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 Group for the provision of engineering design, construction inspection and contract administration services for McKay Road East new sewer installation and Huronia Road reconstruction project.
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
January 19, 2026
The City, in coordination with the contractor, has identified an opportunity to advance both project stages by maintaining a full road closure throughout 2026. This approach improves construction efficiency and enhances site safety, while avoiding repeated closures and minimizing ongoing disruption to motorists, pedestrians, and nearby residents. A January 2026 info bulletin was distributed to nearby residents.
The original plan anticipated reopening McKay Road East on January 23, 2026, followed by additional closures later in the year. Through further schedule review, the project team identified efficiencies that allow Stage 1 and Stage 2 works to proceed concurrently. As a result, the full road closure must be extended to support continuous construction and reduce overall impacts. Road closure details are available at barrie.ca/RoadClosures.
Project Features
The work includes:
- Construction of new trunk sanitary sewer (1200mm & 900mm); and
- New watermain installation extending from east of Veteran's Drive, crossing Highway 400, and finishing at a dead-end for future connection.
Construction Stages
- Stage 1 works includes constructing approximately 550m of new sanitary trunk sewer on McKay Road East (between the west side of the Huronia Road intersection and east limit of Barrie-Collingwood Railway) along with associated excavation, installation, and restoration activities to support the corridor infrastructure improvements.
- Stage 2 works include excavating and constructing shafts within the McKay Road East right-of-way, installing approximately 1,800m of new sanitary sewer by microtunnelling, followed by backfilling and full road restoration.
Schedule
| Work | Timing |
|---|---|
| Design | 2024–2025 |
| Tender Design | 2025 |
| Property Acquisition | 2024 |
| Construction | 2025–2028 |
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.
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 (PIC)
A 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: