By Angie Sullivan
The reconstruction of Hadden Road is slated to begin this fall, as this corridor is an important access point to Lake Simcoe for residents and tourists alike.
The approximately 1.5-kilometre road runs from Highway 48 to a popular boat launch and lake access at the Virginia Wharf.
Don McIssac, a Willow Beach resident and fisherman, said, “I’m happy to see them fixing up the road. It’s been rough for years, and it will be good for property values.”
Hadden Road has long faced drainage and surface issues. So, in addition to road improvements, the project will address ditching and drainage works.
Traffic volumes on Hadden Road have also increased significantly in the past two years since the opening and growth of the Chippewas’ gas station, GoIn Fuels.
The Seven Generations Commercial Centre at 78 Hadden Road began serving customers in June 2025, with the grand opening happening in September 2025.
Michael Vos, the Town’s director of operations and infrastructure, said at the April 1 council meeting, “We’ve completed a traffic impact study in conjunction with the Georgina Island First Nation (GIFN),” which was has been submitted to the Ministry of Transportation to request the construction of turn lanes and a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 48 and Hadden Rd.
After receiving the staff report, the council approved the budget for the $3.5 million project, which will be funded by a debenture ($2.85 million) with repayments from the DC Reserve, along with funding from the Road Repair and Replacement Reserve ($150,000) and partnership funding from GIFN.
The Chippewas have committed $500,000 toward the project, reflecting the road’s growing importance to the band, residents and regional traffic.
Council also approved the $296,000 contract awarded to Elements Engineering Inc. for the investigation, design and inspection of the reconstruction of Hadded Road.
Vos said, “The project will include stormwater reconstruction where necessary as well as a multi-use path connecting Highway 48 to Black River Road.”
Lee Dale, Ward 5 councillor, said, “Hadden Road is well traversed and has a lot of foot traffic. We have the Virginia Wharf there, and people use that for an access point to the lake. Being able to include a multi-use path would be a tremendous addition.”
As part of the planning process, the Town of Georgina will work with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to ensure that drainage improvements are designed and constructed responsibly.
Sinem Connor, senior communications advisor for the LSRCA, said, “Under the Conservation Authorities Act, the LSRCA reviews development to ensure it does not impact Natural Hazards such as flooding and erosion and that people and property are protected from natural hazards. At this time, we have not received or reviewed any proposal for road work.”
For more information on the Town’s construction activities, visit the capital projects map on www.buildinggeorgina.ca.
