The Town of Saugeen Shores (Town) has contracted MacDonnell Excavating Ltd. (Contractor) for the first phase of the High Street Reconstruction project. This phase will span from Victoria Street to Grosvenor Street and includes upgrades such as road and streetscape enhancements, storm sewer improvements, new sidewalks and curbs, and traffic signal upgrades.

Construction is expected to begin the week of May 20th, 2025, following the long weekend, and be completed in September 2025. Any changes to the projected start date will be communicated via the project page and the Town’s social media platform.

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. The Contractor will keep an updated construction schedule, highlighting key project milestones and noting any changes as they arise. This information will be regularly shared on the Town’s project page.

As with any construction project, some disruptions are expected for residents and businesses. The contractor will inform affected properties of any anticipated inconveniences, including access restrictions. During work hours, noise from construction equipment is inevitable.

Essential services such as telephone, hydro, cable TV, sewer, and gas are not expected to be impacted, except in unforeseen situations.

Water service interruptions are also unlikely, but unexpected disruptions may occur. The contractor appreciates your patience and is committed to restoring services promptly should any issues arise.

• Traffic will be reduced to a single through-lane in each direction alongside the construction zone, with detours provided as necessary.
• On-street parking within the construction limits on High Street will be prohibited, though parking will remain available on side streets and in designated public parking areas.
• Pedestrian access will be maintained, with certain construction zones enclosed by modular safety fencing to ensure public protection while allowing safe passage at a suitable distance from buildings.
• Emergency access for police, fire, and medical response will be always maintained.
• Temporary traffic signals will be installed at the High Street and Albert Street intersection during construction to facilitate the lane reductions.

If construction disrupts regular garbage or recycling pickup, the contractor will ensure that bins are transported to either end of the work site for collection by the Town’s contractor. To facilitate their return, residents and businesses should clearly label their bins with their address and have them placed outside by 7:00 a.m. on collection days. Additionally, the contractor will coordinate access arrangements with private collection services.

The contractor will work with affected properties to ensure proper access for mail and package deliveries throughout the construction period.

Existing entrances to all homes and businesses will remain accessible. Brief restrictions or closures may occur due to construction activities, with alternate access routes provided as needed. Residents with mobility challenges or special needs are encouraged to reach out to the project team to ensure their requirements are appropriately accommodated.

The contractor is committed to carrying out the work safely, including securing the construction area with fencing and managing traffic flow. Everyone is encouraged to exercise extra caution throughout the construction period to help ensure a safe environment for all.

There may be vibrations from compaction equipment during construction, so residents and property owners are advised to relocate or safeguard valuables that could be affected. A qualified vibration specialist consultant will continuously monitor vibration levels within the construction zone, adjusting the placement of vibration monitors to ensure precise readings that align with construction progress. If residents or owners have concerns about vibration levels during the project, they are encouraged to reach out to the representatives listed at the end of the newsletter.

Updates regarding the project will be available on the High Street Reconstruction project page.

The contractor has appointed a Public Relations Officer (PRO) to handle inquiries related to the project. The PRO will serve as the primary point of contact for any construction-related concerns, with the contractor’s contact details provided below. R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited is overseeing the project on behalf of the Town. For any construction-related questions, residents may call or email a Burnside representative between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. All inquiries will be addressed as promptly as possible.