Section of Market Street closed again until this summer

By Casandra Turnbull

A section of Market Street is closed again to continue with roadwork that started last summer.

The vital corridor that connects downtown to the north end, and vice versa, was closed from August to December last year for the installation of a deep storm sewer and sanitary sewer, as well as watermains from Capron Street to Wellington Street

The County of Brant reopened the roadway just before Christmas to allow traffic and pedestrian use throughout the winter months when construction work is typically stagnant.

Now, a section of Market Street will remain closed between Spruce Street heading north to Silver Street so Amico Infrastructures can work to complete this first phase of the project. It’s expected to remain closed until Mid-July

Once the sanitary sewers and watermain work is finished, crews will complete final restoration of the boulevards, sidewalks and asphalt paving, says Mark Maxwell, Project Engineer, Operations Department –Infrastructure Services Division for the County of Brant

Phase 2 of the project, originally targeted for 2023, includes the reconstruction of Broadway Street West from the train tracks to West River Street. Most of that roadwork is now earmarked for 2024, says Maxwell.

Asked if any work for phase 2 will start this year, Maxwell commented, “Yes, if we receive approval from CN, we will plan to cross the tracks this fall/winter season. We will also plan to complete the storm outlet channel between Broadway Street West and the Nith River”

Phase 2 of the project will require more public feedback It will address more serious pedestrian safety concerns One major change will include the creation of a sidewalk on the east side of Broadway Street West and installing better lighting for pedestrians This section of roadway is a busy artery for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Many residents walk, run and cycle this roadway often and it is the only roadway that provides access to the trails at Penman’s Pass.

Local kids shine light on life during Covid

Mayor David Bailey was just one of many guests in attendance during last weekend’s performances of Hindsight is 2020 – A Covid Musical, presented by area children at St. Paul’s United Church. The cast presented a true story of Covid and its impact on our youth during two shows at 2 pm and 7pm. on April 1st. The musical was written by Christopher Mallon and presented by a cast of 12 children ages 11-15. The hour-long musical blended a variety of music styles and influences and explored themes of family, friendship, bullying, racism, loneliness, and identity. The cast and crew included: Mikayla MacDonald, Ahana Kulkarni, Hudson Tranmer, Sullivan Ion-Ciccotelli, Lillianna MacDonald, Scarlett Macbride, Mo Pickles, Waverleigh McDonald, Chloe Glory, Ben Pickles, Abigail MacDonald and Brooklyn O’Krafka.