Cambridge Street North and Christie Street combined sewer rehabilitation

Cambridge Street North (Laurier Avenue West to Christie Street) and Christie Street (Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue)
Combined sewer replacement project
Contract no. CP000312

Project description

The City of Ottawa is undertaking the upsizing of combined sewers on Cambridge Street North and Christie Street including the replacement of all sewer laterals from the main to the property line, and the replacement of 39 catch basins fitted with new inlet control devices (with odor traps). This work is being conducted to reduce the likelihood of basement flooding issues within the local neighbourhood during large storm events and will include reconstruction of the road and sidewalks.

Project timing

Late fall 2019 construction activities: Catch basin replacements between Laurier Avenue West and Primrose Avenue and sewer lateral investigations between Primrose Avenue and Christie Street.

2020 construction activities: Replacement of combined sewers, sidewalk and road reconstruction.

Spring 2021 construction activities: Final paving, installation of traffic calming measures and landscaping.

Project budget

Approved project funds are $5.2 million.

Public engagement

Two public information sessions were held, April 23 and July 3, 2019 to present the preliminary and detailed designs respectively to the public. At these sessions, attendees reviewed the design, asked questions and provided 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 special accommodation, please contact the City’s Project Manager.

COVID-19

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, including all municipal construction projects, to continue operations subject to compliance with strict public health and safety protocols. 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.

For further information or to provide comments, please contact the City’s project manager.

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
Roxanne Tubb, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel.: 613-580-2424x ext. 16741

On-Site Inspector
Ryan Holley
Site Inspector
Morrison Hershfield
2932 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 1B1
Tel.: 613-795-7221

Contractor’s Representative
Stephane Desjardins
Project Manager
Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd
308 Corduroy Road, Vars, ON K0A 3H0
Tel.: 613-808-1615

Construction notice (August 2020)

This notice is to provide an update that construction in your neighbourhood will require weekend work on Cambridge Street North between Somerset Street West and Primrose Avenue to advance the installation of new combined sewers.

What: Work will involve:

• The replacement of the combined sewers, including sewer laterals to the property line on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Christie Street, and on Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue.
• The replacement of catch basins only and the installation of inlet control devices on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Laurier Avenue West.
• Road and sidewalk reinstatement, including the installation of traffic calming measures, and surface paving.

Why: The work involves the upsizing of the combined sewers and installing inlet control devices in catch basins to reduce the risk of basement flooding during large storm events.

When: Weekend work is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2020. All work will proceed in accordance with the requirements of the Noise By-Law Exemption.

Where: Cambridge Street North between Somerset Street West and Primrose Avenue.

Who: The City has retained the contractor, Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

Traffic Impacts

There are no changes to the current traffic impacts put in place in June 2020. Pedestrian, cycling and local traffic for property access will be maintained throughout the construction period with signed detours provided when it is necessary to close sidewalks.

Parking

As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress on your street, on-street parking will be restricted. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted due to construction activities, a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be distributed to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.

Construction Disruptions

Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd. 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 delays when travelling around the construction zone, 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 in advance for your patience and co-operation.

Property Damage Caused by Construction Activities

The contractor is fully responsible for any damage to private property as a result of their construction activities. If you think that damage has occurred to your property as a result of construction, please contact the General Contractor directly.

Construction notice (February 2020)

Beginning in mid February 2020, the City of Ottawa will begin work on Christie Street between Bronson Avenue and Cambridge Street North. This work is being conducted to rehabilitate the combined sewers and roadway in your community.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

Why: The work involves the upsizing of the combined sewers and installing inlet control devices in catch basins to reduce the risk of basement flooding during large storm events.

What: Work will involve:

• The replacement of the combined sewers, including sewer laterals to the property line on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Christie Street, and on Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue.
• The replacement of catch basins only and the installation of inlet control devices on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Laurier Avenue West.
• Road and sidewalk reinstatement, including the installation of traffic calming measures, and surface paving.

When: The replacement of the combined sewers beginning mid February 2020 followed by sidewalk and road reconstruction, with final paving and landscaping in Spring 2021.

Where: The work will be conducted on Cambridge Street North between Laurier Avenue West and Christie Street, as well as along Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue.

