Project overview
Project description
The City initiated the replacement of sanitary sewers and watermains in the area of Byron Avenue from Churchill Avenue to Hilson Avenue, Athlone Avenue from Byron Avenue to the dead end and Highcroft Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street. The replacement of the sanitary sewer and watermain is required due to the age and condition of the existing infrastructure.
Since the rehabilitation work will impact significantly the pavement area, the roads within the limits of the projects will be fully reinstated.
Project timing
Preliminary and detailed design: fall 2020 / winter 2021
Updated landscape plan (July 2022) [ 5.77 MB ]
Updated geometry and general layout (July 2022) [ 5.24 MB ]
Construction start: spring 2022
Construction completion: spring 2024
Project budget
Approved project funds to date are 14,380,000.
Public engagement
An online public information session was held in December 2020, to present the preliminary 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.
Contact information
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
Stephen Gallagher, P.Eng., PMP.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction – Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 16011
Contract Administrator
Everett McGowan
Robinson Consultants Inc.
350 Palladium Drive, Suite 210, Ottawa, ON, K2V 1A8
Tel: 613-592-6060, ext. 114
City On-Site Representative
Marko Cholich
City of Ottawa, Inspector
Tel: 613-868-0368
Contractor Representative
Todd Williams, Project Manager
AECON
Tel: 613-223-5860
Road Closure - Wesley Avenue (May 1 to September 1, 2023)
Construction on Byron Avenue, Highcroft Avenue, and Athlone Avenue is underway. This work will include the reconstruction of the watermain, sanitary sewer, portions of the storm sewer and the road. This work is being conducted to improve the aging infrastructure in your community.
To facilitate this work, Wesley Avenue from Evered Avenue to Tweedsmuir Avenue will be closed from May 1 to September 1, 2023. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period.
What: Wesley Avenue will be closed between Evered Avenue and Tweedsmuir Avenue from May 1 to September 1, 2023.
Why: The road closure is required to facilitate the construction of the sewers, watermain, sidewalks and roads.
When: The lane closure is scheduled to occur between Monday May 1 and Friday September 1.
Where: The road closure will occur on Wesley Avenue from Evered Avenue to Tweedsmuir Avenue.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, AECON, to complete the work.
Safety
During construction, it is our priority to ensure the safety of the public. We need your co-operation to make it safer for everyone, please stay clear of all construction equipment and open excavations. If applicable, please tell your children about the dangers of playing near a construction area.
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 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.
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 work, such as traffic delays, noise and dust. You may also feel vibrations due to heavy equipment operations. Vibrations from construction activities are quite common and rarely cause any problems. 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).
Construction update (March 2023)
In mid-April, the City of Ottawa will start construction on Athlone Avenue. This work will include the reconstruction of the watermain, sanitary sewer, portions of the storm sewer and the road. Construction on Byron Avenue and Highcroft Avenue will also begin in April, continuing the road work that was started in 2022. This work is being conducted to improve the aging infrastructure in your community.
What: 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 neighborhood.
When: Construction is planned to begin in mid-April 2023 and be completed in October 2023.
Where: The proposed work will occur on Byron Avenue from Churchill Avenue to Hillson Avenue, Highcroft Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street, and Athlone Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, AECON, to complete the work.
Safety
During construction, it is our priority to ensure the safety of the public. We need your co-operation to make it safer for everyone, please stay clear of all construction equipment and open excavations. If applicable, please tell your children about the dangers of playing near a construction area.
Traffic management
In order to accommodate the proposed construction on Athlone Avenue the roadway will be closed to all but local traffic. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Lane reductions on Byron Avenue and Highcroft Avenue will be required to facilitate the remaining road, cycle track and sidewalk construction on both roads. A notice to the public will be provided prior to the road closures taking place.
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 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.
Pre-construction inspection
The Contractor is required to carry out a pre-construction inspection of homes in the work area if the homeowner is in agreement. A representative from the Contractor or designate will be contacting you to schedule these inspections.
As part of this Contract, the Contractor is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until it is entirely complete as well as any damages to private property resulting from these construction activities. In the event of such occurrences, all claims for damages should be immediately reported both verbally and in writing to the Contractor and to the City’s on-site Representative. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Temporary water services
During the replacement of the watermain, water will be supplied to buildings by temporary water lines. While your property will be on this temporary service, your water usage will be estimated as the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on the past average water usage for your address. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.
Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted. Temporary water is provided for domestic consumption purposes only. If you have a private fire suppression system, it is recommended that you make arrangements with a fire protection services company in order to determine the extent of any impact. For information on minimizing your fire risk contact the City’s Fire Services at 613-580-2424, ext. 15371.
We apologize in advance for any disruptions in water service during construction. Any problems with the temporary water services can be directed to the City’s on-site representative or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.
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 work, such as traffic delays, noise and dust. You may also feel vibrations due to heavy equipment operations. Vibrations from construction activities are quite common and rarely cause any problems. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation.
Construction notice (March 2022)
Beginning in April, the City of Ottawa will begin construction on Byron Avenue, Highcroft Avenue, and Athlone Avenue. This work will include the reconstruction of the watermain, sanitary sewer, portions of the storm sewer and the road. This work is being conducted to improve the aging infrastructure in your community.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, AECON, to complete the work.
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 neighborhood.
What: The proposed work consists of the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks.
