Sophia Creek Owen Tributary Storm Outlet from Memorial Square

Project Type
Stormwater & Creeks
Project #
EN1463
Status
In Progress
Estimated Completion
June 2025

The City completed the Sophia Creek Watershed & Mulcaster Drainage Area Environmental Assessment (EA) Update in 2017.  Per the EA, this project includes installing the trunk storm sewer from Memorial Square to the Bayfield Basin through Heritage Park and completing the dredging within the Bayfield Basin. This project aligns with Barrie’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and will help reduce flooding downtown.

Project Updates

April 15, 2025

Simcoe Street has reopened to traffic in both directions as of April 11, 2025. All sheet pile removals are scheduled for completion by April 18, 2025. Over the next few weeks, contractors will prioritize:

Project Features

The project will connect the trunk storm sewer located close to the sidewalk on the north side of Simcoe Street to the Harbour Wall within the Bayfield Basin. Expected work:

  • Coordinate with existing utilities to arrange necessary relocations for the project
  • Construct sheet piles for groundwater cutoff and soil structural support
  • Form structural concrete foundations with helical piles for ground stabilization 
  • Install pre-cast concrete box culverts
  • Lower existing transmission watermains, sanitary forcemains, and water services to facilitate the installation of concrete culverts in Meridian Square
  • Restore and resurface disturbed roadways, including the rainbow crosswalk

Project Schedule

StageTiming
Engineering DesignMarch 2022–April 2024
Pre-Construction WorksNovember–December 2023
Utility RelocationMay / June 2024
Anticipated ConstructionAugust 2024–June 2025

What to Expect During Construction

Pedestrian & Cyclist Access

The City acknowledges this area is enjoyed by many and will ensure pedestrian access is maintained throughout construction. There will be temporary trail and walkway closures, but detours will be provided and signage will be in place to help pedestrians and cyclists navigate around the construction zone.

Rainbow Crosswalk

The project requires temporary removal of the crosswalk. Once the construction is complete, the crosswalk will be enhanced with a robust product that will ensure the rainbow colours stay vibrant and visible for years to come.

Construction Site

The construction zone is fenced off and security will be provided on site when the contractor is not on site. There will be generators used on a 24-hour basis to facilitate the active dewatering needed to construct the new trunk storm culvert.

Noise During Sheet Pile Installation

The sheet pile installation process generates significant noise due to the nature of the equipment and materials involved. The contractor regularly shut down the several compressors on site to reduce noise. 

The sheet pile installation was necessary for dewatering, which ensures a dry and safe working environment. Sheet piles are essential to maintaining proper conditions for the stormwater infrastructure construction, as they provide structural support and prevent soil movement. This stabilization secures the excavation areas, minimizing the risk of collapse or erosion, especially in areas with loose or saturated soils. Sheet piles also help control groundwater inflow and assist in dewatering lake water to provide a dry working area for proper concrete box culvert installations. This controlled environment reduces the potential for flooding or water intrusion into the worksite, ensuring concrete placements are executed in optimal conditions and protect workers.