Traffic Impacts

During the construction period, Cambridge Street North and Christie Street will be closed. Pedestrian, cycling and local traffic for property access will be maintained throughout the construction period with signed detours provided when it is necessary to close sidewalks.

Parking

The contractor is obligated to provide notification 24 hours before temporary loss of access/egress. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted due to construction activities, a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be distributed to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.

Construction notice (October 2019)

Beginning in late fall 2019, the City of Ottawa will begin work in your neighbourhood with additional work taking place in 2020. This work is being conducted to rehabilitate the combined sewers and roadway in your community.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd., to complete the work.

Why: The work involves the upsizing of the combined sewers and installing inlet control devices in catch basins to reduce the risk of basement flooding during large storm events.

What: Work will involve:

• The replacement of the combined sewers, including sewer laterals to the property line on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Christie Street, and on Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue.
• The replacement of catch basins only and the installation of inlet control devices on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Laurier Avenue West.
• Road and sidewalk reinstatement, including the installation of traffic calming measures, and surface paving.

When:

2019:

• The replacement of catch basins on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Laurier Avenue West.
• Sewer lateral investigations between Primrose Avenue East and Christie Street.

2020:

• The replacement of the combined sewers, sidewalk and road reconstruction, with final paving and landscaping in Spring 2021.

Where: The work will be conducted on Cambridge Street North between Laurier Avenue West and Christie Street, as well as along Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue.

Traffic impacts

During the 2019 construction period, Cambridge Street North will be reduced to one lane of traffic. During the 2020 construction period, the following roads will be closed except for local access: Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue, and Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Christie Street. Additionally, Primrose Avenue and Somerset Street West will each require lane closures to complete intersection work. Pedestrian, cycling and local traffic for property access will be maintained throughout the construction period with signed detours provided when it is necessary to close sidewalks.

Impact on the right of way and adjacent private properties

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

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 delays when travelling around the construction zone, noise and dust. You may feel vibrations at your home or business due to the use of the heavy equipment needed to complete this work. This is quite common and not usually a problem.

Parking

The contractor is obligated to provide notification 24 hours before temporary loss of access / egress. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted due to construction activities, a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be distributed to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.

Pre-construction survey

Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd. is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until the construction project is entirely completed. The contractor is also required by the City to carry liability insurance before any work may proceed. You may be asked by the contractor’s representative for permission to survey your property before the work commences, as contractors typically conduct pre-construction inspections to document existing conditions for their own purposes. It is to your benefit to allow the inspection to be conducted on your property, as it may assist with establishing the impact, if any; construction has had at your property after work is complete. In addition, you may wish to complete your own survey of pre-construction conditions on your property. Your survey should include photographs.

Private sewer services

One element of the reconstruction project is the replacement of the sewer pipe that provides drainage from your property, known as the “sewer service.” The sewer service extends from the combined sewer to your building. Part of the sewer service is located within the City’s property and part of the sewer service is located on your private property. This reconstruction project will replace that part of the sewer service that is located on the City-owned property. The City will only replace the City-owned portion of the sewer service between the combined sewer and your front property line. This will be done at no cost to you. The private section of the sewer service (on your property) between the front property line and your building is known as the private sewer service. The private sewer service will not be replaced as part of the City project.

Comment – Provide a sleeve service for 181 Cambridge on the account of a very large Silver Maple Tree.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – This is currently the planned approach for this service.

Comment – Have City co-own Silver Maple Tree.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Determination of tree ownership is not part of the scope of works, however, this inquiry can be forwarded to the appropriate city department.

Comment – Drop off (2) Services, (1) for sanitary, (1) for sump pump.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – The scope of work is to replace existing active services to the property line. Only combined sewer service replacement for each property is included in this project. This request to provide a separate service to the property line for sump pump will be forwarded to City AMB for consideration.

Comment – Move the double CB’s located north of MH 07 to a point downstream (south) of MH 07. The pipe has a slightly steeper slope here.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Noted, since the Info Session the sewer profile has been adjusted to be essentially the same on both sides of the MH. In order to avoid conflicts with existing utilities and services the CB will remain north of the MH, but will be converted to a single surface inlet.

