic management

2023: Grove Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between Seneca Street and Grosvenor Avenue. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.

Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Grosvenor Avenue will be temporarily converted to a two-way street during construction.

2024: Grove Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between Brewer Park and Bank Street. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.

Grove Avenue between Seneca Street and Bank Street will be temporarily converted to a two-way street during construction.

Grosvenor Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between Ossington Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.

Significant effort is being made to reduce the duration of the construction impacts in your community. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

On-street parking and local access

As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.

Impact on the right of way and adjacent private properties

The reconstruction is within the City’s right of way but may result in some disruption to part of the private property directly adjacent to the work. The City will reinstate sections of landscaping, driveways and walkways that are disturbed by construction; however, if you have plants or any other assets located within the City’s right of way that you want to preserve, we suggest that you may want to move them in preparation for the construction work.

Temporary water services

During the watermain reconstruction, your property will be placed on a temporary water service. While your property will be on this temporary water service, your water usage will be estimated since the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on your past average water usage. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

Construction disruptions

The contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of the construction work. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation. For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).

The Better Bus Stops Project aims to improve service reliability, travel times and the location and accessibility of bus stops. To provide a better customer experience, we’re reviewing the routing and bus stop locations of eastbound Route 7 St-Laurent between Sunnyside/Seneca and Sunnyside/Bank.

The proposed service adjustments will:

• Improve travel times
• Make trips more reliable
• Easier and more predictable travel planning with service on Sunnyside in both directions

With the proposed adjustments, some customers will have a slightly shorter walk to their stop, and some will have a slightly longer one. As part of the proposal, six bus stops between Seneca Street and Bank Street are being consolidated to two new bus stops on Sunnyside Avenue at Leonard Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue to provide faster travel times and more reliable trips.

Your feedback is welcomed, have your say: March 13 to April 10 (the survey is now closed)

The City of Ottawa continues to take precautionary steps to protect members of the public and respect concerns of public safety during these unprecedented times. Therefore, as an alternative to hosting in-person public information sessions, information on this project is being posted to ottawa.ca for your review and comment. The City remains committed to keeping the public informed of projects occurring in your neighbourhood. 

The City of Ottawa invites you to review and provide comments on the new documents and illustrations for the Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue Integrated project by March 31, 2023. Your feedback can be submitted by email or by phone to the City’s project manager named below.

Presentation [ 624.72 KB ]
Project limits [ 5.25 MB ]
Proposed roadway improvements [ 4.43 MB ]
Proposed utility improvement [ 1.01 MB ] 

The City has a proactive communications approach. The project team will update you on the project using different methods to communicate including letters and posting information on ottawa.ca. 

What: The City of Ottawa is undertaking the design for the renewal of the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue. The proposed work consists of the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks. 

Why: The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighbourhood.
     
Where: The proposed work will occur on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Bank Street, and Grosvenor Avenue from Grove Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue.

When: The design work for this project is concluding and construction is expected to start in summer 2023, pending approvals including budget and overall construction coordination. The timing for the project will be confirmed closer to construction.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the consulting firm, Robinson Consultants Inc., to complete the design.

For further information about this project and/or to submit comments, please contact the City project manager:

City Project Manager
James Porter, P.Eng.
Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 30339

Consultant Project Manager
David Reid, P.Eng.
Robinson Consultants Inc.
350 Palladium Drive, Suite 210
Ottawa, ON, K2V 1A8
Tel: 613-592-6060 ext. 108

Q1: How can I determine if I have a lead water service between the City property line and my residence?

A: Please refer to the City’s Lead Pipe Replacement Program to assist in determining if your water service is possibly lead.

Q2: When is a good time to replace the lead water service between the City property line and my residence?

A: For residents wishing to replace a lead water service, they are encouraged to have the private portion of their service replaced prior to or after City construction works to avoid overlap of works, insurance and health and safety issues with the City’s contractor. During construction, the City’s contractor is responsible for the safe operations of all work within the City’s property limits and has the discretion to direct any such overlapping works.

Q3: For those residents living on one-way traffic roads adjacent the work, how will access be maintained?

A: During periods of construction, local access will be maintained, including potentially permitting temporary travel in both directions of affected roads for local residents only.

More information will be provided closer to construction, which is tentatively anticipated to commence in July, and you will receive a notification in the mail, including points of contact for our construction team.

