After our recent article detailing Gravenhurst’s Bay & Beyond construction project, some readers expressed concerns that 705BLACKFLY.COM wanted to take a closer look at. The issue we heard about the most was its effect on local businesses and tourism, so we reached out to the town to find out what steps have been taken to minimize economic impacts.
“We have been collaborating with the business community and Town of Gravenhurst since 2019 to plan this project, minimize impacts, consider alternatives, and ensure that businesses are involved with timely information and updates,” said Quinn Michell, Manager of Communications for the Town of Gravenhurst. “Community Information Sessions for this project have been hosted in Gravenhurst to connect with the community, and we plan to continue the engagement as the project progresses.”
Quinn adds that Gravenhurst has assigned an onsite representative for the duration of the Bay and Beyond project to support both businesses and the community.
“In partnership with Trisan Construction, we will ensure businesses are well-supported and can continue with as little disruption as possible,” said Quinn.
The comprehensive project will upgrade essential services that have been underground since 1944, and complete above ground repairs to roads and sidewalks. Planned improvements include:
- Creating more opportunities for active transportation
- New multi-use trail from North Muldrew Lake Road to the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market
- New, improved parking area to better accommodate the busy Farmers Market
- Upgrades to the Steamship Bay, Muskoka Road North/South, and Bethune intersections – traffic signals and enhancements to accessibility
- New pedestrian crosswalk downtown at Sharpe Street and Muskoka Road South
- New streetlights from Cherokee Lane to Greavette Street
- New, smooth driving surfaces
- Replacement of sidewalks and curbs
- Replacement of the 80-year-old water pipes, watermains, storm and sanitary sewers underground
The work is expected to take three years. We asked the town what the potential consequences would be should the work NOT be done. The Bay and Beyond project team provided a written statement:
“The underground pipes were originally installed in 1944 and are past their expected lifespan. Without necessary upgrades now, the community would incur the impacts of failing infrastructure.
Of particular importance to the business community, is the interruption of water service caused by more frequent watermain breaks for example – While we would endeavour to restore service promptly after discovering a watermain break, some circumstances could require businesses (particularly restaurants) to be closed for several days.
Reconstructing the infrastructure at this time helps the District to strive toward 100% uptime for critical services which residents and business owners rely on every day. Maintaining access to clean reliable source of clean water and an effective wastewater system, safeguarding public health and preventing disruptions we can’t plan for.
Trisan Construction, our partner, brings extensive experience and expertise, ensuring the work is done right and with minimal disruption. Bay and Beyond is underway to avoid much larger problems down the road, protect our community, and support continued growth and development of Gravenhurst. This project is a crucial investment in our town’s infrastructure and future, and we are doing everything we can to support businesses during these necessary upgrades.”
“The Bay and Beyond project highlights the importance of the underground infrastructure we don’t see,” shared James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works with the District of Muskoka. “While construction may be inconvenient, it’s important to remember that when you turn on your tap or flush your toilet, you have confidence in the quality and reliability of these essential services.”
“In addition to underground infrastructure upgrades, the project will result in new and extended sidewalks, on road bike lines, and extended multi-use recreational trails. This is good news for residents and visitors to Gravenhurst. The work reflects our ongoing commitment to active transportation,” said Andrew Stacey, Director of Infrastructure Services for the Town of Gravenhurst.
And as the town addresses the issue of aging infrastructure, Gravenhurst is placing equal importance on sustaining its business community.
“Top of mind for the Economic Development Division is how we can help support the businesses, help make the traveling public aware of the project and still encourage tourism and community engagement at the Wharf,” said Amy Taylor, Manager of Economic Development for the Town of Gravenhurst. “As such, my team and I have created a variety of promotions and activations for the Wharf this summer and for the additional phases of the project called “We Dig Gravenhurst”. We are encouraging visitors to explore the Wharf by water, installing signage before and after the wharf closures, to alert the public to the wharf being open for business. We have programming at the wharf to help draw residents and visitors to the area and will be adding in extra wayfinding signage to help people navigate the wharf once onsite.”
Staff will be at the wharf each week handing out “Dig Dollars” to patrons that can be spent exclusively onsite during the construction phase. Residents can also look forward to a getaway draw this fall for anyone who sends $20 or more at the Wharf. They can place their receipts in the ballot box, with their Name, Address and Phone Number on the back, and be entered to win a fall getaway to enjoy the Wharf when it is a little less impacted.
As the project rolls through to Gull Lake, the promotion will continue along the route to help support businesses in the Downtown Core that become impacted.
The town will also be placing signage at either end of Muskoka Road to indicate that Downtown Businesses are open during all phases of the construction. Information can be found online at www.Gravenhurst.ca/WeDigGravenhurst
Construction and road closures for the Bay and Beyond infrastructure project in Gravenhurst are set to begin the week of June 3rd. James Street is being upgraded to serve as the designated detour route ahead of the first phase of construction on Bay Street, scheduled to start later that week. Increased safety measures will be in place to ensure safety for motorists and pedestrians navigating construction areas. These measures include crossing guards in school zones, intersection timing adjustments, directional signage, and onsite flaggers.
Starting the Week of June 3rd:
James Street will be fully closed overnight on June 3 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for resurfacing and road improvements.
Single lane closures on James Street will occur during the week while new paint markings and adjustments are made to James Street and the James St./Muskoka Rd. intersection.
By the end of the week, Bay and Beyond will enter the first phase of construction and the James Street detour route will be in effect.
Bay Street will be fully closed between Steamship Bay Rd., N. Muldrew Lake Rd. and the east entrance of Muskoka Wharf (908 Bay Street).
You can find maps, frequently asked questions and resources to navigate construction smoothly at https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/BayAndBeyond
“This project represents an important investment in our community – one that will support residents and businesses for several decades to come,” said Heidi Lorenz, Mayor of Gravenhurst. “I am pleased to see we are moving forward with this work. At the same time, to support our businesses during the construction, the town has a variety of initiatives planned through our We Dig Gravenhurst campaign. I encourage people to keep an eye on our website and socials for details.”
If you missed our previous article about the Bay and Beyond construction project you can read it at: https://705blackfly.com/navigating-gravenhursts-bay-beyond-construction-project/
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