Project overview
Project description
The proposed work includes the installation of new watermains. As part of the project, tree removal will be required; the project team is working with Forestry Services and new trees will be planted as part of the landscaping plans. The purpose of the project is to provide increased capacity and reliability of drinking water supply to the Village of Manotick.
Affected areas within the project limits, all or portions thereof, include:
- Bravar Road: McLean Crescent to the cul-de-sac
- Long Island Road: Bravar Road cul-de-sac to Bridge Street
- Van Vliet Road: Bridge Street to the dead end
- Rideau River: trenchless crossing from Van Vliet dead end to Antochi Lane cul-de-sac
- Antochi Lane: cul-de-sac to Main Street
Project timing
Design: fall 2021 to summer 2023
Construction start: winter 2023-2024
Construction completion: spring/summer 2025 (final landscaping)
Project budget
Approved project funds to date are $24.9 million.
Public engagement
Two online public information sessions were held (July 2022 and 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.
Contact information
Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:
City Project Manager:
Julie Lyons, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure ServicesDesign and Construction – Municipal
Tel: 613-580-2424 ext. 13345
City’s On-Site Representative:
Derek Bekkers, Construction Technician
City of Ottawa
Cell: 613-612-9254
City’s Contract Administrator:
Katie Owens, P.Eng.
J. L. Richards & Associates Limited
Tel.: 343-804-5380
Cell: 613-806-2103
Contractor’s Representative:
Michel Noel, Project Manager
R.W. Tomlinson Limited
Cell: 613-806-2307
Night work notice (November 2024)
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project.
In order to facilitate the trenchless crossing of the Rideau River, the City of Ottawa has approved night work as outlined below.
What: Construction noise associated with the use of microtunnelling equipment, such as drill rigs, pumps, generators, etc.
Why: The trenchless crossing requires specialize equipment, which may require operation during the night. Depending on the progress and subsurface conditions found, continuous drilling may also be required.
When: Drilling operations are set to start mid-week the week of November 11 and are scheduled to be completed by early December. The schedule will be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where: Areas in and near Barney McCarney Landing and Antochi Lane.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
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 undersigned. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.
Construction disruptions
R. W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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). It is noted that the contractor has obtained a noise exemption permit to facilitate night work.
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.
Bridgeport Avenue closure (September 30 to October 4, 2024)
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project. To facilitate the installation of a new sanitary sewer, the City of Ottawa has approved the nightly closure of Bridgeport Avenue as outlined below.
What: Nightly road closure of Bridgeport Avenue.
Why: The road closure is required for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the open cut excavation and the necessary labour, materials and equipment.
When: Bridgeport Avenue, 6 pm to 6 am starting Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4, 2024. The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where: Bridgeport Avenue, from Trestle Street to Manotick Main Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Traffic impacts
During the full road closure of Bridgeport Avenue, local access will be maintained via Trestle Avenue, you will not be able to obtain access via Manotick Main Street, as the excavation will extend across the full width of Bridgeport Avenue at that location.
Local access is defined as those living or working within the limits of the road closure. All other motorists are required to follow the signed detours. The closure applies to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Property damage
As part of the contract, the contractor assumes full responsibility for the construction work until completion as well as for 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 Inspector. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Construction disruptions
R.W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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). It is noted that the contractor has obtained a noise exemption permit to facilitate night work from September 30 to October 4, 2024.
Riverside Crescent closure (September 23 to 27, 2024)
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project.
To facilitate the installation of a replacement road crossing culvert, the City of Ottawa has approved the closure of Riverside Crescent as outlined below.
What: A full road closure of Riverside Crescent.
Why: The road closure is required for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the open cut excavation and the necessary labour, materials and equipment.
When: Riverside Crescent, from Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27, 2024. The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where: Riverside Crescent, from North Riverside Drive to Long Island Road.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Traffic impacts
During the full road closure of Riverside Crescent, local access will be maintained; however, you will not be able to cross the road on the south side of the intersection with North Riverside Drive, as the excavation will extend across the full width of the road. Local access is defined as those living or working within the limits of the road closure. All other motorists are required to follow the signed detours. The closure applies to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Property damage
As part of the contract, the contractor assumes full responsibility for the construction work until completion as well as for 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 Inspector. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Construction disruptions
R.W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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).
Road closure notice: South Island Park Drive (September 6 to November 30, 2024)
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project.
To facilitate the trenchless installation of the new watermain across the Rideau River, the City of Ottawa has approved the closure of South Island Park Drive as outlined below.
What: A full road closure of South Island Park Drive.
Why: The road closure is required for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the necessary labour, materials and equipment for the trenchless operation.
When: South Island Park Drive, from Friday, September 6 to Saturday, November 30, 2024. The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where: South Island Park Drive, from South River Drive to Christopher Drive.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Traffic impacts
During the full road closure of South Island Park Drive, local access will be maintained; however, you will not be able to traverse the road between South River Drive and 5668 South Island Park Drive, as the required equipment and material will extend across the full width of the road.
Local access is defined as those living or working within the limits of the road closure. All other motorists are required to follow the signed detours. The closure applies to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Property damage
As part of the contract, the contractor assumes full responsibility for the construction work until completion as well as for 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 Inspector. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Construction disruptions
R.W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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). It is noted that the contractor has obtained a noise exemption permit to facilitate night work as required, October 1 to November 25, 2024.
Road closure notice: Long Island Road (August 23 to 26, 2024)
The City of Ottawa has commenced construction on the new watermains and associated road rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project.
To facilitate the installation of a replacement road crossing culvert, the City of Ottawa has approved the closure of Long Island Road as outlined below.
What: A full road closure of Long Island Road.
Why: The road closure is required for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the open cut excavation and the necessary labour, materials and equipment.
When: Long Island Road, 6 pm Friday, August 23 to 6 am Monday, August 26, 2024.
The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where: Long Island Road, from Cindy Hill Crescent to Cindy Hill Crescent.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Traffic impacts
During the full road closure of Long Island Road, local access will be maintained; however, you will not be able to cross the north end of Anne Robinson Park, as the excavation will extend across the full width of the road. Local access is defined as those living or working within the limits of the road closure. All other motorists are required to follow the signed detours. The closure applies to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
OC Transpo route 176 travels through the project limits; however, no impacts to the route and schedule are anticipated except for minor relocation of bus stops. Please visit octranspo.com for more information.
Property damage
As part of the contract, the contractor assumes full responsibility for the construction work until completion as well as for 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 Inspector. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Construction disruptions
R. W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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). It is noted that the contractor has obtained a noise exemption permit to facilitate night work, August 23 to 26, 2024.
Construction: excavation works, surveys, road impacts and closures (April 2024)
At the beginning of April this year, the City of Ottawa resumed pre-construction work in your community, such as topographical surveys via drones, closed circuit camera inspections, installation of erosion and sediment control measures, in advance of the construction on the new watermains and associated road and park rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project. Excavation work is now set to begin. As the project limits are quite large, you may not see work in your neighbourhood until later in the year.
Excavation work
What: Construction activity related to the installation of new watermains.
Why: The purpose of the work is to install new watermains to the village of Manotick, providing increased capacity and reliability of service to the area.
When: This work is planned to begin the week of April 29, 2024. Completion is anticipated by the end of June 2025, weather dependent.
Where: Affected areas within the project limits, all or portions thereof, include:
- Bravar Drive, from McLean Crescent to the cul-de-sac
- Long Island Road, from the pedestrian path at Bravar Drive to Bridge Street
- Bridge Street crossing Van Vliet Road, from Bridge Street to the dead-end
- Van Vliet Road, from Bridge Street to the dead-end
- Antochi Lane, from Manotick Main Street to the cul-de-sac
Due to the amount of work required, multiple crews will be working in multiple areas. Work will initially begin on Bravar Drive.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Road closures
What: Nightly road closure of Long Island Road and Van Vliet Road.
Why: A road closure is required to install the watermain across Bridge Street for the safety of the residents and workers, and to limit the impact to the travelling public.
When:
- Long Island Road, 7 pm to 6 am starting on Sunday, May 5 to Friday, May 17, 2024.
- Van Vliet Road, 7 pm to 6 am starting on Monday, May 20 to Friday, May 31, 2024
The scheduled closures may be modified as needed, for example if weather affects the schedule, or if conditions change.
Where:
- Long Island Road, from Elizabeth Avenue to Bridge Street
- Van Vliet Road, from Bridge Street to Richard Street
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Drone surveys
What: Topographic photography of the project extents to record site conditions conducted via drones.
Why: Record progress and site conditions of the project, such as changes, anomalies, etc.
