The District of Muskoka will be upgrading the underground infrastructure along King William Street in Huntsville this spring.
According to officials, the reconstruction project will include approximately 500 meters of the street, from Scott Street to Highway 60.
District officials said the project will modernize underground infrastructure and address local drainage issues. The scope of work includes replacing a 1960s-era watermain with a new PVC pipe, upgrading water service connections, resurfacing the road and restoring affected areas.
During the Jan. 26 council meeting, engineer Michael Parniak presented a report to council stating the project is linked to specific funding requirements and housing initiatives outlined in the District’s development plan.
“Unfortunately, the nature of the project is quite significant, and it could be a little bit of a burden to businesses, but the way it’s been designed and the staging of it, we’re all taking into consideration the impact it could have,” he said.
The report states the work will require lane restrictions, traffic detours, and extended construction durations, impacting businesses and traffic operations.
Parniak requested and received noise exemptions from council to accommodate the project’s construction schedule.
“The whole idea behind that is to get the contractor in and out as quickly as possible,” said Parniak.
Under the existing by-law, work is prohibited daily from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with further restrictions on Sundays that prevent activity between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., as well as after 6:00 p.m.
Parniak said that while a contractor has not yet been selected, the project requirements will prioritize accessibility. He said the District is hoping to maintain continuous pedestrian access and ensure vehicular entry to driveways and businesses whenever possible.
The project is expected to be completed before 2027.
