Project overview
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Project description
The City of Ottawa plans to replace the combined sewer and watermain on MacLaren Street and Lyon Street. Both MacLaren Street and Lyon Street will be fully reconstructed with new roadway asphalt and new concrete sidewalks
The project limits include:
- MacLaren Street (Bronson Avenue to Kent Street)
- Lyon Street (Somerset Street to Florence Street)
Project timing
Design completion: spring 2023
Construction start: summer 2023
Construction completion: fall 2025
Project budget
Approved project funds to date are $13,950,000.
Public engagement
An online public engagement opportunity 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.
Contact information
For any emergency outside normal working hours on weekdays and weekends, please call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1. To obtain any additional information on this project, please contact the City’s Project Manager:
City Project Manager
Carolyn Newcombe, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction – Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 28230
Contract Administrator
Emmah Barber
Robinson Consultants Inc.
350 Palladium Drive, Suite 210, Ottawa, ON, K2V 1A8
Tel: 613-592-6060, ext. 110
City On-Site Representative
Chuck Chard
City of Ottawa, Inspector
Tel: 613-913-9483
Contractor Representative
Warren Perry, Project Manager
Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.
Tel: 343-998-8131
Temporary closure of MacLaren Street (mid-December 2024)
Beginning the week of June 3, 2024, MacLaren Street will be temporarily closed between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street to facilitate the continued reconstruction of the watermain, combined sewer and road. This work is being conducted to improve the aging infrastructure in your community.
What: To accommodate the proposed construction, MacLaren Street will be closed to all but local traffic between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street.
Why: Traffic on MacLaren Street cannot be maintained while the watermain, combined sewer and road surface are constructed between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street. Local traffic access will be maintained through the closure.
When: Mid-December
Where: The closure will occur on MacLaren Street from Bronson Avenue to Bay Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, GIP, to complete the work.
Traffic management
In order to accommodate the proposed construction, the roadway will be closed as required in one-to two-block sections to all but local traffic. Access to private properties 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.
Construction & road closure notice (April 2024)
In April, the City of Ottawa will close the intersection of MacLaren Street and Lyon Street to complete the reconstruction of the watermain, combined sewer, and the road. The intersection will be closed two separate times, where each closure will last approximately one (1) week.
What: The proposed work consists of the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways, and sidewalks.
Why: The existing watermain, combined sewer, and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighborhood.
When: Construction at the MacLaren Street & Lyon Street intersection is planned for mid-April and again at the end of April.
Where: The proposed work and road closure will occur at the intersection of MacLaren Street and Lyon Street.
In order to accommodate this closure, the following traffic modifications will be implemented to provide access to residents:
- Lyon Street (between Somerset Street and Gilmour Street) will be converted to two-way traffic north and south of MacLaren Street during the closure (local access only)
- MacLaren Street (between Bay Street and Kent Street) will be converted to two-way traffic east and west of Lyon Street during the closure (local access only)
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, GIP, to complete the work.
Traffic management
In order to accommodate the proposed construction, the roadway will be closed as required in one-to two-block sections to all but local traffic. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Lane reductions may be required to facilitate road, cycle lane and sidewalk construction on both roads. A notice to the public will be provided prior to the road closures taking place.
On-street parking and local access
As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of 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.
On street parking on the north side of MacLaren Street (between Bay Street and Kent Street) will be temporarily removed during this closure.
Should you have additional concerns about reduced access, such as business deliveries or accessibility requirements, please contact the 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.
Construction notice (March 2024)
In March, the City of Ottawa will resume construction on Lyon Street. This work will include the reconstruction of the watermain, combined sewer, and the road. Construction on MacLaren Street will begin mid-summer 2024. This work is being conducted to improve the aging infrastructure in your community.
What: The proposed work consists of the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways, and sidewalks.
Why: The existing watermain, combined sewer, and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighborhood.
When: Construction is planned to resume in March 2024 and be completed at the end of the 2025 construction season.
Where: The proposed work will occur on Lyon Street from Florence Street to Somerset Street W and MacLaren Street from Bronson Avenue to Kent Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, GIP, to complete the work.
Traffic management
In order to accommodate the proposed construction, the roadway will be closed as required in one-to two-block sections to all but local traffic. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Lane reductions may be required to facilitate road, cycle lane and sidewalk construction on both roads. A notice to the public will be provided prior to the road closures taking place.
On-street parking and local access
As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of 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 may want to move them in preparation for the construction work.
Pre-construction inspection
The Contractor is required to carry out a pre-construction inspection of homes in the work area if the homeowner is in agreement. A representative from the Contractor or designate will be contacting you to schedule these inspections.
As part of this Contract, the Contractor is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until it is entirely complete as well as any damages to private property resulting from these construction activities. In the event of such occurrences, all claims for damages should be immediately reported both verbally and in writing to the Contractor and to the City’s on-site Representative. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.
Temporary water services
During the replacement of the watermain, water will be supplied to buildings by temporary water lines. While your property will be on this temporary service, your water usage will be estimated as the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on the past average water usage for your address. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or
Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted. Temporary water is provided for domestic consumption purposes only. If you have a private fire suppression system, it is recommended that you make arrangements with a fire protection services company in order to determine the extent of any impact. For information on minimizing your fire risk contact the City’s Fire Services at 613-580-2424, ext. 15371.
