The annual Watermain Renewal Program consists of installing new watermains (open-cut installation method) and lining existing watermains (trenchless upgrade method). The 2025 contract was awarded to Fer-Pal Infrastructure (Fer-Pal).
Project Updates
All timelines cited within dated updates are subject to change based on weather conditions and/or unforeseen circumstances encountered during construction.
December 2, 2025
The asphalt roadway and boulevard restorations on Little Avenue were completed by the end of November. With this work complete, the project has reached Substantial Completion. Final inspections are underway, and some minor deficiencies remain to be addressed.
Impacted Road Segments
- Broadfoot Road, Fox Run to Leacock
- Eden Drive, Fox Run to Leacock
- Edgehill Drive, Ferndale to Engel
- Fox Run, Hemingway to Moore
- Gloria Street, Wells to Kozlov
- Little Avenue, Fairview to Chieftain and Jane
Project Details
The contractor:
- Installed temporary watermain;
- Installed watermain lining in existing watermain (trenchless method of installation);
- Installed new watermain (open-cut method of installation) (Little Avenue);
- Installed new fire hydrants, water valves and water services; and
- Repaired curbs, sidewalks and roadway
Schedule
The work is expected to take place June–November 2025. Timeline is subject to change.
What to Expect During Construction
You may experience inconveniences such as, dust, noise, and short delays. The City will make efforts to reduce impacts, and your patience is appreciated.
Curbside Collection
Waste will be collected on your regular curbside collection day during construction. Ensure everything for pickup is curbside by 7am on the collection day or it may not be picked up.
Fer-Pal may need to move items to a designated area for pickup. Waste containers will be returned to your property later the same day. Clearly mark your address on all containers.
Road/Sidewalk Access & Traffic Management
Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction. Roads will be open to traffic at all times, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Access for emergency vehicles will always be maintained.
The contractor will use traffic control measures, such as traffic cones to steer through traffic around contractor equipment and vehicles, within the construction site. Flag persons will assist with traffic control, if required.
Driveway Access
Vehicle entry to properties within the construction limits will be available. At times, direct access to driveways may be interrupted for watermain and road work. Advance notice will be provided.
Transit Service
The proposed construction is not expected to affect Barrie Transit routes, and schedules.
Parking
Parking on roadways in an active construction area is not permitted. Vehicles parked in the construction zone will be ticketed and towed.
Utilities
Hydro, sanitary sewer services, telephone, cable TV, and gas services should not be affected by the construction, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Asbestos in Asphalt
As part of the construction work on Gloria Street, the City tested the asphalt for asbestos, as it was used in asphalt mixes from the 1960s through the early 1980s to improve asphalt performance.
Tests identified that low levels of asbestos are present in the asphalt on Gloria Street, which are significantly below levels of concern to the Ministry of Labour. As a safety precaution, Fer-Pal:
- Wet the pavement during asphalt cutting, grinding, or removal;
- Attached dust collecting devices with HEPA filters to equipment where possible, to prevent dust from becoming airborne; and,
- Transported and disposed of asphalt containing asbestos at a provincially approved disposal site.
Although there was very low risk to the public, residents could to keep doors and windows closed, avoid the construction area while the asphalt removal and cutting occurred, and not pick-up loose asphalt from the roadway. Learn more about asbestos in asphalt.