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Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Gravenhurst, ON) – Just in time for the busy holiday season, Bay Street (MR 169) is open to motorists as Stage 1 of the ambitious Bay and Beyond project, a partnership between the District of Muskoka and the Town of Gravenhurst, is wrapped up for the 2024 construction season.
With all major installations and construction complete, the Bay and Beyond project has been returned to the community for the winter months. Allowing the road base to adjust to Muskoka’s unique weather conditions before returning in the spring to put on the finishing touches.
Crews are set to return in the spring to:
- Inspect the area and address any concerns,
- Collaborate with utility providers to make necessary adjustments,
- Complete landscaping and finishing touches, and
- Apply the final layer of asphalt during overnight work for a smooth, polished road surface.
The spring work in the Muskoka Wharf area is expected to cause minimal disruptions, with no full road closures or detours planned.
Throughout 2024 the project team has been hard at work, making significant upgrades to infrastructure and enhancing community spaces. Here’s a snapshot of the progress:
- James Street upgrades: A fresh surface, new paint markings, pedestrian crosswalks, and adjusted stop bars at the James St./Muskoka Rd. intersection have revitalized this vital area near Shoppers Drug Mart.
- Underground infrastructure improvements: Bay Street’s water, wastewater, and stormwater pipes, originally installed in the 1940s, have been completely replaced, ensuring modern and efficient service.
- Reliable, clean, safe water: Properties are now connected to a brand-new water and sanitary main, enhancing reliability for years to come.
- Wharf enhancements: A new multi-use trail, sidewalks, curbs, and temporary streetlights along Bay Street enhance safety and accessibility.
- Improved driving experience: The first base layer of asphalt has been applied to the Stage 1 area, with protective ramping for winter plowing. The final asphalt layer and upgraded streetlights at the east end of the project will follow in 2025.
"The Bay and Beyond project is transforming our community, and the completion of Stage 1 is a huge milestone. These upgrades will serve Gravenhurst well into the future," said Heidi Lorenz, Mayor of Gravenhurst.
James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works added, "This work is a major investment for residents, business owners and visitors. To those walking or driving by, we’re building on the beauty of the Gravenhurst Wharf area and underground, making an inter-generational investment in water and sewer infrastructure."
Looking ahead, the project team will continue preparations for Stage 2 throughout the winter. A spring Community Information Session will provide updates and plans for the next phase.
Bay and Beyond is a three-year infrastructure project designed to upgrade the critical underground systems that have been in place since 1944. This project will ensure the reliable delivery of clean drinking water and efficient wastewater management, services we often don’t think about but are critical to protect Muskoka’s natural environment.
Here's a glimpse at the planned improvements as part of the Bay and Beyond project:
- Creating more opportunities for movement of people of all ages on foot, on bikes and other ways folks get around while remaining active
- New multi-use trail from North Muldrew Lake Road to the Wharf Sports Field
- New, improved parking area at the Wharf Sports Field
- Upgrades to intersections and traffic signals, improving accessibility for all
- New pedestrian crosswalk downtown at Sharpe Street and Muskoka Road South
- New streetlights from Cherokee Lane to Greavette Street
- New, smooth driving surfaces and improved drainage
- Replacement of sidewalks and curbs
- Replacement of the 80-year-old water pipes, watermains, storm and sanitary sewers underground - to keep Gravenhurst connected.
Stay informed by signing up for the Bay and Beyond newsletter. Subscribers will receive the latest news and project updates, including details about the spring session.
Visit the project page at www.engagemuskoka.ca/BayAndBeyond for FAQs, newsletters, and more.
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About Bay and Beyond
There’s more to the Bay and Beyond project than construction and alternate routes. It involves replacing underground pipes from 1944, improving the road platform, enhancements to pedestrian safety, and creating more opportunities for active transportation. This phased partnership construction project with the District of Muskoka and Town of Gravenhurst spans approximately 1.9 kilometers and is expected to be complete in 2026.
Modernizing municipal services and delivering them in the way that makes most sense - best value, efficiency, and outcomes for residents. It’s what we do.
Media Relations
media@muskoka.on.ca
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