When: Monthly surveys of the project are proposed on the following dates:
- Week of April 22-26
- Week of May 20-24
- Week of June 24-28
- Week of July 22-26
- Week of August 26-30
- Week of September 23-27
- Week of October 21-25
- Week of November 25-29
- Week of December 23-27
Where: Affected areas within the project limits, all or portions thereof, include:
- Bravar Drive, from McLean Crescent to the cul-de-sac
- Long Island Road, from the pedestrian path at Bravar Drive to Bridge Street
- Bridge Street crossing Van Vliet Road, from Bridge Street to the dead-end
- Van Vliet Road, from Bridge Street to the dead-end
- Antochi Lane, from Manotick Main Street to the cul-de-sac
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Traffic impacts
During the full road closure of Long Island Road, local access will be maintained. Local access is defined as those living or working within the limits of the road closure. All other motorists are required to follow the signed detours. The closure applies to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
At this time, outside of the nightly road closure described above, traffic impacts to Bravar Drive, Long Island Road, Van Vliet Road and Antochi Lane are anticipated to be limited to localized lane reductions during off-peak hours. Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained where feasible. Notice will be provided prior to additional construction outside of the trenchless river crossing.
OC Transpo route 176 travels through the project limits; however, no impacts to the route and schedule are anticipated except for minor relocation of bus stops. Please visit octranspo.com for more information.
Parks
To facilitate installation of the watermain under the Rideau River, Barney McCarney Landing will be closed to residents while construction is underway. The east side of Hilltop Park will also be closed to residents while construction in underway. The west side of Hilltop Park will remain open and can be access from Hilltop Drive.
Pre-construction survey
R.W. Tomlinson is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until the construction project is entirely completed. R.W. Tomlinson is also required by the City to carry liability insurance before any work may proceed. You may be asked by the contractor’s consultant, Paterson Group, 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, that 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.
As noted above and in previous notices to residents, R.W. Tomlinson is proposing to conduct drone surveys monthly during construction as a means of recording progress and site conditions.
Property damage
As part of the contract, the contractor assumes full responsibility for the construction work until completion as well as for 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 Inspector. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Construction disruptions
R. W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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). It is noted that the contractor has obtain a noise exemption permit to facilitate night work, May 5 to May 31, 2024.
Park closure notice (January 2024)
In mid-November 2023, the City of Ottawa began pre-construction work in your community in advance of the construction on the new watermains and associated road and park rehabilitation work as part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project. As the project limits are quite large, you may not see work in your neighbourhood until the spring/summer 2024.
This notice is to advise the community of the planned park closures required to complete the work.
What: Full closure of Barney McCarney Landing and partial closure of Hilltop Park.
Why: The closure of Barney McCarney Landing is for the safety of the residents and workers, as there is limited area to accommodate the labour, equipment and materials required to perform the trenchless crossing of the river. The partial closure (east side) of Hilltop Park is also for the safety of the residents and workers, as it will allow the storage of materials outside the road rights of way.
When:
- Barney McCarney Landing closure is planned to begin February 12, 2024.
- Hilltop Park east side closure is planned to begin in April 2024.
Where:
- Barney McCarney Landing, 5671 South Island Park Drive
- Hilltop Park, 5425 Hilltop Drive, east side with access from Long Island Drive
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson, to complete the work.
Construction disruptions
R. W. Tomlinson will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the normal 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 operation of the work. We would like to thank you in advance 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).
Online engagement opportunity #2 (March 23 to April 6, 2023)
The City of Ottawa remains committed to keeping the public informed of projects occurring in your neighbourhood and may use a variety of communication methods to update residents including but not limited to, mailed notices, ottawa.ca, in-person and online engagement opportunities.
The City of Ottawa invites you to review and provide comments on the new documents and illustrations for the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) Project by April 6, 2023. Your feedback can be submitted by email or by phone to the contact below.
Bravar Drive
Project display board #1, [ 3.60 MB ]
Project display board #2, [ 2.26 MB ]
Long Island Road
Project display board #3, [ 3.26 MB ]
Project display board #4, [ 3.40 MB ]
Project display board #5, [ 5.91 MB ]
Van Vliet Road
Project display board #6, [ 2.91 MB ]
Project display board #7, [ 6.37 MB ]
Antochi Lane
Project display board #8, [ 3.63 MB ]
Barney McCarney Landing
Project display board #9, [ 4.08 MB ]
What: The proposed work includes the installation of new watermains.
Why: The purpose of the project is to provide increased capacity and reliability of drinking water supply to the Village of Manotick.
When: The current project schedule is as follows:
- Design is expected to be completed in spring 2023
- Construction is expected to start in summer 2023
Where: Affected areas within the project limits, all or portions thereof, include:
- Bravar Drive, from McLean Crescent to the cul-de-sac
- Long Island Road, from the pedestrian path at Bravar Drive to Bridge Street
- Van Vliet Road, from Bridge Street to the dead end
- Antochi Lane, from Main Street to the cul-de-sac
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the design consulting firm, J.L. Richards & Associates Limited, to develop a design for the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project.
For further information and/or to submit comments on the project, please contact:
City Project Manager
Julie Lyons, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel.: 613-580-2424, ext. 13343
City Consultant Representative
Marshall Huband, P.Eng.
Senior Civil Engineer
J. L. Richards & Associates Limited
Tel.: 343-804-9635
Project update - Sidewalks (April 2022)
The City’s sidewalk policy in the new Official Plan states that collector roads, such as Long Island Drive, within the urban boundary require a sidewalk on both sides. Applying the City’s sidewalk policy throughout the city, the number of streets in need of a sidewalk far exceeds the funding available. Currently, as part of the update to the Transportation Master Plan, the City has identified a draft set of facilities for implementation through to 2046. The draft projects have been selected based on a prioritization assessment that looked at a variety of factors including pedestrian destinations (including schools), and compared these against traffic volumes and speeds, as well as input from previous requests and consultations. These new sidewalks are delivered annually through the City’s Pedestrian Facilities Program.
Within this community, one candidate project has been identified along the west side of Long Island Drive between Bridge Street and Elizabeth Avenue. This street was selected due to its proximity to Manotick Public School and Bracken Field Park as well as connectivity to the local road network and local bus stops. Following the current consultation period, staff intend to review all of the input that has been received and it is expected that there will be a limited number of changes to the active transportation projects that are put forward to the City's Transportation Committee for approval. Through this process we will further review your request regarding adding a sidewalk along additional sections of Long Island Drive.
Resident questions/concerns from the April 2022 online engagement session
Q1: Is there any purpose to the watermain other than providing water to the residents that front the new watermain?
A: The MWL Phase 2 watermain is being constructed to serve as a feedermain to the entire village. It is urgently needed to provide a redundant water supply to the new growth area in South Manotick (Mahogany Harbour) and to existing areas serviced by City water (Hillside Gardens and the village core). Providing the opportunity for residents fronting the main to connect to City water is a secondary benefit, as is fire protection.
Q2: How was the alignment of the new watermain chosen?
A: The City of Ottawa completed a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Manotick Watermain Link (MWL) in 2014 which assessed eight alignment options for the MWL. The preferred alternative confirmed through the Class EA process was to connect Phase 1 (which is just finishing construction at the north end of the Island) to the existing watermain on Manotick Main Street by way of Bravar Drive, Long Island Road, Van Vliet Road and Antochi Lane.
Q3: Are valve chambers underground or are they visible structures that are routinely accessed and maintained?
A: A valve chamber is an underground structure that has an access cover at the surface, flush with the asphalt. The valve chamber will not be routinely accessed.
Q4: Will access to roadways that exit the island be maintained throughout the duration of the project?
A: Barnsdale Road and Bridge Street will remain open for the duration of the project. During the time when the watermain is being installed across Bridge Street, short duration, overnight lane closures are expected.
Q5: What will the construction process be?
A: The construction staging will ultimately be at the discretion of the contractor. Typically, a trench is excavated and the new watermain pipes are laid and connected together in sequence. The trench is backfilled as the operation progresses. A trenchless crossing of the Rideau River is required between Antochi Lane and Barney McCarney Landing.
Q6: When will construction begin? Will the contractor be working and causing loud noise at 7 am? Is there a possibility to delay this project to offer residents a reprieve from the disruption the construction of MWL – Phase 1 caused?
A: Construction is expected to begin in the late spring or early summer of 2023. The City strives to feasibly mitigate construction impacts. Potential impacts will be assessed during the detailed design and mitigations will be planned as much as possible. As well, 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 executing the work, such as delays when travelling through 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. The City’s Noise By-Law (2017-255) governs the allowable hours of work for construction activity.
Q7: Will pedestrian access to David Bartlett Park be available via the Bravar Drive easement or otherwise?
