Phase one of downtown dig in Goderich has begun

The downtown dig began on May 12 and is currently in phase one with the section from South Street to East Street under construction to rehabilitate the water, sewer and electrical infrastructure.

Phase one of the downtown infrastructure project began on May 12 as sections of the Square are closed to road traffic while water and sewer pipes are replaced, and new electrical work is done for street lighting.

Work on the downtown will rehabilitate the 100-year-old plus infrastructure.

Phase one consists of the section from South Street to East Street, which is currently happening. According to Mayor Trevor Bazinet, the contractor is hopeful to be done with that section by mid to late August.

Mayor Bazinet explains that phase two will start right after, in the section from South Street to West Street. The contractor aims to have that phase two section completed by end of November, provided the weather cooperates to keep the project on course.

Despite the interruption to road traffic and vehicle access to section of the Square, all the stores around the Courthouse Square remain open and accessible by foot.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to support local during the Downtown Infrastructure Project,” stressed Bazinet.

“All the businesses will remain open throughout the entire project. All businesses will have front door access. I encourage everyone, like they have in the past after the tornado and during COVID, to do their part to support all local businesses.”

The downtown dig comes after well over a year of planning by a task force including council members, representatives of the BIA, the Huron Chamber of Commerce and a citizen member.

Furthermore, the Town of Goderich also provided opportunity for the public to remain invested and involved during the pre-dig process by attending a three-day workshop, as well as two open houses for public and stakeholder feedback prior to the dig began.

While the first two phases of the dig are projected to be completed by end of November, Bazinet reminds residents to remain invested and involved with local businesses during this interruption.

“You don’t see Amazon on the back of our minor sports jerseys, you see local business names,” added Bazinet.

“Our local businesses are constantly giving to our community through local fundraisers with donated items or charities. Now it’s our turn to return the favour they are constantly providing to our community.”

To assist with communication and promotion to the downtown area, Goderich BIA is working with the Town of Goderich to ensure a seamless problem free environment for shopping customers and businesses.

“Although not ideal, we are confident that the Town has carefully planned this out with our businesses in mind and we fully anticipate a hands-on approach to the overall execution of the construction project,” said Dan Gall, Manager of Downtown Goderich BIA.

According to Gall ongoing signage and promotions aim to assist in highlighting the downtown shopping experience during this interruption.

Some fun-filled attractions to attract shoppers to the downtown core are also in the works.

Additionally, the Farmers and Arts and Crafts markets on the weekend will remain intact with the same times and locations (Saturday from 8 a.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.).

The BIA will also continue to run its free Thursday Night Concert Series at the performance stage at Courthouse Square until the end of summer.

“While some streets will be closed, the sidewalks for shoppers and businesses remain open on most occasions and there is ample municipal parking for our shoppers and business employees,” added Gall.

“The Town’s well-thought-out approach to schedule the construction in four phases will help mitigate any possible threats or disruptions that would occur otherwise with a construction project.”

For more information visit the Town of Goderich’s website, or the Goderich BIA’s website: https://www.goderich.ca and www.goderichbia.ca