Comment – When estimating flows in the sewer, should account for infill/intensification. The new developments increase imperviousness and usually connect directly to the sewer. As it is now the section of Cambridge from Christie has no CB’s.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Noted, a population projection exercise has been undertaken by planning staff to account for intensification in the design. Impervious percentages are already quite high within this sewer reach (i.e. c-values of 0.7 to 0.8+), and future large developments will be required to control stormwater on site to pre-development conditions in accordance with current standards.

Comment – Make sure CB’s have ICD’s. I didn’t see them on the cross-sections.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – All catch basins within the projects will be fitted with inlet control devices complete with odour traps.

Comment – Please keep the dead-end south of Somerset.
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – This is currently the planned approach.

Comment – Is it possible to look at supporting documents, reports/other drawings?
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – Please contact the City Project Manager directly.

Comment – Requested the results of the traffic and road use survey.
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – Please contact the City Project Manager directly.

Comment – Had sewer service lateral replaced 10 years ago. Water is now draining into the basement through the asphalt and service trench. Hoping that a note is made of this and that the new asphalt will resolve the problem.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Noted, all roadway asphalt and sidewalks will be replaced, and road surface drainage improved. If this issue is as a result of conditions on private property, it will not be corrected as it is outside the limits of this project.

Comment – Welcome the wider sidewalks but concerned for snow removal (often limited to one lane after any significant snowfall).
Number of Respondents – 3
Response – The planned 8.5m road platform (with wider sidewalks) is as per the City standard for local roadways. With the exception of the “Woonerf” area, snowplowing and snow removal operations should therefore be in keeping with standard practice for local roadways.

Comment – The assertion that narrow streets result in slower traffic is absurd, as is the assessment that Cambridge North has “low traffic volume”.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Traffic Volumes from October 2018 showed 17 vehicles traveling north and 83 vehicles traveling south along Cambridge Street North over a 24-hour period. Roadway narrowings (including lane narrowings) are an identified traffic calming measure in the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Canadian Guide to Traffic Calming.

Comment – Traffic calming needs to be dealt with. Continues to be high traffic volumes with people looking for parking and speeding (especially after finding the dead end).
Number of Respondents – 3
Response – Traffic calming measures are being implemented as part of this project, including lane narrowings, and the addition of speed humps and a mid-block curb extension.

Comment – Parking issues need to be dealt with.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Appropriate signage will be placed along the project limits to clearly identify legal parking limits.

Comment – Pleased to hear the street is getting an infrastructure upgrade with a complete repave of the road.
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – Noted.

Comment – Additional traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and/or bump-out would be a useful addition. Measures beyond street narrowing should be considered as permanent solutions.
Number of Respondents – 5
Response – Additional traffic calming measures are being implemented as part of this project. Two speed humps will be installed within the Christie to Somerset block of Cambridge Street North, also with a mid-block curb extension (narrowing). Speed cushions will also be installed at the north (entrance) end of the woonerf (which will be reinstated with this project).

Comment – A traffic study, formal or informal would be helpful for the City to observe the extent of local traffic.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Noted, based on traffic counts and observations, the City is planning to reinstate existing traffic calming measured, and install additional traffic measures (in particular, between Christie and Somerset).

Comment – Welcome the wider sidewalk, however skeptical that the narrower road will reduce speeding on my block.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – The 8.5m recommended road width is as per the City standard for local roadways. Roadway narrowings (including lane narrowings) are an identified traffic calming measure in the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Canadian Guide to Traffic Calming.

Comment – Concerned that more water flowing south down the hill will cause flooding at the low point of the street in front of 275 Cambridge St. N.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Catch basins will be installed at appropriate spacing and locations within Cambridge Street North. It is however acknowledged that inlet control devices (ICDs) will be installed in the catch basins to limit inflows to the capacity of the receiving sewer system. Overland flow will however continue down Cambridge Street North (south of Christie) towards Gladstone.