Q4: What has changed in scope from the previously shared materials during the first engagement?

A: Proposed works on Grosvenor Avenue have been expanded to include watermain replacement and full road reconstruction between Hopewell Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue.

Q5: Why do the proposed works on Grove Avenue, west of Seneca Avenue, in front of Brewer Park not include construction of a new sidewalk?

A: A sidewalk on Grove Avenue west of Seneca Avenue has not been identified in the 2013 Ottawa Pedestrian Plan, prioritization lists. The priority was based on a scoring system that gave points to Collector Roads, Arterial Roads, Population/Employment areas and roads with key amenities fronting onto them or leading directly to these amenities. Key amenities included schools, parks, transit routes and transit stops. Grove Avenue did not score as high as many other streets throughout the City as a whole. The City of Ottawa is currently in the process of updating the Active Transportation Plan which includes the Ottawa Pedestrian Plan.

While it is desirable to have sidewalk implemented on Grove Avenue adjacent Brewer Park, the funding in the integrated construction program remains strained and no further funding is available to implement the sidewalk.

For more information, please visit Active transportation planning.

Q6: Can additional one-way signage be added at the intersection of Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue to alert people driving the wrong way westbound on Grove Avenue?

A: One-way signage will be added to all four quadrants of the intersection of Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue.

Q7: In the previous version of the drawings shared with the public, a raised pedestrian crossing was proposed for the Grove Avenue crossing at Bank Street. Can you please elaborate on why this crossing was removed?

A: Consultation was undertaken with OC Transpo during design, wherein it was determined that the raised crossing should be removed to ensure safe turning movements for bus traffic onto Grove Avenue.

Q8: With the proposed elimination of OC Transpo route 7 from Grove Avenue, will the raised crossing for Grove Avenue at Bank Street be introduced back into the scope of construction? Similarly, if the bus service is removed from Grove Avenue, will the proposed bus platforms still be constructed?

A: In the event that removal of OC Transpo route 7 from Grove Avenue is approved, the raised crossing on Grove Avenue at Bank Street will be reviewed for reintroduction to the scope of construction and the proposed bus pads reflected in the current drawings will not be constructed.

Q9: What is the dashed line shown behind the sidewalk and between residences?

A: The dashed line shown as a pattern of a long line and two (2) small, dashed lines behind the sidewalk and between residences reflects the distinctive property lines.

Q10: Does the City anticipate to undertake any excavations adjacent residential foundations and, if so, what protections are offered to affected residents?

A: Work for this project will be primarily limited to City property limits. Any required encroachments onto private property will be clearly communicated to the affected residents prior to the work and protection, including any damages incurred, shall be the responsibility of the City’s Contractor.

Q11: Snow removal and storage is already a concern under existing conditions, how will this be improved when the roadway is being narrowed?

A: Winter operations are based on the City of Ottawa Road classification standards. Once detailed design is complete, the maintenance standards will be assigned by Public Works and Environmental Services.

Q12: Can the City please clarify the anticipated construction timelines and sequencing expected for this work?

A: Specific timing of construction activities, including sequencing of the work, is often not clearly defined until such time as a Contractor has been awarded and a schedule submitted to the City. For works spanning multiple seasons, construction activities are typically suspended from late December to mid-May.

Currently the City is reviewing construction sequencing methods that will be articulated to prospective Contractors. More information will be shared with the community once a Contractor has been retained.

Q13: Why does this project not include burying of overhead utilities?

A: Relocation and burying of existing utilities is highly cost-prohibitive and most projects do not have the budget.

Q14: Is there any consideration for making Grove Avenue two-way?

A: The proposed configuration maintains one-way traffic in conjunction with on-street parking on the south side of Grove Avenue. A traffic study would be required to review two-way operation and was outside of the scope of this project.

Q15: For the segment of Grove Avenue west of Seneca Street and adjacent Brewer Park, will a curb be introduced and in what directions will the roadway be widened?

A: The existing roadway varies in width from 6.4 to 7.6 metres and will be increased to 8.0 metres. Widening will generally take place evenly in the north and south direction of the existing roadway edges. The current roadway configuration will remain without a curb or sidewalk and a new speed hump will be introduced between 135 and 133 Grove Avenue; however, the small section of sidewalk that extends northbound on Grove Avenue/Glen Avenue will be removed and replaced.

