Construction Update- February 2024

  • We have begun Phase 2 of the East Mill Street reconstruction, which will include converting existing overhead utilities to underground utilities within the municipal right-of-way between Metcalfe Street and Geddes Street. The utility companies will coordinate “switchovers” from the existing services to the new underground services. The switchovers will be coordinated to minimize any potential service disruptions.
  • We anticipate completion of Phase 2 utility conversions in late April 2024.

The Project
The East Mill St. reconstruction is planned to encompass three blocks extending from Metcalfe St. to Melville St. This project is driven by the need to replace aging infrastructure. The East Mill St. reconstruction project also provides the opportunity to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the streetscape, improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow, and enhance access to Elora downtown. The project is scheduled to be completed in two phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2023, and Phase 2 began in January 2024 with an anticipated completion date of August 2024. Phase 2 includes the utility relocation and pole removal in the section between Metcalfe St. and Geddes St., as well as streetscape works and surface asphalt installation.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in December 2023 and included the following items: watermain and gas mainline replacement, sewer mainline modifications, road grading, curbs and base asphalt installation, and decorative streetlights. In addition, the concrete sidewalk was installed along the north side of East Mill St. between Geddes St. and Melville St, as well as the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of East Mill St. and Melville St. Moreover, Phase 1 of the project was completed with temporary asphalt installation in the section between Metcalfe St. and Geddes St. in preparation for Phase 2.

The Township has tendered the East Mill St. Streetscape Phase 2 reconstruction project, which is anticipated to begin in spring 2024, pending Council approval. Phase 2 works will include the final streetscape elements, plantings, street trees, landscaping restorations, the permanent concrete sidewalk between Metcalfe St. to Geddes St., as well as the final asphalt surface and pavement markings. During Phase 2, the active construction area will be fenced off for public safety, with pedestrian access being maintained. However, there may be limited periodic access interruptions while work is being done near entrances. The request for construction tender drawings has been added to the document section on the right-hand side of this page.

Project Description

East Mill Street is under the jurisdiction of Wellington County, and as such this is a joint project between the Township of Centre Wellington and Wellington County. The Township of Centre Wellington is leading this project with input from all project stakeholders. The scope of works of this project is anticipated to include:

  • Full replacement of the watermain, as well as some storm sewer modification and minor sanitary sewer works.
  • Full gas line replacement along East Mill St. from Metcalfe St. to Melville St.
  • Improvements to the road geometry and alignment for traffic flow.
  • Adding traffic-calming concrete curb bump-outs at intersections to improve sight lines and pedestrian safety.
  • Creating a defined entrance and exit to the Elora Mart Plaza on the north side of East Mill St. between Metcalfe St. and Geddes St., as well as removal of hydro poles in this area.
  • Conversion of overhead utility lines to underground line in order to open up the views along the first block of East Mill St. between Metcalfe St. to Geddes St.
  • Conduction of road grading, asphalt paving, line painting, as well as installation of new concrete curbs and gutters.
  • Installation of new concrete sidewalks and widened pedestrian boulevards through the removal of some on-street parking.
  • New decorative historical-style lamp posts will be added along the first block of East Mill St. to match the lamp posts along West Mill St.
  • Landscaping and streetscaping features to enhance the aesthetics of East Mill St.
  • Implementation of a new pedestrian crossing at the intersection of East Mill St. and Melville St. to provide a safe crossing from Bissel Park to the Elora Centre for the Arts.
  • The Township and contractor will maintain public safety while also working with the Elora Business Improvement Area (BIA) and residents to allow pedestrian access to stores and residences during construction, however, there may be limited periodic interruptions to access when work is being done near entrances.
  • The Township will work with the County to develop a vehicle detour route during construction.

Updates will be posted to this webpage as new developments are made

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have any questions or comments regarding the project, please contact:

Karol Czerwonka (Township Project Manager, Township of Centre Wellington)
519-846-9691 ext. 302
kczerwonka@centrewellington.ca