Comment – If I need to redo my sewer line from basement, do I need to complete this work ahead of City’s work, or after, or doesn’t matter? If our sewer line needs to be laid down first, is there a depth range I need to follow? Who is responsible to connect our sewer line to City’s?
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – The City contractor will replace/rehabilitate all active sewer services up to the limit of the ROW. Timing of any works on private property are entirely up to the property owner, however based on past projects it is usually easier done after the City’s work is completed, in order to avoid conflicts, etc. In rare situations, the City’s awarded contractor may be open to doing the private work for the homeowner at the same time as the City’s works, however they often do not want to do this work. With regards to depth, the services drain by gravity, so they usually have to be installed at the same depth as existing. There are some cases where the City’s contractor will lower the service a bit, if they find it is not deep enough currently.

Comment – It does not make sense to put in concrete sidewalks (for the woonerf). Leave the entire surface as asphalt.
Number of Respondents – 5
Response – This is currently the planned approach. The surface will be asphalt.

Comment – Keep stamped asphalt pattern (in the woonerf).
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – A stamped asphalt will be reinstated within the woonerf section of Cambridge Street North.

Comment – Please keep the trees if possible.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Protection measures will be implemented during construction to ensure trees are impacted as little as possible. Please note that trees within the woonerf will need to be removed to construct the new sewer. New tree will be planted in their place.

Comment – Please provide a version of the design for the woonerf that includes 1) the existing as-built dimensions (esp. clear width for vehicles), and 2) proposed new dimensions with new planters.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – The proposed planters in the woonerf have been sized to maintain the required clear widths throughout. A 2.0m wide clearance along the outer edges of the roadway is being proposed at planter locations. This is currently 1.5m to 1.8m wide.

Comment – Please circulate landscape plans showing plant types for the woonerf planters (consider hosting a block meeting with the Councillor because residents are very interested in this).
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – An inventory of the existing plantings within the woonerf and curb extensions has been completed. Areas that will be impacted will be reinstated with plantings to match existing or better (as appropriate).

Comment – Please do not do removals for the planters until construction begins on our block (Woonerf).
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Provisions will be included in the contract to ensure the Contractor does not undertake woonerf removals until work is set to begin within the block.

Comment – Please be aware and consider accessibility for the residents of Bruyère Long-term care, who use various mobility devices. Please consider meeting with and consulting the residents of Bruyère directly.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Noted. The design adheres to the City of Ottawa Accessibility Design guidelines. Requirements for safe passage of pedestrians will be included in the construction contract as a requirement of the awarded Contract.

Comment – It strikes me as odd that the planter size is being diminished so as to widen the sidewalks when the entire woonerf is meant to be a place that is less friendly to car traffic and better for pedestrians and cyclists! We are being told that this is also so that the road way is kept as wide as to not impede traffic. We want traffic impeded!
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Clear space for vehicles to navigate the woonerf will be unchanged. The space on the back side of the planters will be increased to 2.0m, from the current 1.5m to 1.8m. Although we acknowledge the woonerf is a shared space, this small increase in space behind the planters is a requirement of City Transportation Planning, as the resulting space will comply with current standards.

Comment – I am concerned that landscaping that I have done in my front yard will inevitably be ripped up and up to this point no one has approached myself or neighbours. We have also planted perennials in the main planters.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Prior to construction, a site investigation will be completed which includes a photographic inventory to document the pre-construction condition of all landscaping items. Any private landscaping or gardens that are impacted by the work will be reinstated, however, the City encourages homeowners to temporarily relocate any special plants, flowers, etc. that are located in gardens on City property until construction is complete.

Comment – Proposed street narrowing and sidewalk widening. Great
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Noted.

Comment – Narrow pavement width at Bulb-outs at Primrose and Christie. The existing bulb-out at Primrose, designed by the City as part of the Woonerf and the 1994 Somerset Heights Traffic Calming Plan, restricts the pavement width to about 6m. This is to discourage traffic from even turning on to Christie. While perhaps not "best practice" it has been effective these many years. The new bulb-outs at both Christie and Primrose should maintain this asphalt width.
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – The narrowed pavement widths at Primrose and Christie will remain the same as existing.

Comment – Provide a bulb-out in front of 188-192, to provide visual obstruction. Arthur St which was reduced from 11 to 9m some years ago has two such bulb outs.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – A mid-block curb extension (bulb-out) is proposed in front of 184-186 Cambridge Street North.

Comment – Trees in all bulb-outs.
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – Trees will be planted in curb extensions where deemed appropriate, given space, location (site lines), maintenance, etc.

Comment – Road Closure Redesign – There are three important criteria behind the community's push to replace the present design. One is aesthetics. Another is to have a design of sufficient visual mass, so that it is apparent that it is closed, when seen from Christie. There is also a desire for a visual separation of the noise and bustle of Somerset St from the Cambridge St's residential character. And, of course, bicycle passage is necessary.
Number of Respondents – 2
Response – The proposed design is in keeping with City Standards for road closures where emergency vehicles may require passage. The design will provide improved aesthetics and safe passage for cyclists, while also improving visibility for vehicles approaching from the south. In consultation with Ottawa Fire Services, it has been confirmed that space for passage of emergency vehicles is a necessity at this location, and therefore a hard feature closure across the entire width of the street is not an option.

Comment – Representations were made at the public meeting that the closure had to be permeable for emergency vehicles. There are many, many dead-end streets throughout the city where this obviously doesn't apply. As well there are many closures of formerly through streets which are permeable only to pedestrians and bicycles. (e.g. Elm and Spruce between Preston St. and City Centre St.)
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Ottawa Fire Services does not support a permanent obstruction of this location. As per OBC 3.2.5.6., a dead-end more than 90m from a crossing street (this is approximately 150m from Christie) requires a turnaround to be provided. As a turnaround cannot be provided at this location, the closure must allow access for emergency vehicles.

Comment – Discreet bollards needed at very outside edges of sidewalk; similar to existing. The present ones had to be added due to drivers mounting the present 1.5m sidewalk to circumvent the closure. Even more necessary for a 2m sidewalk.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Bollards will be installed on both sides of the roadway and concrete planter boxes will be installed between the sidewalk and the bicycle ride over on both sides of the roadway to prevent motorists from maneuvering around the road closure.

Comment – Snow clearing operations usually leave a hill of snow across the present closure. This causes a large lake of water across the road and even sidewalks. Locating a catch basin just uphill of the closure might be wise.
Number of Respondents – 1
Response – Comment noted, and will be passed on to operations for their information.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cambridge Street Community Public School, Library
250 Cambridge Street North
Ottawa, ON

Welcome

Welcome to the public information session for the Cambridge Street North and Christie Street combined sewer rehabilitation project. This is an opportunity for you to learn about the project and provide input on existing conditions, preliminary design, and construction traffic management.

Please feel free to view the presentation material. Should you have any questions regarding the material, or any other aspects of the project, please speak to any of the City staff or Consultant team members in attendance.

We encourage you to provide your comments in writing. Comment sheets are available at the registration desk. Please deposit completed forms in the comment box or mail/fax/email to the address at the bottom of the form.

Finally, we ask that you record your attendance on the sign-in sheet.

Project location plan [ PDF – 190 KB ]

Goals and objectives of the public information session

The goals of this meeting are to:

• introduce the project to the general public
• explain the scope of the project
• present the preliminary design details for the project (both surface and underground features)
• identify areas for further review and next steps
• obtain your comments

Project contacts

Project related inquiries can be directed towards:

Roxanne Tubb, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction Municipal Branch
Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department
City of Ottawa
100 Constellation Drive, 6th Floor
Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Telephone: 613-580-2424 ext. 16741

Nathan Quinn, P. Eng.
Project Manager - Public Sector Engineering
Novatech
240 Michael Cowpland Drive
Ottawa, ON K2M 1P6
Telephone: 613-254-9643

What is the City doing?

The City of Ottawa has identified a requirement to replace the combined sewers on Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue East and Christie Street (a length of approximately 410 metres) and Christie Street between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue (approximately 60 metres). The Design and Construction Branch of the City of Ottawa Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department has retained the services of Novatech to manage and complete the required engineering efforts.

Included in the scope of the project is:

• combined sewer replacement within Cambridge Street North (from Primrose Avenue East to Christie Street) and Christie Street (from Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue)
• sewer service replacement to the property line
• replacement of all older style catch basins and installation of inlet control devices (complete with odour traps) in all catch basins within the project limits
• varying road reinstatement works throughout the project limits

Why is the City doing the work?

Combined sewer replacement

The project area is primarily serviced by combined sewers which capture both sanitary (i.e. building sewage) and storm (i.e. rainfall/precipitation) drainage. The project involves the upsizing of the combined sewers and installing inlet control devices to catch basins to reduce the risk of basement flooding during large storm events.

Basement flooding issues have been reported to occur at some properties within the project limits during large storm events. In response to these flooding reports, the City of Ottawa carried out a hydraulic/hydrologic analysis of the combined sewer system on Cambridge Street North from Laurier Avenue West to Christie Street, and on Christie Street from Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue. The objective of the analysis was to reduce the hydraulic grade line (HGL) of the sewer system within the project limits, in order to reduce the likelihood of basement flooding issues within the local neighbourhood during large storm events.

Based on the findings of the analysis, it was determined that the combined sewer along Cambridge Street North (between Primrose Avenue and Christie Street) and Christie Street (between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue) required upsizing, installation at an increased depth, and inlet control devices to be installed in catch basins to restrict inflows to the capacity of the receiving sewer system.

It is noted that since these street segments fall within the City of Ottawa Ultimate Combined Sewer Area (UCSA), a solution whereby the existing combined sewer is replaced with separate storm and sanitary sewers was not a candidate for this project.

Road works

Due to the location and extent of the sewer works, the existing roadways will be significantly impacted and require reinstatement. This also provides the opportunity to make some modifications to roadway components to help calm traffic and provide additional sidewalk width for pedestrians. For each street segment, the following road works are proposed:

Cambridge Street North

• Laurier Avenue to Primrose Avenue
  • Road works are limited to trench reinstatement for catch basin replacements, followed by a full width mill and pave.
• Primrose Avenue to North Limit of Woonerf
  • Within this section, the pavement width is being reduced from 10.5 metres to 8.5 metres, and sidewalks widened to 2.0 metres (monolithic concrete) on both sides of the street. The resulting back of sidewalk alignment will be shifted inwards by approximately 0.5 metres due to the pavement width reduction.
• Woonerf Section (within the Primrose Avenue to Somerset Street block)
  • See Woonerf section below for further details.
• South Limit of Woonerf to Somerset Street
  • Within this section, the pavement width is being reduced from 10.5 metres to 8.5 metres, and sidewalks widened to 2.0 metres (monolithic concrete) on both sides of the street. The resulting back of sidewalk alignment will be shifted inwards by approximately 0.5 metres due to the pavement width reduction.
• Somerset Street to dead end condition (30 metres south of Somerset Street)
  • In this section, the pavement width is maintained at a consistent 10.5 metres so to not encumber trucks that need to access buildings on both sides of the street for deliveries. 2.0 metre monolithic concrete sidewalks will be provided on both sides of the street.
• Dead end treatment (30 metres south of Somerset Street)
  • See Dead End Treatment section below for further details.
• Dead end condition (30 metres south of Somerset Street) to Christie Street
  • Within this section, the pavement width is being reduced from 10.5 metres to 8.5 metres, and sidewalks widened to 2.0 metres (monolithic concrete) on both sides of the street. The resulting back of sidewalk alignment will be shifted inwards by approximately 0.5 metres due to the pavement width reduction.

Christie Street

• Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue
  • The road and sidewalk reinstatements will be limited to the portions impacted by to the sewer works. Due to the required sewer alignment and anticipated impacted area, Christie Street will roughly require a half road reconstruction (north side).

Woonerf and dead end treatment

Woonerf

Within the mid-block portion of Cambridge Street North between Primrose Avenue and Somerset Street is a unique treatment known as a “woonerf”, which is a Dutch term meaning “living street”. The woonerf, which acts to calm traffic, was implemented in the late 1990's by the City Traffic Department as an outcome of a traffic management study in the Somerset Heights area.

Within the woonerf section, the following road works are proposed:

• The pavement driving surface width is to remain largely the same as existing, with the clear space being 4.5 metres at its narrowest. 2.0 metre monolithic concrete sidewalks are proposed on both sides of the street in a continuous depressed condition (flush with the asphalt).
• The planters are proposed to be reinstated to mainly match the existing conditions, but narrowed slightly to accommodate the increased sidewalk width.

Dead end treatment

In order to improve the aesthetics of the current dead end treatment, curb extensions are proposed to narrow the driving platform in the middle of the roadway to 4.5 metres, with bollards on each side which would support necessary “checkerboard“ signs.

The curb extensions would be designed to be “ride over” for cyclists. In the 1 metre space created on each side of the roadway from the transition from a 10.5 metre driving platform to an 8.5 metre platform, approximately 610 millmetres wide x 457 millemetres high precast planters with exposed aggregate finish are proposed. These planters will act to prevent vehicles from driving onto the curb extensions to slip around the dead-end condition.

Proposed design elements

Existing/proposed conditions

Street	Road width (existing)	Road width (proposed)	Sidewalk width (existing)	Sidewalk width (proposed)	Parking restrictions (existing)	Parking restrictions (proposed)
Cambridge Street North (Laurier Avenue West to Primrose Avenue East)	10.5m	10.5m	1.5m	1.5m	no parking on the west side	no parking on the west side
Cambridge Street North (Primrose Avenue East to Woonerf (75m south of Primrose Avenue))	10.5m	8.5m	1.5m	2.0m	no parking on the west side	no parking on the west side
Cambridge Street North (Woonerf (75m south of Primrose Avenue to 50m north of Somerset Street))	4.5m (minimum)	4.5m (minimum)	none	2.0m	no parking on the east and west sides	no parking on the east and west sides
Cambridge Street North (Woonerf (50m north of Somerset Street) to Somerset Street West)	10.5m	8.5m	1.5m	2.0m	no parking on the west side	no parking on the west side
Cambridge Street North (Somerset Street West to dead end, approximately 30m south of Somerset Street)	10.5m	9.5m	1.5m	2.0m	no parking on the east side	no parking on the east side
Cambridge Street North (dead end to Christie Street)	10.5m	8.5m	1.5m	2.0m	east side: no parking 40m south of dead end to dead end west side: no parking on the west side	east side: no parking 40m south of dead end to dead end west side: no parking on the west side
Christie Street (Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue)	8.5m	8.5m	2.0m	2.0m	no parking on the south side	no parking on the south side

Proposed design elements [ PDF – 5.77 MB ]

Plan and profile

Existing/proposed pipe conditions

Street	Diameter  (existing)	Diameter (proposed)	Length (existing)	Length (proposed)	Slope (%) (existing)	Slope (%) (proposed)	Depth to invert at upstream manhole (existing)	Depth to invert at upstream manhole (proposed)
Cambridge Street North (Primrose Avenue to Somerset Street)	375mm	450mm	7.01m	7.01m	0.14	1.00	3.25m	3.35m
Cambridge Street North (Primrose Avenue to Somerset Street)	375mm	450mm	97.7m	101.7m	0.86	1.25	3.31m	3.51m
Cambridge Street North (Primrose Avenue to Somerset Street)	375mm	525mm	109.1m	80.2m	1.14	1.11	2.60m	3.32m
Cambridge Street North (Primrose Avenue to Somerset Street)	new pipe	525mm	new pipe	28.32m	new pipe	1.09	new manhole	3.52m
Cambridge Street North (Somerset Street to Christie Street)	new pipe	600mm	new pipe	18.64m	new pipe	1.30	3.29m	3.92m
Cambridge Street North (Somerset Street to Christie Street)	375mm	600mm	118.8m	100.5m	1.24	1.25	new manhole	4.81m
Cambridge Street North (Somerset Street to Christie Street)	375mm	600mm	88.6m	82.78m	2.03	1.30	2.36m	4.05m
Cambridge Street to Christie Street	new pipe	600mm	new pipe	9.83m	new pipe	1.42	new manhole	3.02m
Christie Street (Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue)	450mm	600mm	62m	54.93m	1.01	1.51	new manhole	3.14m

Plan and profile [ PDF – 9.94 MB ]

What to expect during construction

Vehicular traffic

Due to the local road classification and low traffic volumes along Cambridge Street North and Christie Street, it has been determined that the road will be closed to “Local Traffic Only” during construction.

It is anticipated that the Cambridge Street/Somerset Street intersection will be closed for a 3-day period beginning on a Friday evening and re-opening on a Monday morning to facilitate the works within the intersection.

It is anticipated that the Cambridge Street/Primrose Avenue intersection will be closed for a 5-day period beginning on a Wednesday and re-opening on a Monday morning to facilitate the works within the intersection and catch basin installation between Laurier Avenue and Primrose Avenue.

Site pedestrian control and access

A minimum of one continuous sidewalk will be maintained at all times on each street within the contract limits. The Contractor is required to provide suitable pedestrian access for residents to their dwellings at all times. This may require the use of temporary measures as deemed necessary.

Vehicle access to entrances

The contractor is required to provide vehicle access for all existing entrances/private approaches and ensure that all driving surfaces are maintained and are operational. All vehicle access to existing entrances/private approaches must be fully operational once the construction for the day is completed, unless the owner of the property has provided consent to allow the access to remain closed.

Parking

On-street parking may be removed along Cambridge Street North (between Primrose Avenue and Christie Street) and Christie Street (between Cambridge Street North and Bronson Avenue) to facilitate construction.

Project timeline

• Preliminary design - November 2018
• Detailed design - May 2019
• Tender opens - May 2019
• Tender closes - June 2019
• Construction period - July to December 2019
• Anticipated substantial completion of construction - December 2019
• Anticipated completion - late spring/early summer 2020

Closing

Thank you for attending this public information session.

You can remain involved in the Cambridge Street North and Christie Street combined sewer rehabilitation project by:

• providing a written comment sheet
• contacting City staff or consultant staff at any time during the construction of this project.

Any of our representatives can assist you in completing the above activities.

The City of Ottawa has commenced design work for the replacement of combined sewers on Cambridge Street North and Christie Street. This work is being conducted to reduce the likelihood of basement flooding issues within the local neighbourhood.

Who: Novatech Engineering Consultants has been retained by the City of Ottawa to develop a design for a construction contract scheduled to start during summer 2019.

Why: The neighbourhoods in the vicinity of the project are primarily serviced by combined sewers capturing sanitary and storm drainage. The project involves the upsizing of the combined sewers and installing inlet control devices to catch basins to reduce the risk of basement flooding during large storm events.

What: The work is limited to the replacement of the combined sewers, including sewer laterals to the property line, with trench reinstatement and surface paving. The watermain within the project limits is in good condition and not scheduled for replacement. As part of the design process, investigative works will be undertaken within the municipal right of way. These works include, but may not be limited to; boreholes for geotechnical/ environmental investigations, utility locates, and manhole/catch basin investigations.

Where:

Combined sewer replacement with trench reinstatements:

• Cambridge Street North - Primrose Avenue to Christie Street
• Christie Street - Cambridge Street North to Bronson Avenue

Catch basin replacements only:

• Cambridge Street North - Laurier Avenue West to Primrose Avenue

When: Design work will include field investigations this fall/winter. The design is expected to be completed by spring of 2019, with construction scheduled to begin in late spring of 2019 and run through to the end of fall 2019; with some reinstatement works carrying over into spring 2020. This schedule will be confirmed during the detailed design stage.

Environmental assessment/public involvement

The Cambridge Street North and Christie Street combined sewer rehabilitation project is considered a Schedule A+ Project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, published by the Municipal Engineers Association. Schedule A+ projects are pre-approved; however, the public may direct comments to City Staff during the course of the design process.

Contact information

For any emergency outside normal working hours on weekdays and weekends, please call the City at 3-1-1.

For further information about this project, please contact:

Roxanne Tubb, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction Municipal Branch
Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 16741

Nathan Quinn, P.Eng.
Project Manager – Public Sector Engineering
Novatech
240 Michael Cowpland Drive
Ottawa, ON K2M 1P6
Tel.: 613-254-9643, ext. 293