As part of this work, driveways and affected walkways will be removed and replaced in-kind up to the City property limits to ensure appropriate drainage of the reconstructed roadway.

Q16: Are there alternatives to what is shown for the treatment of sidewalks at private entrances?

A: Reconstruction of Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue will observe implementation of ramp-style sidewalks, which is reflective of the current City standard for sidewalks. This standard became the City standard in 2006 by Council direction to address the concerns of both the sloping and snow/ice accumulation of “traditional-style” crossings and improve the accessibility of sidewalks in general. There are situations where the traditional style sidewalk can be implemented in lieu of the ramp style, however, there has to be a sound technical reason to not implement the City standard. In this case, we do not have any technical reasons to deviate from the City standard.

Q17: What will be done to minimize exposure of the residences to dust produced during construction?

A: The City’s Contractor will be required to adhere to Ontario provincial standards for dust suppressant, including using water, calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride solutions to minimize dust produced and released into the air and sewer systems. Application of all dust suppressants is the responsibility of the Contractor and is subject to applicable Ministry of Environment requirements under legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Ontario Water Resources Act.

Q18: Does the City know where the Contractor’s portable facilities be located on site?

A: Specific locations for temporary portable facilities are often not clearly defined until such time as a Contractor has been awarded and a schedule submitted to the City.

Q19: Why are the sidewalks on Grosvenor Avenue narrower than those proposed on Grove Avenue? Is there an opportunity to widen the sidewalks and narrow the roadway accordingly?

A: Grosvenor Avenue is proposed to consist of two (2) 1.8 m sidewalks and a 9.0 m roadway, inclusive of a 1.5 m northbound cycle lane, 3.0 m northbound travel lane and 4.5 m southbound travel lane. The southbound travel lane includes on-street parking, which is typically delineated with a minimum width of 2.4 m, which noticeably limits the observed width of travel lane.

While a consistent application of a 2.0 m sidewalk is typically preferred, further reductions in the width of travel lanes is not feasible, as it would require elimination of parking or southbound traffic having to yield to northbound traffic when passing parked vehicles. Similarly, there is presently no opportunity to expand the sidewalks towards the residences of Grosvenor Avenue without significant impacts to driveways, vegetation and other private features.

COVID-19 is an unprecedented situation and the City of Ottawa is committed to protecting people and the community. The Province of Ontario has allowed certain businesses and workplaces to reopen, including all municipal construction projects, as long as they comply with strict measures for public health and safe operations. In addition to the City’s ongoing work on critical infrastructure projects, we are now able to resume work on other construction projects that were paused due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The City is working closely with the industry and complying with restrictions and recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

The City of Ottawa continues to take precautionary steps to protect members of the public. As an alternative to hosting in-person public information sessions, information is being posted to Ottawa.ca. The City remains committed to keeping the public informed of projects occurring in your neighbourhood.

The City of Ottawa invites you to review and provide comments on the Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue Integrated Road, Sewer and Watermain Project by July 31, 2020. Information can be submitted by email or by phone to the City’s project manager named below.

Project Display Boards [ 379 KB ]

Proposed Roadway Improvements [ 12.9 MB ]

Proposed Utility Improvements [ 837 KB ]

Frequently Asked Questions

What: The City of Ottawa is undertaking the design for the renewal of the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue. The proposed work consists of the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks.

Why: The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighbourhood.

Where: The proposed work will occur on Grove Avenue from Brewer Park to Bank Street, and Grosvenor Avenue from Grove Avenue to Hopewell Avenue.

When: The design work for this project is ongoing. Construction is expected to start in one to two years, pending approvals including budget and overall construction coordination. The timing for the project will be confirmed closer to construction.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the consulting firm, Robinson Consultants Inc., to complete the design.

For further information about this project and/or to submit comments on the project, please contact the City project manager:

City’s Project Manager:
James Porter, P.Eng.
Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 30339

Consultant Project Manager:
David Reid, P.Eng.
Robinson Consultants Inc.
350 Palladium Drive, Suite 210
Ottawa, ON, K2V 1A8
Tel: 613-592-6060 ext. 108

Q: Will the new roadway be designed to accommodate the heavy vehicle traffic observed on the roads, including OC Transpo buses?

A: The pavement will be designed and constructed to accommodate all modes of transportation, including transit and high traffic volumes, as per the City of Ottawa standards and specifications.

