‘Technical challenges' causing project delays on Finlay Mill Rd.
'A year at the outside,' officials added then, providing themselves a small cushion in case of complications.
Almost 70 weeks later, the job isn't finished and Finlay Mill Road, just north of Barrie, remains a one-way thoroughfare, causing traffic delays and congestion throughout the community.
Contrary to community speculation, the delay has little to do with the 'financial difficulties' of the company that was hired to do the installation, Earth Boring Company Ltd.
'The Township of Springwater became aware of Earth Boring Co. Limited's financial difficulties in April 2025, which was a matter of public record,' Trevor Harvey, the township's director of public works, told BarrieToday in an email. 'The implications associated with these difficulties do not affect the township directly as there are no contractual arrangements between the township and the contractor.
'The agreements are strictly with the developer,' he added.
According to information presented at the public information session, the developer, Rose Corporation, was footing the bill for the force-main installation with no contributions coming from municipal tax dollars.
According to a posting on BDO Canada's website, on April 17, 2025, 'Earth Boring Co. Ltd., Yarbridge Holdings Inc., Trolan Investments Ltd., and Yarfield Services Ltd. (collectively 'Earth Boring' or the 'Debtors') sought and obtained an initial order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (commercial list) pursuant to the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.'
Harvey explained that the delay has been caused by what's in the ground along the planned path of the force main.
'The issues contributing to the delays are related to technical challenges,' he said. 'Specifically, the construction process is facing difficulties due to the presence of cobbles and boulders in the planned path for drilling, which complicates the construction methods.
'Additionally, there are pending approvals needed from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), which extends the progress of the timeline,' Harvey added.
He said the combination of these factors is what is causing the project delays.
Harvey said the township has requested an updated schedule and he expects one will be provided next week.
'We understand that delays in construction can be frustrating for residents,' he said. 'The project is designed to bring significant long-term benefits and improvements to the community.'
Originally designed to be completed in stages, stage one — Finlay Mill Road between Wattie Road and Doran Road — was supposed to take 12 weeks.
Stage two targeted Doran Road between Finlay Mill Road and Gill Road and was scheduled to be completed in six weeks.
Stage three was scheduled for 17 weeks and was to cover Finlay Mill Road between County Road 27 and Wattie Road.
Harvey said the township will keep the community informed about the progress of the project by providing regular updates through its official social-media channels and website.
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