By Angie Sullivan
Summer in Georgina means sunshine, good times, and yes… construction.
High Street business owners could be dealing with traffic woes during this summer tourist season as phase 1 of a more than $13-million plan to redevelop the street gets underway this summer.
The Town of Georgina’s High Street Streetscape and Infrastructure Redevelopment project will focus first on watermains, stormwater management, bridge rehabilitation, road reconstruction and sidewalk and curb repair from Dalton Road to River Street, and from West Street to Highway 48.
Though the major work is happening outside of the main downtown core of Sutton, traffic redirection during planned bridge rehabilitation work, with two lanes reduced to a single southbound lane, could discourage visitors from entering downtown Sutton during the busy summer months.
Elaine Coates of Black River Coffee said, “I am concerned that in-and-out businesses will have challenges. Our customers nip in and out, so places that serve coffee, ice cream, or quick snacks will probably see a reduction in business. Customers won’t want to navigate heavy traffic or wait extra time for their morning coffee.”
Council received an update on the project at its May 6 meeting and approved a bylaw amendment to regulate traffic and parking during construction.
A business disruption mitigation plan has been in development since the project’s early stages, when some owners like Debbie Macina of Sweet Pea Boutique and Elaine Coates of Black River Coffee first raised concerns about surviving months of reduced access.
The Town of Georgina also released additional details on traffic changes expected as part of the redesign. The speed limit on High Street is planned to be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h through the downtown area. Existing traffic lights at Middle Street may also be removed and replaced with pedestrian crossovers after traffic studies found the signals are no longer warranted.
No full road closures are planned, though temporary lane closures will be necessary. Advance notice will be provided through the Town’s website and mailed notices.
Chantal Frank, the manager at Top Spot Pub, doesn’t believe the Town’s mitigation plans will be enough to offset the disruptions. “This is not good on any level. It is going to kill business. I am concerned businesses will need to close.”
The plan also authorized additional funding for watermain replacement in both phases, to be drawn from the Water Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Reserve. Brief water service interruptions will also be required as new connections are completed.
Town staff were asked to pursue cost-sharing opportunities with Hydro One, Rogers, Bell, and York Net for the underground wire relocation.
Phase 2, slated for 2027, will affect the businesses in downtown Sutton from River Street to West Street when the focus will be on landscaping, decorative lighting, street furniture, accessibility upgrades and underground hydro relocation.
For more information, visit www.buildinggeorgina.ca (https://buildinggeorgina.ca/high-street-improvements-sutton)
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