$3.8M reconstruction of Simcoe, Raglan streets begins in Angus
ESSA TWP. — For many Canadians, the Victoria Day long weekend signals the beginning of summer.
For many Canadian municipalities, the day after the long weekend signals the beginning of construction season.
If you live in Essa Township, you can expect to see construction crews replacing bridge culverts, building parks and repairing and rebuilding roads throughout the summer.
The largest project — the $3.8-million reconstruction of Simcoe Street and Raglan Street in Angus — kicked off Monday and is expected to be mostly complete by November, with surface asphalt works to be completed in the summer of 2026.
The reconstruction includes Simcoe Street between the west dead end and the east dead end, and Raglan Street from King Street to Simcoe Street as well as some ditch work on Water Street.
The project was awarded to Arnott Construction.
'The Simcoe Street and Raglan Street reconstruction is considered a high-priority project due to safety and storm management concerns,' John Kolb, the township's manager of public works, said in his report to council. 'As part of the township's transportation master plan and infrastructure improvement, this project will transition the corridor to an urban standard, supporting both vehicular and pedestrian use while improving safety and drainage.'
According to Kolb's report, the project will include:
'The urbanization of Simcoe Street and Raglan Street will deliver significant long-term benefits to the community, including safer pedestrian access, better drainage, and improved traffic management,' Kolb said.
According to the report, the total projected cost is $4,069,692.
This map shows the section of road that will be under construction. | Graphic supplied
The approved budget for the Simcoe Street urbanization was $4,469,722, resulting in a surplus of $400,029.20.
Residents can review the township's notice of construction
here
.
While most people don't spend a great deal of time thinking about bridge culverts, they are an important part of the township's infrastructure.
According to a report prepared by Kolb, six bridge culverts — located on 9th Line (2), 5th Sideroad, 10th Line, 6th Line and 8th Line — have been in service for more than 90 years and have reached the end of their useful life. Based on the last inspection, significant deterioration and safety concerns mean they require full replacement.
The contract to replace the bridge culverts was awarded to South Shore Contracting for slightly more than $3.5 million. According to Kolb's report, the total projected cost is $3,735,495.
The approved budget for the culvert replacement was $4.25 million, resulting in a surplus of $514,504.
Township council authorized staff to use the surplus from the bridge culvert construction project to fund emergency repairs on the 5th Sideroad, Scotch Line and 10th Line. The cost will range from $400,000 to $550,000.
As previously announced, the township is working on two skate park projects, the Angus Skate Park relocation and the modular pump tracks installation and the Thornton pump tracks installation, both of which they expect to have completed sometime in July.
Canadian Ramp Company, the only company to bid on the contract, provided the township with a bid of $459,999 — $331,616 for the Angus component and $128,383 for the Thornton component.
In its 2025 budget, the township allocated $620,000 for the projects, which results in a surplus of about $160,000, assuming there are no changes. Those savings will be allocated to other capital projects.
In addition to the skate parks, Essa has awarded a contract worth $123,852 to Sport Court Ontario to supply and install a mini rink and concrete pad at the Brownley Meadows Park.
The project, which had an approved budget of $130,000, resulting in a surplus of $6,148.
The Brownley Meadows Park project is expected to be completed by the end of July.
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