This project on McKay Road East includes a new watermain, from east to west of Highway 400 (approximately 800m), and a new trunk sanitary sewer between Highway 400 and Huronia Road.
The City of Barrie Multi-Modal Active Transportation Master Plan (MMATMP) identified McKay Road East as a key transportation corridor and recommended several transportation improvements to accommodate the growth of Barrie to 2031. The purpose of this project is to implement the preferred servicing solution as recommended by the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. See background below.
The City of Barrie has retained Ainley & Associates for the provision of engineering services for the preliminary and detailed design of the preferred alternative design solution for McKay Road East between Highway 400 and Huronia Road (approx. 2.1km). Contract administration, construction inspection, commissioning and warranty administration for these projects are provisional items.
As announced on March 28, 2025, this project is receiving funding support from the Province of Ontario through the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF).
Project Updates
September 2, 2025
Utility relocation work is currently underway on McKay Road:
- Bell Fiber Optic Relocations: Civil works are completed. Fiber splicing will follow. Anticipated completion is end of October 2025.
- Vianet Fiber Optic Relocation: Civil works are completed. Cable installation will follow. Anticipated completion is end of October 2025.
- Enbridge Gas Relocation: Work is expected to be complete at end of October 2025. During the Enbridge gas relocation, you may notice an odour like rotten eggs. This is normal and caused by an odourant used during the pipe installation process to detect leaks and ensure safety.
Project Features
The preferred design alternative includes:
- Construction of new trunk sanitary sewer (1200 mm & 900 mm); and
- New watermain installation extending from east of Veteran's Drive, crossing Highway 400, and finishing at a dead-end for future connection.
Schedule
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Design | 2024–2025 |
| Tender Design | 2025 |
| Property Acquisition | 2024 |
| Construction | 2025–2027 |
Background
Project Scope
This project previously included transportation improvements, including the reconstruction and widening of McKay Road East to include a paved shoulder. This portion of the work will now happen as part of the McKay/Highway 400 interchange works.
Environmental Assessment (EA) Study
Phases 3 & 4 of the Municipal Class EA process were completed for the study area in consideration of the physical, natural, cultural/heritage, social and economic environments. The proposed design alternatives were evaluated in consideration of these criteria. Subsequent to this analysis and the agency and public input provided, the preferred design alternatives were chosen. The corresponding Environmental Study Report can be found at under Salem Secondary Plan Area Transportation Improvements EA Study.
Public Information Centre
A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on November 14, 2018 to present the proposed improvements and seek community feedback. The PIC was an informal drop-in session where participants were able to review information presented, ask questions of City staff and the design team, and provide feedback to help guide the finalization of the design.
Please see the following links for details on the PIC: