West Street Project Overview

The project has been split into two phases to ensure efficient delivery and minimal disruption:

Phase 1 (James Street to Highland Drive): 

This phase was started in 2025 and includes the following: 

• Sewer upgrades:  Lining of the main sewer pipe along James and West Streets to fix past leaks and breakages.

• Street improvements: Asphalt resurfacing, new curbs, and 6-foot-wide accessible sidewalks 

• West Street paving:  Fixing areas impacted by Active Transportation Trail changes.

Project Update - May 8, 2026

This phase of the project is nearing completion. The major concrete work (curb and sidewalk) has been completed.

Remaining work includes: 

• Finishing the new retaining wall at the skatepark
• Paving 
• Landscaping (topsoil and sod)
• Lining the sewer 

There will be a full detour (both lanes) on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14 via Fairview Street to allow for paving. This work is weather pending. Notices will be posted if there is a change in the work schedule. 

Project Update - April 23, 2026

Construction crews will be back on West Street from Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1. 

Traffic control measures will be in place. From Monday to Wednesday and Friday, outgoing traffic will continue to be detoured via Fairview Street. On Thursday, a full detour may be in place for both lanes. 

Access to the gravel parking lot near University Avenue will be restricted Monday to Thursday to allow for the sidewalk to be installed. 

Project Update - April 20, 2026

On Monday, April 20 construction crews returned to this section of West Street to complete the work started in the Fall of 2025.

Crews are expected to be on site for a few weeks to complete the following work:

• Curb and sidewalk
• A new retaining wall in front of the skatepark
• Asphalt on the street 

Project Update - December 18, 2025

The base coat of paving on West Street has now been completed. A final top coat of asphalt will be scheduled for the spring, when weather conditions allow, and asphalt plants to reopen. This approach provides a safe and smooth driving surface for the winter months while ensuring the highest-quality finishing work next construction season.

Sewer work along James Street and West Street is wrapped up for the holiday season and is scheduled to resume in January. Remaining finishing work on West Street, including sidewalk, curb, and related infrastructure, will be completed during the next construction season. Please note that the sidewalk on the side of West Street closest to James Street will remain closed at this time.

The Town recognizes the significant disruption this project has caused for residents, businesses, and visitors. We acknowledge the challenges experienced throughout construction and will be reviewing the project to identify lessons learned and opportunities to reduce impacts during future infrastructure projects. 

Phase 2 (Old Hwy 104 to James Street):

The second phase of our West Street project was approved by council to be included in the 2026-2027 Capital Budget. Starting this Summer, work will begin to upgrade water lines, resurface the street, and pour new curbs and sidewalks. 

The tender for this work is expected to be released by the end of April 2026.  

James Street Project Overview 

In 2025, the Town identitied sewer lines that needed to be replaced; mainly on West Street and James Street. Many of these pipes are more than fifty years old. Using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology, crews were able to essentially, re-line pipes in this area without major excavation, reducing impacts on residents and traffic. This extended the life of our existing infrastructure. 

While trying to re-line some of the pipes on James Street, crews discovered sanitary sewer lines that need to be replaced; they cannot be repaired using CIPP. 

In 2026-2027, the Town will be working to finalize the design and outline how this work will be done recognizing there will be a significant impact to the businesses and residents on James Street. 

Some of these plans will include advance notices to all impacted properties and specific dates and instructions provideded ahead of time. Further details will be shared as plans for this work are confirmed.  

What Residents Can Expect 

Once these projects are complete, residents can expect: 

• Fresh, durable pavement for smoother travel

• Modern curbs and storm drains for improved drainage

• Fully accessible sidewalks for safer walking routes

• A long-term investment in safer and more efficient infrastructure