This area has been problematic for more than a decade. The high groundwater table consistently damages the road pavement structure and has led to the sinkholes forming in the road. Last year, York Region started a project to reconstruct and improve this section of Yonge Street to prevent damage to the road.
When construction began in May 2020, contractors soon found traces of zinc in the construction site requiring York Region to stop work and obtain approvals from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Working closely with York Region, staff from the MECP reviewed the project and advised the work could resume.
Construction resumed in November 2020, however, the contractor encountered much larger than expected volumes of groundwater. The contractor was not able to sufficiently lower the groundwater table to the level required for construction work to proceed.
That brings us to today, and I know that, over the last little while, no work has been taking place and this has been frustrating for residents. However, residents may not be aware that while this pause in construction was occurring, York Region investigated how best to remove the large amounts of groundwater from the site on a continuous basis both during and after construction. The result is a revised plan to install drainage facilities at a shallower depth, which will address the problem of sinkholes in the short- to medium-term. The good news is that This work is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks and to be completed this fall. So – yes – you will see workers on site very soon and we will be back to a fully open road that will be new and improved.
Through my many conversations with York Region, they recognize this work has taken longer than expected and has been disruptive to the community. They wanted to thank all residents, motorists and local businesses for their patience and understanding throughout this project and are committed to get this done ASAP.