When: This work will be completed over two years. Construction is planned to begin in early April 2022 and be completed in 2023.
Where: The proposed work will occur on Byron Avenue from Churchill Avenue to Hillson Avenue, Highcroft Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street, and Athlone Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street.
Safety
During construction, it is our priority to ensure the safety of the public. We need your co-operation to make it safer for everyone, please stay clear of all construction equipment and open excavations. If applicable, please tell your children about the dangers of playing near a construction area.
Traffic management
In order to accommodate the proposed construction on Highcroft Avenue, and Athlone Avenue the roadways will be closed to all but local traffic. Byron Avenue will be reduced to one lane, supporting one way traffic only during the 2022 construction season. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. A notice to the public will be provided prior to the road closures taking place.
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 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 the plants in preparation for the construction work.
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 work, such as traffic delays, noise, dust and vibration. You may also feel vibrations due to heavy equipment operations. Vibrations from construction activities are quite common and rarely cause any problems. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation.
Pre-construction inspection
The Contractor is required to carry out a pre-construction inspection of homes in the work area if the homeowner is in agreement. A representative from the Contractor or designate will be contacting you to schedule these inspections.
As part of this Contract, the Contractor is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until it is entirely complete as well as any damages to private property resulting from these construction activities. In the event of such occurrences, all claims for damages should be immediately reported both verbally and in writing to the Contractor and to the City’s on-site Representative. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Temporary water services
During the replacement of the watermain, water will be supplied to buildings by temporary water lines. While your property will be on this temporary service, your water usage will be estimated as the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on the past average water usage for your address. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.
Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted. Temporary water is provided for domestic consumption purposes only. If you have a private fire suppression system, it is recommended that you make arrangements with a fire protection services company in order to determine the extent of any impact. For information on minimizing your fire risk contact the City’s Fire Services at 613-580-2424 ext 15371 (East) or ext 15372 (West).
We apologize in advance for any disruptions in water service during construction. Any problems with the temporary water services can be directed to the City’s on-site representative, or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.
Construction update notice (November 2021)
This notice is to advise you that, while design work for the renewal of sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks on Byron Avenue, Highcroft Avenue, and Athlone Avenue remains ongoing, construction work will commence in 2022 pending approvals and overall construction coordination. The exact timing for construction for the project will be confirmed early 2022.
What: The City of Ottawa is undertaking the design for the renewal of the infrastructure on Byron Avenue, Highcroft Avenue, and Athlone 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.
When: The design work for this project is ongoing. Construction is expected to start in spring 2022, pending approvals and overall construction coordination. The timing for the project will be confirmed closer to construction.
Where: The proposed work will occur on Byron Avenue from Churchill Avenue to Hillson Avenue, Highcroft Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street, and Athlone Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the consulting firm, Robinson Consultants Inc., to complete the design.
Further information of the plan, construction timing and impacts to the community will be shared in 2022, in advance of construction. Additionally, a notice will be supplied prior to construction inviting you to review and provide comments on the final design.
Online engagement opportunities (December 9, 2020 to January 8, 2021)
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 Byron Avenue, Highcroft Avenue, and Athlone Avenue Integrated Infrastructure Replacement by January 8, 2021.
A virtual public information session is being held on Monday December 14, 2020 at 7 pm.
Updated landscape plan (July 2022) [ 5.77 MB ]
Updated geometry and general layout (July 2022) [ 5.24 MB ]
What: The City of Ottawa is undertaking the design for the renewal of the infrastructure on Byron Avenue, Athlone Avenue, and Highcroft 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 Byron Avenue from Byron Place to Hilson Avenue, Athlone Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street, and Highcroft Avenue from Byron Avenue to Clare Street.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Q: I am a frequent user of the pedestrian facilities along Byron Avenue. How can I still access the places I love during construction?
A: Accessibility and maintaining accesses to pedestrian facilities and businesses is an important consideration for the City. Pedestrian access to homes, pedestrian facilities 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: 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 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 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 notice of planned service disruptions; however, there may be instances when unforeseen construction issues will result in water, gas and hydro disruptions. If that should occur, every effort will be made to return services as soon as possible.
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 City service will be installed to your property line, regardless of the condition of the existing City service, to ensure that there are no potential points of failure (splices/connections) on your City 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.
Q: Why is the Highcroft Avenue sewer not due for replacement?
A: As part of the development of the project charter, a condition assessment of the infrastructure in the project limits was undertaken by the City. This assessment revealed that the sewer sections on Highcroft Avenue between Clare Street and Byron Place are still in good condition and should be retained.
Q: Will pedestrians and cyclists have access through Construction?
A: Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained through the duration of Construction. Safety measures will be in place and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a safe and accessible pathway through the project limits is always provided.
Q: When will construction start/end?
A: Construction is anticipated to start Spring/Summer 2021 with an anticipated completion date of Summer 2023. Most of the major construction impacts (sewer/watermain installation, road building, sidewalk reinstatements) is expected to be completed prior to winter shutdown 2022 with the remaining work for 2023 to include final reinstatements (top lift asphalt, landscape reinstatements, etc.). Each construction season will begin following the removal of the City of Ottawa’s half load restrictions (mid Spring) and will be completed prior to cold weather conditions (late fall).
For further information about this project and/or to submit comments on the project, please contact the City project manager.