2020 Integrated renewal: Huron Avenue and Caroline Avenue

Project description

The City of Ottawa is undertaking rehabilitation of select street segments within the Westboro Community. The overall objective of this project is to provide the design and construction for the rehabilitation of the aging sanitary sewers, watermains and road infrastructure on Huron Avenue and Caroline Avenue between Wellington Street and Scott Street.  

The project limits include:    

• Huron Avenue, from Wellington Street to Scott Street
• Caroline Avenue, from Wellington Street to Scott Street

Project timing

Design: completed
Design completion: spring 2023
Construction:

• Caroline Avenue - started in July 2023 with final landscaping completed in spring/summer 2024
• Huron Avenue N - started in April 2024 with final paving and landscaping to be completed in spring 2025

Project budget

Approved project funds to date are $1,730,000. Additional project funding to be received as part of the 2023 Budget.

Public engagement

A public information session was held on April 4, 2023, to present the preliminary design drawings to the public. At that time the public was able to review the design, ask questions and provide comments 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. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

Safety

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

For any emergency outside normal working hours, please call the City at 3-1-1.
For general project information, please contact the City’s Project Manager. 
For construction related questions or concerns, please contact the Contractor Representatives.

City Project Manager
Andrew Pulsifer, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel.: 613-580-2424, ext. 21712

City On-Site Representative
Ziad Makdessi, P.Eng.
Civil Field Inspector
J.L. Richards & Associates Limited
Tel.: 613-227-9422

Contract Administrator
Adam Smith, P.Eng.
J.L. Richards & Associates Limited
Tel.: 343-804-9369

Contractor Representatives
Stéphane Desjardins, P.Eng.
Project Manager
Louis W. Bray Construction Limited
Tel.: 613-808-1615

Renzo Burri, Site Superintendent
Louis W. Bray Construction Limited
Tel.: 613-899-6860

In April 2024, the City of Ottawa will resume construction for replacement of underground sewers and watermains, and full road reconstruction in your neighbourhood.

What: The contractor will complete the remaining works along Caroline Avenue, which includes:

• Outstanding concrete sidewalk reinstatements
• Driveway reinstatements
• Final landscaping
• Final lift of asphalt
• Traffic calming measures

The contractor will also complete the following works along Huron Avenue North:

• Replacement of all existing watermains and most sanitary sewers on Huron Avenue N between Scott Street and Wellington Street West (excluding the Spencer Street intersection).
• Replacement of all water and sewer services to the property line.
• Reconstruction of the roads including replacement and widening of existing sidewalks on both sides of the street to between 1.8m and 2.0m.
• Updated road geometry and new traffic calming features.

Why: This work is required to improve the aging infrastructure and system reliability.

Where: The streets included as par of this project are:

• Huron Avenue N from Scott Street to Wellington Avenue W
• Caroline Avenue from Scott Street to Wellington Avenue W

When: Construction on Huron Avenue North is expected to begin in April 2024 with final paving and landscaping expected to be completed in 2025. Remaining work on Caroline Avenue is expected to begin in late April / early May 2024. Note that the contractor may elect to use portions of the roadway on Caroline Avenue for temporary storage of materials and equipment in 2024 while the construction on Huron Avenue North is underway.

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

Traffic management

To accommodate the proposed construction, Huron Avenue N and Caroline Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic while construction is taking place on those streets. The intersections of Huron Avenue N and Caroline Avenue at Spencer Street will remain open although some short duration disruptions within the intersections may be required to accommodate certain parts of the work.

Access to private properties, in addition to pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period.

On-street parking and local access

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

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

Impact on 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 move them in preparation for the construction work.

Lawn irrigation systems

If you own a subsurface lawn irrigation system, please notify the City Project Manager identified below.

Pre-construction inspection

The contractor is required to carry out interior and exterior pre-construction inspections of consenting homes on Huron Avenue North. The purpose of the pre-construction survey is to document current building and landscape conditions before construction commences. A representative from the contractor will be contacting you about these inspections.

The contractor already completed pre-construction inspections of consenting homes on Caroline Avenue in 2023.

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 completed. In addition, you may wish to complete your own survey of pre-construction conditions on your property. Your survey should include photographs.

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. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.

Temporary water services

During the replacement of the watermain on Huron Avenue North, water will be supplied to buildings by temporary water lines. While your property is 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 regarding your water bill, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or by email at WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted due to temporary water lines. 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 on-site representative or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.

Private house services

If your house/building was built prior to 1955, there is a possibility that your private water service may have been constructed using lead pipe (modern pipes are copper or HDPE). For those homes with a lead water pipe supplying water to the water meter, there is information regarding the City’s Lead Pipe Replacement Program available on the City’s website, ottawa.ca/leadpipes, or call 3-1-1.

Due to the age of buried infrastructure in this neighbourhood, it is possible that homeowners or the City have already replaced the sewer and water services (or a portion thereof) to certain homes. If all or a portion of the sewer and/or water services to your home have been replaced recently, please notify the City Project Manager.

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).

The work on this project has concluded for the 2023 construction season. The contractor will resume work in the spring of 2024, which will require local disruptions on Huron Avenue North and Caroline Avenue over the 2024 construction season.

What: The 2024 work involves:

Huron Avenue North: 

• Replacement of all existing watermains and most sanitary sewers on Huron Avenue N between Scott Street and Wellington Street West (excluding the Spencer Street intersection).
• Replacement of all water and sewer services to the property line.
• Reconstruction of the roads including replacement and widening of existing sidewalks on both sides of the street to between 1.8m and 2.0m.
• Updated road geometry and new traffic calming features.

Caroline Avenue: 

• Final roadway paving.
• Placement of topsoil and sod for all disturbed areas, tree plantings and the reinstatement of all disturbed features.
• Removal of temporary asphalt installed prior to the 2023 seasonal shut down on driveways and pathways, and reinstatement of permanent driveways, pathways, and hard landscaping.

Why: This work is required to improve the aging infrastructure and to improve reliability.

Where: The streets included as par of this project include:

• Huron Avenue N from Scott Street to Wellington Avenue W
• Caroline Avenue from Scott Street to Wellington Avenue W

When: Construction on Caroline Avenue is expected to resume in spring/summer to complete final paving and landscaping. Construction on Huron Avenue N is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 with final paving and landscaping expected to be completed in 2025.

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

A notice will be circulated to residents in the spring of 2024 with additional information before construction resumes.

In mid to late July 2023, the City of Ottawa will begin construction for the replacement of underground sewers and watermains, and full road reconstruction in your neighbourhood.

What: The work involves:

• Replacement of all existing watermains and most sanitary sewers on Huron Avenue N and Caroline Avenue between Scott Street and Wellington Street West (excluding the Spencer Street intersections).
• Replacement of all water and sewer services to the property line.
• Reconstruction of the roads including replacement and widening of existing sidewalks on both sides of the street to between 1.8m and 2.0m. 
• Updated road geometry and new traffic calming features.

Why: This work is required to improve the aging infrastructure and to improve reliability.

Where: The streets included as par of this project include:

• Huron Avenue N from Scott Street to Wellington Avenue W
• Caroline Avenue from Scott Street to Wellington Avenue W

When: Construction on Caroline Avenue is expected to begin in July 2023 with final paving and landscaping expected to be completed in spring/summer 2024. Construction on Huron Avenue N is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 with final paving and landscaping expected to be completed in 2025. Note that the Contractor may elect to use portions of the roadway on Huron Avenue N for temporary storage of materials and equipment in 2023 while the construction of Caroline Avenue is underway.

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

Traffic management

To accommodate the proposed construction, Huron Avenue N and Caroline Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic while construction is taking place on those streets. The intersections of Huron Avenue N and Caroline Avenue at Spencer Street will remain open although some short duration disruptions within the intersections may be required to accommodate certain parts of the work.

Access to private properties, in addition to pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period.

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 and emergency vehicles.