A: Pedestrian access to David Bartlett Park will be available via McLean Crescent and the David Bartlett Park parking lot for the duration of the project. Construction of the MWL Phase 2 will not impact David Bartlett Park. The pathway from Bravar Drive to David Bartlett Park will be accessible for the duration of the project, except during those times when it may be necessary to restrict access to the pathway for safety reasons due to the entrance being located within the immediate work zone. It is also likely that parking will be prohibited within the work areas during construction.
Q8: Will the cost be standardized to connect a private service to the watermain, or will it vary from house to house depending on construction and installation requirements? What would the cost be to connect a private water service to the new watermain?
A: Information regarding the approximate cost of a typical connection will be provided in due course. The cost will vary depending on the location and length of the private service connection, but will include connection to the new watermain; excavation, supply, installation and backfill of the new copper water service; remediation of the disturbed area; installation of the curb stop and standpost at the property line; water connection permit fee from Drinking Water Services; frontage fee; and the blanking deposit, held by Drinking Water Services in the event the water service is not connected to the dwelling within the timeframe specified in the Connection Permit. This cost estimate will not include the private water service connecting the curb stop at the property line to the home.
Q9: Will an individual consultation take place with each homeowner that opts to connect to the watermain to clarify who pays for the work, what work will be completed (if patio stones, gardens, etc. need to be dug up, well-capping requirements and design, piping to interior through foundation and installation of water meter), and reinstatement requirements?
A: Residents will be afforded the opportunity to select the location of the curb stop and standpost in consultation with the design team. The property owner bears the entire construction cost of the private service connection from the watermain to the house. The City’s contractor assumes full responsibility for the construction work in the municipal road allowance until overall project completion as well as for any damages to private property resulting from their construction activities.
Q10: Would the City have a team to complete the private service connections, or would each homeowner need to find their own contractor? Who would be a typical contractor that could complete the private service connection from my property line to the interior of my home?
A: There are two parts to the service connection to your home. One part is on the public side of the property, and it connects the new watermain to a valve at the property line. This valve is also known as a curb stop and a standpost is placed over top so the valve can be accessed from the surface. The other part is on your private property. The line connects to the curb stop valve and runs into your home and connects the watermain to your private plumbing system. This private portion will not be part of this contract. You may contact the City’s Contractor or a contractor of your choice to complete this work. It is suggested that you obtain multiple quotes to ensure that you obtain a fair and competitive price.
There are two options available to have the public portion of the water service installed:
Option 1:
Property owners may choose to do the work by hiring their own contractor. Under this option, work cannot be undertaken until after the City’s construction contract is complete. Concurrent work on your adjacent land may create a safety hazard for the City’s Contractor and/or for your contractor. Once the City’s work is complete, property owners may install their own private water service at any time thereafter. Please keep in mind that when new asphalt is laid for the breadth of the road, there is a moratorium on road cuts, and work cannot be done underground if it impacts this newly laid asphalt.
Option 2:
Property owners may choose to have the portion of the work within the City’s road allowance completed by the City’s Contractor as part of the City’s construction work. This includes installation of the water service from the new watermain in the street to your front property line. By choosing this option, it is understood that you intend to extend the service from the front property line into your house within a specified time period. The private section of the service connection (on your property) between the front property line and your building will not be installed by the City’s Contractor as part of this contract. The property owner is responsible to extend the service within the limit of the private property and connect it to the house plumbing.
Q11: When will residents be offered to connect to the watermain?
A: Residents will be afforded the option to connect to the watermain and propose a location for the private water service connection prior to construction. Before construction begins, notices will be provided to property owners along the route.
Q12: What would the lead time to connect be? (i.e., from the time a resident opts for a connection to the time the connection is complete)
A: The physical installation of services in the right of way (under Option 2, above) will be carried out as part of the City’s construction contract. The timing of this will vary with how the Contractor chooses to stage the work. However, services will not be operational until the entire MWL Phase 2 watermain is flushed and sterilized to ensure the water meets all applicable drinking water standards before it is put into service. This may not be until 2024.
Q13: How does payment for the connection work? Will it be one lump sum payment to the City? Will it be included in property tax with interest or no interest? How long does a resident have to pay off the cost?
