Downtown Port Perry street project revised following public and business feedback

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Plans for the long-anticipated Queen Street and Perry Street construction project, in downtown Port Perry, have been revised following public consultation, business input and recent changes to the Township of Scugog’s capital budget.

Council discussed the updated design, after receiving a report, from Dan Rosebrugh, Manager of Capital Projects, and an overview, from, Director of Public Works and Recreation, Grant Taylor. While construction of the project has been deferred, council agreed to complete the detailed design work and remove a proposed sidewalk bump out on Queen Street.

The project brings together two capital initiatives, the rehabilitation of Queen Street, between Simcoe Street and Water Street, and the reconstruction of Perry Street, from Queen Street to Mary Street, into a single construction contract. Design and tender documents are now approximately 90 percent complete.

“Completing the design now protects the work and funding already invested and gives us a clear reference point for future decisions,” Mr. Taylor told council. “It also allows the project to be considered as part of the upcoming corridor study.”

Originally forecast for construction in 2026, the project has been delayed, to a projected 2031 time frame, following a mayor’s directive which reshaped the 2026 capital budget. At the same time, council approved advancing the Queen Street Corridor Operation and Design Study which will examine traffic flow, parking and roadway function, in and beyond downtown Port Perry.

The corridor study, expected to take nine to 12 months, stems from recommendations in the township’s Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plans and could influence the ultimate scope of Queen Street improvements.

Public feedback featured prominently in council’s discussion. A Public Information Centre, held in October, attracted 35 attendees, many of whom live or work in the project area. Business owners raised concerns about construction duration, seasonal impacts, accessibility and parking.

One of the most discussed elements was a proposed sidewalk bump out, in front of the Canada Post building, on Queen Street. While part of earlier Open Streets concepts, the feature would have removed two parking spaces and could not be serviced with electricity, without securing private easements.

“There wasn’t strong public support to keep it in the design, especially given the uncertainty around the future of the Canada Post property,” Mr. Taylor explained. “Removing it actually results in a net gain of parking spaces and reduces the overall project cost.”

The staff report noted, Canada Post plans to sell the Queen Street building, after relocating to a new facility on Easy Street, further complicating long-term planning for the site. Council ultimately supported removing the bump out, lowering the estimated construction cost, by about $17,000, and allowing for three additional parking spaces, once the project is completed.

Accessibility was another key topic raised, during consultations with the public and the township’s Accessibility, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Advisory Committee. Planned improvements include: tactile plates at intersections, bold crosswalks, and a new sidewalk on the west side of Perry Street.

While some participants advocated for wider sidewalks and improved access to private building entrances, staff advised, such changes would significantly increase costs and require extensive utility relocations.

“The scope of this project is rehabilitation of existing infrastructure,” added Mr. Taylor. “Accessibility upgrades to private building entrances generally fall under the responsibility of property owners, though programs like the Community Improvement Plan can help support those improvements.”

Council also considered concerns about construction length, previously estimated at up to four months. While phasing the project over multiple years could reduce disruption, staff recommended waiting, until the corridor study is complete, before determining a final construction approach.

Council voted to receive the report, remove the proposed Queen Street bump out from the design and direct staff to complete the detailed design for both streets, excluding any sidewalk widening, to establish a baseline for future work.

The motion, moved by Councillor Janna Guido and seconded by Regional Councillor Ian McDougall, carried.

Staff will proceed with issuing a request, for proposals for the Queen Street corridor study, and will report back to council once the study is complete. Township officials said, ongoing communication with the Port Perry BIA, downtown businesses and event organizers will remain a priority, as planning continues.