Uxbridge culvert project stalls
$17-million replacement expected to reduce flood risks on Brock St.
Shovels are in the ground, but delays have plagued the completion of the long-awaited Brock St. culvert replacement.
The $17-million culvert will be the largest infrastructure project in the township’s history. It will reduce flood risk in the downtown area while lifting much of the area out of the flood plain.
“It’s the largest construction project we’ve ever done, and it will allow our downtown to be developed by pulling us out of the flood plain,” Mayor Dave Barton said.
“Redevelopment possibilities could include commercial, residential and retail. This will create opportunities that will guide us for the next 50 years.”
Ground was officially broken on the project in September, although work was stalled in November after land acquisition negotiations fell through for a parcel of land.
Although council can’t speak to the legalities of the matter, Barton said he expects some action early in the new year.
“At the moment, we do not have the access we require to complete the culvert,” he explained. “Council is aligned and have given clear direction on how to move forward, but it’s a process. Early in the new year there will be action on this file to secure the land so we can continue with this construction project.”
Land acquisitions aren’t the only issues plaguing the project.
When the project was originally funded in 2015, through a four-way partnership with the township and regional, federal and provincial governments, each party pledged to contribute $2.5 million to cover the then $10-million construction estimate. Since then, construction costs have increased to $12 million and ancillary costs, such as land acquisition, environmental studies and more, tallied up to another $5 million.
“I’m extremely frustrated that we’re in this position,” Barton said of the stalled land negotiations and other issues.
“This new council has walked into a very complex and difficult situation. We’re completely aligned to move forward and get this completed, but it will take some time. I’m extremely frustrated that we’re in this position where we’ve issued a contract for the project and not secured the land, but we’re remedying that as quickly as we possibly can.”
Once the land is secured, Barton said, some construction work can begin immediately, although the bulk of the work would likely restart in the spring.
“Things like tearing down the building that needs to come down and preparing the site for construction can begin as soon as possible,” he said.
“But the major, invasive construction would begin in the spring.”
Despite the headaches, the project remains a critical one for the future of the township.
“If we didn’t do this project — that’s not an option. It’s in very, very poor shape. It’s not a question of if it will fail, but when it will fail,” Barton said of the existing culvert.