East Street Reconstruction Project to Begin This Summer
Update June 5, 2026
This week, work focused on temporary installations to support upcoming construction, including a sewage bypass pumping station between Bay and Queen Street, and a temporary water supply line for properties at 71, 72, 73, 76, 91, and 701. These lines will provide potable water during water main replacement, and affected residents will be notified before the switch. Excavation and rock removal also began at the Bay Street/East Street intersection in preparation for the installation of new sewer and water mains.
Next week, sewer and water main installation will be the primary focus, while the removal of asphalt, concrete curbs, and sidewalks continues along East Street.
Update May 29, 2026
This week, phase one of the water main isolation was completed. This allowed for the excavation and removal of existing infrastructure. As expected, there is bedrock that could slow progress as the initial installations progress. Options are being explored to reduce rock removal and keep the schedule on track.
Next week, the installation of manholes and sewer pipes will begin.
Update May 22, 2026
Construction activities continued this week with further pavement removals around Bay Street, moving north along East Street.
Two cut-and-caps on the existing water main were also completed this week, and one more is scheduled for Monday, May 25. This will require a water outage, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., for customers at 70 East Street, 711, 719, 723, and 727 (The Sleep Inn) on Gouin Street.
Next week, there will be more extensive excavation at Bay Street as removals and replacement of existing underground infrastructure begin.
Water Outages Notice: May 22 and May 25
Please be advised that water outages will occur as follows:
Thursday, May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The affected customers will be 71,72,73 East Street.
Friday, May 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The affected customers will be,619,624,648,676 Bay St, 4 East Street, the public library, and Art Gallery
Monday, May 25 , from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The affected customers will be 70 East Street, 711,719,723,727(The Sleep Inn) and Gouin Street.
Update May 15, 2026
Construction activities began on May 11, 2026, at the East Street Site. Traffic controls have been installed at Bay Street, East Street from Bay to Gouin, and East Street from Queen Street to Albert Street. Bay Street at East Street is one lane and operating as a four-way stop. Asphalt removal has begun on East Street, starting at Bay Street.
The week of May 18-22 will involve further pavement removals and excavation around Bay Street, moving north along East Street. Additionally, the existing watermain around the Bay/East intersection is being isolated so that it can be removed. This is being done with the help of PUC, and will involve three water outages tentatively on May 21, 22, and 25, affecting different customers each time. PUC will be handing out notices of water outages to customers.
Civics # 70,71,72,73,76 and 91 East Street and the laneway opposite Gouin Street can be accessed from Queen Street. Queen Street continues to remain open.
Update: May 8, 2025
Construction activities for the East Street Reconstruction project are scheduled to commence on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Bay Street/East Street intersection. On Monday, traffic control will be installed on Bay Street, East Street from Bay to Gouin, and East Street from Queen Street to Albert Street. Mobilization of equipment and materials will also begin on Monday.
Later in the week, pavement removal and excavation at the East Street/ Bay Street intersection will take place. The work includes removing older infrastructure and installing new maintenance holes, sewers, and water mains. Work will then proceed northward towards Queen Street.
Civics #71, 72, 73, 76, and 91 East Street can be accessed from Queen Street, which remains open.
Reconstruction of East Street, from Bay Street to Wellington Street, will begin this summer.
The project includes replacing storm and sanitary sewers, water main infrastructure, granular road base, asphalt roadway surface, curbs, boulevards, and sidewalks. Enhancements such as landscaping and street furnishings will also be incorporated to improve the overall streetscape.
Construction is expected to reach substantial completion by late fall 2026. Final work, including the surface lift of asphalt, is scheduled for completion in 2027.
To accommodate construction, East Street will be closed beginning Monday, May 11, for approximately six months. Initial closures will affect the sections between Bay Street and Queen Street, and between Queen Street and Albert Street. The portion between Albert Street and Wellington Street will close later in the summer as work progresses.
Additional traffic impacts include:
- Bay Street reduced to one lane at East Street
- Closure of intersections at Queen Street, Albert Street, and Wellington Street at East Street as work progresses
- A full closure of Queen Street at East Street for approximately eight weeks to facilitate underground work, anticipated to begin in mid-summer
Construction will be carried out in phases to minimize disruption while ensuring the work proceeds efficiently. During various stages, pedestrian access along East Street and Queen Street may be temporarily restricted. Every effort will be made to limit the duration of closures, provide advance notice and maintain access to local businesses wherever possible. Signage will be in place to safely direct motorists and pedestrians through the area.
The City thanks residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure project.