City’s $52.7-million Bethune Street project gets going
Large box culvert will be installed to ease flood pressures
The Jackson Creek Flood Diversion Project has resumed its second phase, with construction expected to end in early 2022.
It’s the last in a series of sewer rebuilding projects across the city following the 2004 Peterborough flood.
“This not only is a muchneeded flood mitigation project that adds a layer of protection to the downtown, but it will also beautify the area immensely and lead to further positive development and investment,” said Terry Guiel, executive director of the Downtown Peterborough Business Improvement Area.
A large box culvert will be installed under Bethune Street that diverts stormwater from Jackson Creek near Murray Street to the new outlet at Little Lake at Townsend Street, which was completed in the first phase and reduces the chances of flooding in the area.
The project also includes work on sanitary and storm sewers, the water main, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, street lights and the reconstruction of Bethune and Townsend streets.
Originally, the cost was projected at around $33 million to complete the work but has grown to $52.7 million in the last two years.
That price doesn’t include the cost for the city’s $45.9-million plan to covert Bethune Street into a linear park, something some residents are still concerned about.
“The city will need to be cognizant of the possible loss of affordable units if the anticipated gentrification occurs in the area, and put greater efforts into increasing the complement of affordable housing in the central area,” Guiel said.
The project is the largest in a series of recommendations from the City-Wide Flood Reduction Master Plan. The plan was developed after the flood in July 2004 caused more than $100 million in damages across the city.
The plan has been identified as a climate adaption project by the provincial and federal governments.
The city is receiving $15.9 million in funding from the Small Communities Fund of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs with the expectation that the project be completed by Oct. 31.
Bethune Street will be closed at various times during the project, with detour routes for local traffic but access will be given to local businesses.
Townsend Street between George and Aylmer streets will be closed during the project, but local traffic will be allowed but should expect some delays when driving through the construction area.
The city will announce plans soon for a virtual public meeting in April to discuss the project.