Q: There is a problem with people driving the wrong way down Grove Avenue, particularly between Bank Street and Grosvenor Avenue, where they exit the convenience store or the apartment building on the corner and turn west on Grove Avenue or enter from Bank Street. How can this project address this problem?

A: The project will provide new signage adjacent to the plaza prohibiting westbound traffic movements on Grove Avenue.

Q: Why does the project not include complete roadway and utility works on Grosvenor Avenue north of Hopewell Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue

A: As a result of this feedback, the Project Team reviewed the scope of the project and expanded it to include roadway, sidewalk and utility works on Grosvenor Avenue north of Hopewell Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue. The road, sidewalk and watermain will be replaced due to their age and condition.

Q: Why do the proposed works on Grove Avenue, west of Seneca Avenue, in front of Brewer Park not include construction of a new sidewalk?

A: A sidewalk on Grove Avenue west of Seneca Avenue has not been identified in the 2013 Ottawa Pedestrian Plan, prioritization lists. The priority was based on a scoring system that gave points to Collector Roads, Arterial Roads, Population/Employment areas and roads with key amenities fronting onto them or leading directly to these amenities. Key amenities included schools, parks, transit routes and transit stops. Grove Avenue did not score as high as many other streets throughout the City as a whole. The City of Ottawa is currently in the process of updating the Active Transportation Plan which includes the Ottawa Pedestrian Plan. For more information visit Ottawa.ca

Q: Will any new trees be installed in the new curb extensions at intersections?

A: Trees on the proposed curb extensions would create conflicts with existing utilities and City infrastructure.

Q: What are the gray circles on the drawings over some of the residences?

A: The gray circles over the properties in the drawings reflect the canopy of the existing trees.

Q: What happens to the water service between the City property line and my residence?

A: The replacement of the water service lateral between the City property line and the residence is the responsibility of the homeowner. Should you choose to replace it, a City of Ottawa program is available to help subsidize the cost. Additional information on the Lead Pipe Replacement Program. 

Q: Will parking on Grove Avenue be reduced and, if so, can parking duration on other streets be increased to accommodate?

A: The road width and location of curb extensions will not impact parking.

Q: Can the City accommodate providing more than 48 hours’ notice for utility disruptions to minimize impacts to local businesses?

A: The City of Ottawa appreciates the challenges business owners have faced during the pandemic and are sympathetic to the fact there are inconveniences during construction. Due to the fluid nature of construction activities, it can be difficult to pinpoint when utilities will be unavailable beyond the 48-hour timeframe. The Contractor will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible to minimize the impact to businesses unless it is emergency or unplanned work.

Q: Can you please elaborate on the proposed works on Grove Avenue, west of Seneca Avenue, in front of Brewer Park?

A: The scope of work on this section of Grove Avenue is limited to resurfacing only to address the condition of the road. The existing roadway varies in width from 6.4 to 7.6 metres and will be increased to 8.0 metres. The current configuration will remain with a speed hump proposed between 135 and 133 Grove Avenue. The addition of a new sidewalk along this section of Grove is not in the current scope of work.

Q: Snow removal and storage is already a concern under existing conditions, how will this be improved when the roadway is being narrowed.

A: Winter operations are based on the City of Ottawa Road classification standards. Once detailed design is complete, the maintenance standards will be assigned by Public Works and Environmental Services.

Q: I have concerns about the new style of sidewalks being installed at private entrances, including the grading of the sidewalks at those entrances. Can you please provide more details of what type of sidewalk can be expected to be installed at entrances?

A: The City will construct the standard ramp-style sidewalks at private entrances. This style of sidewalk provides a dropped curb at the roadway, which tapers up to a 2% grade extension from the driveway.

Q: Will more trees be added to Grove and Grosvenor Avenue?

A: In consultation with Forestry Services, the project team will identify any potential impacts to existing trees and where additional trees could be planted. The intention is to minimize any impacts on existing trees and maximize the opportunity for new trees and shrubs where possible.

Q: Why is Grove Avenue west of Seneca Avenue two-way traffic, as opposed to one-way like the rest of Grove Avenue?

A: The connection between Grove Avenue and Glen Avenue at the rear of Brewer Arena is not a public highway and, therefore, legally there is a requirement to maintain each road west of Seneca Avenue as two-way traffic to ensure access to the properties along these roadways.

Q: I am a frequent visitor to Brewer Park and the vibrant Bank Street corridor. How can I still access the places I love during construction?

