DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
UXBRIDGE: The township’s public works department recently provided an update on a pair of projects within the municipality, the South Balsam Pond, and the reconstruction of Cemetery Road.
According to the township, design work has finished on the South Balsam pond, and a permit was recently received by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) for the project. However, the township is still awaiting its permit from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
All tender documents for the project are complete. But, given the time of year, the decision has been made to wait until the spring of 2024 to begin construction. In the coming weeks, residents can expect to see some prep work begin in the area, including the installation of a silt fence around the pond to prevent snapping turtles from hibernating in the area, which would result in the at-risk species having to be relocated in the spring, which could potentially delay the project. The township added that they have hired a licensed consultant to relocate any turtles currently in the pond and have the necessary Wildlife Scientific Collector’s Authorization from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
In February and March of next year, a contractor will visit the site to cut down any trees that may need removal. This measure will prevent birds from nesting in the spring, which could also potentially delay the project.
Offering an update for the planned Cemetery Road reconstruction, the municipality recently noted all design and tender documents have been completed, as well as a permit from the LSRCA. However, much like the South Balsam Pond project, the township is still awaiting their permit from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
With an eye towards avoiding delays due to winter weather, the township will begin the tender process in January/February 2024 for the section of Cemetery Road from Toronto Street South to approximately 147 Cemetery Road. The second section is expected to be tendered in 2025 and will continue from 147 Cemetery Road to the south end of the existing curbs. Durham Region will be installing sanitary sewer services to the property line of each lot as part of the project.
The final phase of Cemetery Road reconstruction is planned for 2026. It will cover the section north of the existing curbs to the northern intersection of Cemetery Road and Toronto Street South. These plans are subject to budget approval and securing all needed permits. The township will begin the 2024 municipal budget planning process later this fall, and all meetings will be open to the public, as well as live-streamed through the township’s website.