Progress since September 2025:

• Revised project schedule: The overall project schedule has been re-sequenced with a two-year phasing approach. This approach is to accommodate the long design lead time required for the overhead hydro wires relocation. Phase 1 construction in the areas outside of the BIA (Dalton to River Street and West Street to Highway 48) is planned to be completed in the first construction season (2026). Phase 2 construction activity within the BIA (River Street to West Street, including Market Square) is planned to take place in the second construction season (2027).
• Detailed design is further developed: 60 per cent detailed design for phase 1 (West Street to Highway 48) is near completion. Detailed design for phase 2 (River Street to West Street, including Market Square) has been advanced to approximately 45 per cent completion.
• Council update of design progress and project schedule: On Nov. 19, 2025, staff provided Council with a status update covering the project’s updated scope, parking utilization study analysis, completion of preliminary design, detailed design advancement, façade improvements and accessibility enhancement program and updated project schedule (November 2025 Council Report).
• Hydro conversion: Hydro inspection at affected properties within BIA began in December 2025 and is now near completion. Town staff and consultants are working closely with Hydro One to gather all required information and to incorporate underground hydro relocation into the design.

Next steps:

• Finalize detailed design for Phase 1 including the tender-ready package and obtain all required permits for construction.
• Complete procurement and award a construction contract for Phase 1 area outside of the BIA (spring 2026).
• Provide a project update to Council in April 2026.
• Ongoing coordination with Hydro One to advance hydro relocation design.
• Continued coordination with York Region to align design requirements for bridge rehabilitation, community growth infrastructure upgrades, and the proposed York Region Transit bus loop turnaround facility.