NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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Members of the public are invited to attend the second Public Information Centre (PIC) about the future reconstruction of Centennial Dr. and area roadways on Monday, May 14, 2018, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Orillia City Centre.
The City of Orillia initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) and detailed design study in May 2016 for the proposed re-alignment of Centennial Dr. to enhance traffic operations and to promote active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) and vehicular traffic connectivity between the downtown core and the waterfront. A PIC was held Nov. 9, 2016 as part of Phase 2 of the Class EA process to present alternative solutions under consideration. Following that meeting and the receipt of public and agency input, the City authorized an expansion of the study area and scope of work in February 2017. The municipality subsequently hosted PIC No. 1A on Nov. 9, 2017 to revisit Phase 2 of the Class EA process.
Following a review of comments received, Council selected Alternative 3 on Jan. 29, 2018 (as presented at PIC 1A) as the Preferred Solution for Centennial Drive which proposes that the alignment of Centennial Dr. generally follow the existing alignment between Mississaga St. E. and Neywash St. and then curve to the west to follow the former railway right-of-way (see Key Map). The Preferred Solution selected to address the sanitary sewer servicing deficiencies proposes that a new pump station be constructed on the east side of Cedar Island Rd.
As part of Phase 3 of the Class EA process, a drop-in style PIC has now been scheduled to allow all interested parties an opportunity to review the alternative design concepts developed for the Preferred Solution(s) and to discuss the project further with the study team.
What: Public Information Centre No. 2
When: Monday, May 14, 2018 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Orillia City Centre Tudhope-McIntyre Boardroom - 50 Andrew St. S. Orillia, ON
Public input is encouraged throughout this process and will be given consideration during the planning and design of this project. The deadline for the submission of comments following PIC No. 2 will be June 13, 2018. If you are unable to attend the PIC, presentation material will be available beginning May 14, 2018 on the City’s website at orillia.ca/centennial and at the Orillia City Centre and the Orillia Public Library.
Following PIC No. 2 and a review of comments received, the City will formally select the preferred design concept developed for the Preferred Solution(s). An Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be prepared to document the Class EA process and will be made available for a 30 day public review period. A Notice of Completion will be issued to provide additional details including available viewing locations for the ESR.
Construction is anticipated to take place over two construction seasons starting in 2021. Funding for the construction will be sought in the 2021 and 2022 Capital Budgets.
The City of Orillia is a city of 31,000 people in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website at orillia.ca.
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