On January 25th, the Municipality of Kincardine Council approved the tender to begin the Kincardine Downtown Dig project. Set to begin as soon as late March, weather permitting, Council awarded the tender to Lavis Contracting Co. Limited. The major reconstruction of Kincardine’s historic downtown will cost roughly $7.4 million dollars.
The infrastructure improvements include the full replacement of the watermains and sewer lines; new, more accessible, sidewalks; a new streetscape that includes a cohesive design with the waterfront and Harbour Street; as well as traffic calming measures to enhance pedestrian safety.
Mayor Kenneth Craig is supportive of the project moving forward noting that “the infrastructure in downtown Kincardine is showing signs of failure and needs replacement. There’s interest in future development in the downtown core and we need to make this investment to ensure our infrastructure is ready for new builds.”
“Municipal staff have been working with B.M. Ross for engineering, as well as members from the Lakeside Downtown Kincardine BIA, Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Accessibility Committee for almost a year to finalize designs,” says Adam Weishar, Director of Infrastructure and Development for the Municipality.
He added that, “We are looking forward to getting this project underway. We’re confident in the expertise of Lavis Contracting to complete the work on time and on budget. We’ll be providing support to the downtown businesses and residents throughout the project, too.”
“We recognize this project will significantly affect our businesses, residents, and event organizations,” Mayor Craig said. “That’s why staff are working to ensure everyone knows Kincardine remains open for business and how they can get around during the Downtown Dig. I’m confident that our community will come together to support each other and I’m really looking forward to the finished project.”
Planning for a second public open house and BIA breakfast meeting in March are underway where businesses, downtown residences, and the public will get more information on the project. More details about these events will be available soon.
For more information or to subscribe to the Downtown Dig newsletter, please visitwww.kincardine.ca/queenstreet or contact info@kincardine.ca.