A: Under Option 1 (where the water service is installed after the City contract is complete), the City will collect all applicable fees in one lump sum at the time of connection. Under Option 2 (where the portion of the water service in the right of way is installed by the City’s Contractor), residents will be required to pay the entire cost of the water service in the right of way (including all applicable fees) in one lump sum at the time of construction. Under both options, residents will have to negotiate payment terms for the work carried out by their own private Contractors.
Q14: Will the public water access at Barney McCarney Landing be preserved?
A: During construction of the watermain and more specifically, the trenchless crossing of the Rideau River, it will be necessary to restrict access to Barney McCarney Landing for safety reasons. The watermain work will not affect how this public property is used in the long term.
Q15: Will there be sidewalks constructed as part of the project?
A: The City of Ottawa is currently assessing the feasibility and potential costs of a pedestrian facility on Long Island Road, between Bridge Street and West Avenue. The design for the pedestrian facility has been added to this project. If construction funding for this work is made available, the pedestrian facility, or a portion thereof, will be built in conjunction with the watermain project.
Q16: Will there be provisions or possibilities for homeowners to connect to the watermain that do not front the new watermain?
A: For those residents who are not adjacent to the alignment of the watermain but wish to connect a private service, the construction of the new watermain and private service would be undertaken through a Local Improvement initiated and funded by the benefitting residents.
Q17: Is there a future plan that will service the other properties on the island?
A: The expansion of public water will generally follow a logical sequence as shown on Annex 4 – Proposed Water Distribution Network of the Manotick Secondary Plan. The expansion of public water will be undertaken through a Local Improvement Process initiated by residents in a geographic area.
Q18: When will the expansion of watermain onto the rest of the island happen?
A: The expansion of public water services beyond this project’s construction limits will be undertaken through a Local Improvement initiated and funded by benefitting residents in a geographic area. The timing of any further watermain expansion is, therefore, entirely at the discretion of the residents. Please visit the Manotick Secondary Plan for more information.
Q19: Is there any possibility that sanitary/storm sewers will be considered for construction at the same time as the watermain?
A: There are no plans at this time to install sanitary sewers within the project limits. Because wastewater flows by gravity, downstream outlet sewers must be constructed first, with subsequent phases progressing upstream in a logical sequence. The location of the outlet sewer that crosses the River, as well as the long term phasing plan for implementation of a new municipal gravity sewer system on the Island requires that three wastewater pump stations, as well as kilometres of gravity sewers on several streets not part of the MWL Phase 2, would have to be built to provide outlets to service all of the lots fronting the MWL Phase 2 watermain.
Q20: If the Manotick Secondary Plan proceeds, would homeowners be required/forced to connect to the watermain? If so, would it still be at the cost of the homeowner or would the City cover the cost?
A: Property owners adjacent to the alignment of the new watermain will be afforded the opportunity to connect a residential service, for a fee, if they so choose. At this time, connection to the new watermain will not be required by the City.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will there be sanitary sewers installed as part of this project?
A: There are no plans at this time to install sanitary sewers within the project limits. Any questions regarding the installation of new sanitary sewers should be directed to John Bougadis, Senior Project Manager, Infrastructure Planning.
The expansion of public and wastewater services beyond the project’s study limits will be undertaken through a Local improvement initiated and funded by benefitting residents in a geographic area. Please visit the Manotick Secondary Plan for more information.
Q: Will there be sidewalks constructed as part of this project?
A: The City of Ottawa is currently assessing the feasibility and potential costs of a pedestrian facility on Long Island Road, between Bridge Street and West Avenue. The design for the pedestrian facility has been added to this project. If construction funding for this work is made available, the pedestrian facility, or a portion thereof, will be built in conjunction with the watermain project.
Q: What is the project schedule?
A: The project is currently in the detailed design stage and is expected to be completed in early spring, in anticipation of a late spring tender call. Construction will begin in summer 2023 and is expected to continue through to spring 2025 (final landscaping).
Q: Will there be an option to connect residential water services to the new watermain?
A: Property owners adjacent to the alignment of the new watermain will be afforded the opportunity to connect a residential service, for a fee, if they so choose. Information regarding the approximate cost of a typical connection will be provided in due course.
Q: Will the road be fully reconstructed as part of this project?
A: Full road reconstruction is outside the scope of this project, with the exception of Van Vliet Road between Richard Street and South River Drive, which will be fully reconstructed due to the condition of the asphalt and to improve surface drainage. Outside this area, the watermain trench will be reinstated to match current conditions.