The Contractor is required to ensure that homeowners have access to their property. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted for a short period due to construction activities, you will be contacted in advance by the project team and given a temporary On-Street Parking Permit that will 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 move them in preparation for the construction work.

Lawn irrigation systems

If you own a subsurface lawn irrigation system, please notify the City Project Manager identified below.

Pre-construction inspection

The contractor is required to carry out interior and exterior pre-construction inspections of consenting homes in the work area. The purpose of the pre-construction survey is to document current building and landscape conditions before construction commences. A representative from the contractor will be contacting you about these inspections. 

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 completed.

In addition, you may wish to complete your own survey of pre-construction conditions on your property. Your survey should include photographs.

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. 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 is 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 regarding your water bill, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or by email at WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted due to temporary water lines. 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 on-site representative or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.

Private house services

If your house/building was built prior to 1955, there is a possibility that your private water service may have been constructed using lead pipe (modern pipes are copper or HDPE). For those homes with a lead water pipe supplying water to the water meter, there is information regarding the City’s Lead Pipe Replacement Program available on the City’s website, ottawa.ca/leadpipes, or call 3-1-1.

Due to the age of buried infrastructure in this neighbourhood, it is possible that homeowners or the City have already replaced the sewer and water services (or a portion thereof) to certain homes. If all or a portion of the sewer and/or water services to your home have been replaced recently, please notify the City Project Manager identified below.

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). 

The City of Ottawa held a public information session at the Hintonburg Community Centre on April 4, 2023, to discuss a reconstruction project planned in your neighbourhood. Through this session, the City of Ottawa presented the latest design drawings, proposed schedule, and construction information related to the Huron and Caroline Integrated Renewal project in advance of the start of construction.

Presentation [ 343.40 KB ]

Caroline Avenue
Proposed Geometry and Traffic Calming Measures [ 6.17 MB ]
Proposed underground work [ 4.49 MB ]

Huron Avenue
Proposed Geometry and Traffic Calming Measures [ 5.99 MB ]
Proposed Underground Work [ 5.21 MB ] 

What: The City of Ottawa is undertaking rehabilitation of select street segments within the Westboro Community. The overall objective of this project is to provide the design and construction for the rehabilitation of the sanitary sewers, watermains and road infrastructure. The project will include road reconstruction including curbs, sidewalks and traffic calming measures as well as sewer and water services to the property line.

Why: This project has been initiated to replace the existing aging infrastructure assets that are reaching the end of their useful life span and construct an improved residential street.

When: The design is expected to be completed in early 2023 and construction is tentatively scheduled to start in spring 2023.

Where:

• Huron Avenue, from Wellington Street to Scott Street
• Caroline Avenue, from Wellington Street to Scott Street

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the design consulting firm, J.L. Richards & Associates Limited, to develop a design for the Huron and Caroline Avenues, Integrated Road Renewal Project.

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

The City of Ottawa held an online engagement session between February 1 and 15, 2023.

Presentation [ 9.70 MB ]
Caroline Avenue - Proposed geometry and traffic calming measures [ 2.42 MB ]
Huron Avenue - Proposed geometry and traffic calming measures [ 3.85 MB ]

What: The City of Ottawa is undertaking rehabilitation of select street segments within the Westboro Community. The overall objective of this project is to provide the design and construction for the rehabilitation of the sanitary sewers, watermains and road infrastructure. The project will include road reconstruction including curbs, sidewalks and traffic calming measures as well as sewer and water services to the property line.

Why: This project has been initiated to replace the existing aging infrastructure assets that are reaching the end of their useful life span. 
 
Where:

• Huron Avenue, from Wellington Street to Scott Street
• Caroline Avenue, from Wellington Street to Scott Street

When: The current project schedule is as follows:

• Design is expected to be completed in early 2023
• Construction is expected to start in the spring/summer of 2023

Notices will be sent prior to construction.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the design consulting firm, J.L. Richards & Associates Limited, to develop a design for the Huron and Caroline Ave, Integrated Road Renewal Project.

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