The engineering design stage of the High Street improvement project has recently begun.

The following briefly summarizes key aspects of the project:

Background

• The objectives of the project include:
  • Beautify and enhance the commercial attractiveness of High Street in downtown Sutton’s Business Improvement Area (BIA) with streetscaping improvements including:
    • Multi-use path, configuration of parking and sidewalks to enhance boulevard use and pedestrian access
    • Street furniture, street trees, street lighting
    • Consideration of potential additional options (if feasible) such as:
      • Creation of a multi-purpose zone that can be used for parking and local “pop-up” events
      • Relocation of overhead hydro
      • A community entrance feature to High Street from Highway 48
  • Upgrade and modernize the local road, stormwater and water supply infrastructure.
• In late August 2024 CIMA+ was awarded the engineering assignment for the project.
• The main elements of the design phase of the engineering assignment include investigations, preliminary design, stakeholder communications, detailed design and tendering.
  • Once the primary design concepts are determined in the preliminary design step, a Business Disruption Mitigation Plan will be developed for discussion in stakeholder meetings that are to be implemented as part of the communications plan (see below).

Current status

• The project kick-off meeting with the consultant, CIMA+, was held on Sept. 5, 2024.
• Work has begun on the following tasks:
  • Background information collection and review
  • Development of a draft stakeholder communications plan addressing:
    • Creation and posting of project-related information and regular updates to a Town-hosted project website and social media.
    • Conducting a number of focused meetings/design workshops with stakeholder groups.
      • These workshops will review key design concepts and solicit stakeholder feedback before moving to the next step in the design process.
    • Distribution of letters/notices to affected local residents at key project milestones.
  • Compilation of information required to support the detailed design

Next steps

• Completion and roll out of the stakeholder communication plan including:
• Field investigations are planned to start in the latter part of September and will include:
  • Surveying
  • Identification and clearance of all underground utilities
  • Geotechnical drilling investigations