Following on the news that the Region of Waterloo is proceeding with essential construction work, the City of Cambridge has announced that it is also giving the green light to restart a handful of projects.

The city made the announcement on its website on April 17. In it, the city indicated that it would proceed with projects such as water and sewer upgrades, and work on transportation and roads projects. Construction on non-essential capital projects, such as playground repairs and facility upgrades, continues to be suspended, while work on projects at the design stage, such as the Preston Auditorium Expansion, will continue—albeit via remote collaboration.

“Specific construction and maintenance work is considered essential to ensure the city’s infrastructure remains in good condition, working properly, and able to meet the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “Furthermore, completing this work now under safe protocols has certain benefits in terms of maintaining a level of economic activity in the community and it hopefully will have a reduced impact on area businesses before they re-open.”

Projects set to begin between now and the end of June include:

• sewer and watermain reconstruction work on Selkirk and Tait streets, and Clarence and Tannery streets,
• sidewalk and roadway work on Cambridge Street and Park Hill Road,
• watermain work and repaving on Landsdowne Road, John Street and Francis Street,
• roadway, sidewalk, sewer and watermain work on Elliott and Burrows streets,
• reconstruction of Forest Road,
• reconstruction of Fearnwood Street, Trillium Avenue and Shaw Avenue,
• reconstruction of Lutz Street and Mill Street parking lot, and
• paving on Main Street.

The city’s approach to restoring construction on essential services is consistent with those of other area municipalities, and in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and guidelines issued by public health authorities and the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development.

Contractors are required to put in place measures to protect against the further spread of the novel coronavirus, such as conducting site screening measure, providing sanitation facilities, offering personal protective equipment as required, and promoting physical distancing through measures such as staggered work shifts and lunch breaks.