The City of Windsor announced the $4-million reconstruction of Eastlawn Avenue as part of the ongoing implementation of the Sewer Master Plan to renew and upgrade infrastructure in areas vulnerable to flooding.
The reconstruction of Eastlawn Avenue between Wyandotte Street East and Edgar Street will begin the week of September 6 and continue until spring of 2022. This project is being carried out by the Sterling Ridge Group and involves the following:
- Replacing 720 metres of Eastlawn Avenue with a new, widened asphalt road
- Installing new, upgraded water main, storm and sanitary sewers
- Widening the existing sidewalk in the south block to meet current accessibility standards
In addition to these improvements, the City has selected this location to trial a new eco-friendly storm water management system called Silva Cell that has proven successful in Vancouver, Toronto and other urban areas. This underground structure is designed to intercept runoff using pipe-like “cells” that divert excess water to strategically placed trees. The trees then absorb the water, thereby helping to reduce flooding while promoting a healthy natural environment.
The Eastlawn Avenue reconstruction project is part of a neighbourhood-wide initiative to expand the City’s sewer replacement program. It adds to the nearly 44 kilometres of storm water and sanitary sewers that have been replaced or rehabilitated since the historic rain event of 2017.
“Council’s adoption of the $4.9-billion Sewer and Coastal Flood Protection Master Plan was a historic achievement that set the blueprint for identifying improvements to our city’s infrastructure,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Upgrades to our storm and sanitary sewers are taking shape throughout our community to ensure we continue to deliver the highest level of municipal services, reduce the risk of flooding and minimize the impacts of climate change.”
Other local roads in Old Riverside scheduled to receive new storm water and sanitary sewer infrastructure this year include Matthew Brady Boulevard and Belleperche Place. A start date and final investment value for these two projects have not yet been finalized. These improvements build on the recently completed construction of state-of-the-art water storage and drainage facilities to reduce flooding along Tranby Avenue.
Council has committed $1.6 billion over 10 years to upgrade vital infrastructure like roads and sewers as the City continues to implement the recommendations of the unanimously approved Sewer Master Plan to make our community more resilient to the effects of climate change
“The importance of getting these Sewer and Coastal Flood Protection Master Plan projects completed is critical to Riverside and to other areas of the city that have been experiencing flooding as a result of storm and overland flooding,” added Ward 6 Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac. “This project, which is one portion of the overall commitment of Mayor Dilkens and council, moves us one step closer to relief. It is very much appreciated by residents!”
Featured image: Panorama of downtown Windsor. (City of Windsor)
