Project Overview

Project Overview

Phase 1 of the High Street Reconstruction Project is beginning this spring, bringing essential infrastructure upgrades along with thoughtfully designed features that enhance traffic calming, active transportation (such as walking and cycling), and streetscape improvements. These upgrades will create a safer and more convenient environment for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and deliveries while improving public access to businesses, landmarks, and the waterfront.

Building on previous streetscape designs, this project has undergone extensive engineering design and public consultation to ensure meaningful improvements to Southampton’s downtown core.

We recognize this exciting project also brings concerns about the impact of construction on businesses and the community. The Town is committed to minimizing disruptions and supporting our local businesses throughout the reconstruction.

Here are some ways we are working to minimize impacts:

In December 2024, Council asked the project team to reduce the High Street Reconstruction from a 3-Year to a 2-Year project aiming to minimize the overall disruption to businesses and the community.

The goal of the modified timeline is to complete the work in a way that reduces long-term disruption over a shorter, two-year period. The revised plan is designed to optimize construction efficiency and ensure the project progresses smoothly.

Phase One (2025) - Victoria St to Grosvenor St

Phase Two (2026) - Grosvenor St to Dominion Point

The Town intends to take as many measures as possible to support businesses and reduce impact during this time, including but not limited to:

  • Maintaining well-marked, accessible pedestrian access to all businesses
  • Maintaining the flow of traffic down High Street to ensure access to the downtown core is not interrupted
  • Temporary directional signage for visitors
  • A Town-led campaign to drive support for affected businesses
  • Co-ordination with the Southampton BIA throughout the project

A section of the sanitary sewers under High Street is due for replacement – a process which, with traditional methods, requires significant time and digging to complete. The project team has opted for a less invasive but equally effective option. Sewer lining is completed through sewer access points, providing a solution similar to a new sanitary system with the same lifespan, without digging up the road. This work will be completed prior to the start of reconstruction. Properties in the work area will receive communications on potential impacts.

Project Updates

What to Expect

Project Schedule

  • Preliminary work has been completed in late April/Early May to prepare for construction. This includes utility identification, photos, tree assessment, pre-condition surveys, etc.
  • Construction is will start the week of May 20, 2025 and be completed in September 2025
  • Work will generally take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with no planned activity on
    weekends, outside of daylight hours, or during statutory and other holidays.

Traffic and Parking Impacts

  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction next to the construction area. Temporary traffic signals will be installed at the Albert Street intersection to manage lane reductions. View Traffic Staging Plans
  • Pedestrian access will stay open on both sides of High Street during construction. Residents with mobility limitations or special needs should contact the project team to address their specific needs.
  • No street parking will be available within the construction limits. Alternative parking options will be available and are shown on the parking map below.
On-Street Parking
Off-Street Parking Lots
Construction Zone
Approximate Distance (Metres)

Phase 1 Designs

Wondering what the end result will look like? Check out the features of the final designs below.

Grosvenor St to Albert St

Albert St to Victoria St

High Street Design (Phase 1 & 2)

To view the entire design, expand this image. Once expanded, you may zoom in to view features.

High Street Design (Phase 1 & 2)

Questions?

Provide a short summary of your question.

You have 150 characters left

Provide detailed information relating to your question.

You have 500 characters left

Select a respondent from the list that you would most like to answer your question.

Moderation Policy

These are the people that are listening and responding to your questions.

Lukas

Project Lead

{{ question.username }} asked

{{question.description}}

{{ answer.respondent.name }}
| Edited

Answer this question

Select the respondent who will be marked as answering the question

Provide the answer to the question. Answer can be saved as draft and published when complete.

No questions found

Project Contacts

MacDonnell Logo

Adam MacDonnell

President, MacDonnell Excavating Ltd.

Secondary-Site Contact
Cell: 519-374-0300
Email: adam@macexltd.ca

R.J. Burnside Logo

Murray Harvey

Site Inspector, R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd

Primary- Site Contact
Cell: 705-441-2542
Email: murray.harvey@rjburnside.com

R.J. Burnside Logo

John McNerney

Contract Admin, R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd

Primary Office Contact
Cell: 705-606-9920
Email: john.mcnerney@rjburnside.com

Saugeen Shores Logo

Lukas Heathers

Engineering Supervisor, Saugeen Shores

Phone: 519-832-2008 x143
Email: lukas.heathers@saugeenshores.ca