A: Accessibility and maintaining accesses to Brewer Park and businesses is an important consideration for the City. Pedestrian access to homes, Brewer Park and businesses will be maintained at all times and the City will make every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. Detours and sidewalk closures will be communicated on-site with signage.

Q: Are there going to be OC Transpo detours for this project?

A: We are currently in the preliminary design phase of the project; however, due to the type of construction, the Grove Avenue bus route (route no. 7) is expected to be detoured during construction. The project team will consult with OC Transpo during the design phase. The details of the bus detour will be communicated to residents at a later date, as more information becomes available.

Q: I have decorative landscaping and gardens in my front yard, what will happen to them?

A: Work within the City’s property limits, including replacing water and sewer services up to the property line, often requires removal of existing landscaping features within the areas of excavation. Prior to construction, existing vegetation and landscaping will be documented and the Contractor will be required to reinstate the disturbed areas to existing conditions; however, if you have special plant species or are quite fond of certain plants, some homeowners choose to transplant those plants to other areas of their property.

Q: Will I get a new driveway?

A: The City’s contractor will be responsible for reinstating any damaged portions of your driveway with a similar material (i.e., asphalt, interlock, concrete); however, this may result in a construction joint, which is typical practice within the City. Specific to Grove Avenue, where the overall total width of roadway and will decrease, driveways will be extended to meet the location of the new sidewalk.

Q: With construction comes construction-related noise. What is the City doing to mitigate noise?

A: The City’s contractor will typically operate within the parameters of the Noise By-law:

• Monday-Saturday: Between 7 am and 10 pm
• Sundays and holidays: Between 9 am and 10 pm

Some night or weekend work may be required during construction to limit daytime water or traffic disruptions. Night work outside of the typical operating hours requires an approved Noise By-law exemption and residents will be made aware in advance of the work.

The City’s contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to everyday life but, as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of the work, such as delays when travelling around the construction zone, noise, dust and vibrations.

Q: Will utilities to nearby businesses and residents be impacted during the reconstruction? How will business and residents be notified when utilities (i.e. water, gas, electricity) are shut off?

A: During construction, there may be times where utilities, such as gas or water, will need to be interrupted. The City will provide 48 hours of notice of planned service disruptions; however, there may be instances when unforeseen construction issues will result in water, gas and hydro disruptions.

Q: Will garbage/recycling pick-up and snow removal be impacted during the road closure?

A: The City’s contractor is responsible for coordination of garbage/recycling pick-up and snow removal within the construction zone. All City services outside of the construction zone will continue as normal. The project team will monitor these activities closely during construction.

Q: Will the City’s Contractor be replacing our services to the building?

A: As part of this assignment, the City’s Contractor will be installing new water and sewer services on City of Ottawa property in areas where the watermain and sewers are to be replaced. The private services beyond the City property line will not be included in this work.

Q: I recently had my lead service replaced, do you still need to replace my service?

A: A new service will be installed to your property line, regardless of the condition of the existing service, to ensure that there are no potential points of failure (splices/connections) on your service under the roadway or sidewalk.

Q: Why are you installing traffic calming measures?

A: The intention of the traffic calming measures is to reduce traffic speeds and promote a safer corridor for all users, while maintaining the existing traffic volumes.

Q: I’m having home renovations, items delivered to my house, or I’m moving on a certain date, do I need to postpone this, or will my Contractor/Mover be able to access my house?

A: Our project team will be happy to help accommodate any resident requests and will work with the City’s Contractor to ensure minimal disruption.

Q: Who do I call if my property is damaged due to the construction activities?

A: If damage is incurred, please contact the City of Ottawa Project Manager, who will coordinate with the project team to ensure that a thorough review of the damage is undertaken. Please note that prior to construction activities commencing, a third party consultant will be hired by the Contractor to document all existing exterior conditions of homes.

Q: I have a disability, will I be able to get around the construction?

A: Under the terms and conditions of their contract, the Contractor is required to prepare a Construction Site Pedestrian Control Plan which will ensure the provision of a safe and accessible path of travel for all pedestrians through and/or around the construction site. The plan shall ensure that persons with disabilities, as well as those with increased mobility needs (parents with strollers and/or young children, elderly pedestrians using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, etc.), will be accommodated either through or around the construction site. The project team is available to review and facilitate accessibility related accommodations during construction.