We apologize in advance for any disruptions in water service during construction. Any problems with the temporary water services can be directed to the City’s on-site representative or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.
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 or call 3-1-1.
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.
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.
Road closure notice (March 2024)
Beginning the week of March 25, 2024, Lyon Street will be temporarily closed between Somerset Street West and Gilmour Street to facilitate the continued reconstruction of the watermain and combined sewer. This work is being conducted to improve the aging infrastructure in your community.
What: To accommodate the proposed construction, Lyon Street will be closed to all but local traffic between Somerset Street West and Gilmour Street.
Additional closures on MacLaren Street at Lyon Street may be required during the Lyon Street closure for shorter periods of time. For these closures, MacLaren Street will be temporarily converted for two-way traffic.
Why: Traffic on Lyon Street cannot be maintained while the watermain and combined sewer are constructed between Somerset Street West and Gilmour Street. Signed detour routes will be provided for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Local traffic access will be maintained through the closure.
When: The closure is planned to begin the week of March 25, 2024, and be completed mid-summer 2024.
Where: The closure will occur on Lyon Street from Somerset Street West to Gilmour Street.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, GIP, to complete the work.
Traffic management
In order to accommodate the proposed construction, the roadway will be closed as required in one-to two-block sections to all but local traffic. Access to private properties will be maintained throughout the construction period. Lane reductions may be required to facilitate road, cycle lane and sidewalk construction on both roads.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the upcoming construction of the MacLaren Street and Lyon Street Integrated Renewal Project beginning in late August 2023. If you have other questions regarding this project, please contact the project manager at Carolyn.Newcombe@ottawa.ca.
Q1: Will trees be protected during construction?
A1: Trees will be protected wherever possible. Tree protection fencing will be installed at the beginning of construction to ensure trees are protected. Pruning will be expected as required to allow construction equipment to maneuvre throughout the project limits.
Q2: Are there any planned tree removals?
A2: There are no planned tree removals.
Q3: Will I have access to my driveway and how will garbage collection be impacted?
A3: Driveway access will be restricted at times during construction. During these times residents will be provided with temporary on street parking passes. Garbage collection will be maintained throughout construction.
Q4: What are the anticipated disruptions/impacts during construction?
A4: Aside from traffic impacts, the construction work will generate construction noise. The City of Ottawa Noise By-law (2017-255) allows construction activity to occur weekdays between 7 am and 10 pm. On Saturdays, work is permitted between 7 am and 10 pm, while Sundays, statutory and public holidays work is permitted between 9 am and 10 pm.
Q5: What are the traffic calming measures to address speed?
A5: The following measures are being implemented:
On MacLaren Street (Bronson Avenue to Kent Street):
- Road narrowing from 7.5m-9.5m existing down to 6.5m.
- Existing speed humps are to be reinstated.
- Existing curb extension at Bronson Avenue to be reinstated.
- New raised crosswalks are to be installed on:
- The east side of Bronson Avenue
- The west side of Lyon Street
- The west side of Kent Street
- Raised intersections at Percy Street and Bay Street.
- New curb extensions are to be installed at the following locations:
- Northeast corner of Bronson Avenue, narrowing MacLaren Street only (reinstate existing)
- Northeast corner of Percy Street, narrowing both streets
- Mid-block between Bronson Avenue and Percy Street
- Mid-block between Percy Street and Bay Street
- Mid-block between Bay Street and Lyon Street
- Existing parking restrictions are to be maintained on the north side of the roadway and stopping is to be prohibited on the south side and opposite all curb extensions.
On Lyon Street (Somerset Street to Florence Street):
- New raised crosswalks are to be installed on the west side of MacLaren Street and James Street.
Online engagement (April 4 to 18, 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, e-newsletters, ottawa.ca, in-person and online engagement opportunities.
The MacLaren and Lyon Integrated Road Renewal project held a virtual public meeting on April 4 followed by an online engagement opportunity to provide residents with an update on this project.
Proposed roadway improvements:
MacLaren Street
Project display board #1, [ 873.35 KB ]
Project display board #2, [ 930.98 KB ]
Project display board #3, [ 976.99 KB ]
Project display board #4, [ 867.69 KB ]
Lyon Street
Project display board #5, [ 926.27 KB ]
Project display board #6, [ 962.46 KB ]
Proposed utility improvements:
MacLaren Street
Project display board #7, [ 351.32 KB ]
Project display board #8, [ 390.27 KB ]
Project display board #9, [ 412.53 KB ]
Project display board #10, [ 348.38 KB ]
Lyon Street
Project display board #11, [ 427.70 KB ]
Project display board #12, [ 417.53 KB ]
What: The City of Ottawa plans to replace the combined sewer and watermain on MacLaren Street and Lyon Street. Both MacLaren Street and Lyon Street will be fully reconstructed with new roadway asphalt and new concrete sidewalks.
Why: The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service to your neighborhood.
Where:
- MacLaren Street (Bronson Avenue to Kent Street)
- Lyon Street (Somerset Street to Florence Street)
When: The current project schedule is as follows:
- Design is expected to be completed by spring 2023
- Construction is expected to start in summer 2023
Notices will be sent prior to construction.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the design consulting firm, Robinson Consultants Inc, to develop a design for the MacLaren and Lyon Integrated Road Renewal.
For further information about this project and/or to submit comments on the project, please contact the City project manager.