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.
September 15, 2025
- Watermain lining is complete on Broadfoot Road, Eden Drive, Fox Run and Gloria Street. Disconnections of temporary watermain and final restorations are scheduled to be completed by October 16.
- Edgehill Drive, Ferndale to Engel, Phase 1 lining is complete.
- Phase 2 is commencing this week with disconnections of temporary watermain and final restorations scheduled for October 30.
- Spot repairs on the new watermain are in progress on Little Avenue.
- New watermain final connections are currently scheduled for October 21, with full roadway and boulevard restorations scheduled to be complete by November 12.
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 will:
- Install temporary watermain;
- Install watermain lining in existing watermain (trenchless method of installation);
- Install new watermain (open-cut method of installation) (Little Avenue);
- Install new fire hydrants, water valves and water services; and
- Repair curbs, sidewalks and roadway
Schedule
The work is expected to take place June–October 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 occurring 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 have 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 will:
- Wet the pavement during asphalt cutting, grinding, or removal;
- Attach dust collecting devices with HEPA filters to equipment where possible, to prevent dust from becoming airborne; and,
- Transport and dispose of asphalt containing asbestos at a provincially approved disposal site.
Although there is very low risk to the public, residents can keep doors and windows closed, avoid the construction area while the asphalt removal and cutting occurs, and not pick-up loose asphalt from the roadway. Learn more about asbestos in asphalt.