Update on Construction Projects

Sarnia and Western Intersection

Last week there was an on line presentation regarding the assessment of improvements at Western Road and Sarnia Road. You can review the presentation and the slides presented at https://getinvolved.london.ca/westernsarnia The next meeting, which will present the preferred option, will take place in the spring.

Metamora Storm Sewer Project

There have been some delays due to weather and rain. The City’s new plan is to wrap up the slope and outfall works by the end of this month and defer the roadworks (storm sewer, catch basins and curb work) until the spring. It’s never ideal to lay asphalt or concrete during cold months – you’ll see some temporary measures installed for the time being. Once the weather warms up in the spring, the crew will be back out on site for roughly 3 weeks to complete the rest of the work and address any deficiencies.

City staff will advise as to when replantings will take place and if the trail entrance will remain closed until all work is completed.

Western Road and Sarnia Road / Philip Aziz Avenue

The City of London is studying the best road and intersection improvements for the Western Road and Sarnia Road / Philip Aziz Avenue intersection. The intent of the study is to identify improvements in the study area that will accommodate the increased traffic, address pedestrian/cyclist/vehicular safety and improve road width constraints along Philip Aziz Avenue.

A virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) is scheduled for Wednesday December 1, 2021 at 6 pm. The PIC will be presented using the Zoom Webinar Platform. You must register for the PIC on the City of London Website at: https://london.ca/westernsarnia where you will see some additional information about the project. PIC No. 1 will present the updated problem/opportunity statement, a review of the study progress, the evaluation of the alternative planning solutions including the preliminary recommended planning solution and project timeline.

The City of London is studying the best road and intersection improvements for the Western Road and Sarnia Road / Philip Aziz Avenue intersection. The intent of the study is to identify improvements in the study area that will accommodate the increased traffic, address pedestrian/cyclist/vehicular safety and improve road width constraints along Philip Aziz Avenue.

To submit a comment, request information or to be added to the study mailing list you can contact:

Karl Grabowski, P.Eng

Program Manager

City of London

300 Dufferin Avenue

London ON, N6A 4L9

Tel:519-661-2489 x5071

Email: kgrabows@london.ca

John Pucchio, P.Eng

Project Manager

AECOM Canada Ltd.

250 York Street, Suite 410

London ON, N6A 6K2

Tel: 519-963-5880

Email: John.Pucchio@aecom.com

Metamora Stormwater Outfall Replacement and Slope Rehabilitation

The Metamora Stormwater Outfall Replacement and Slope Rehabilitation project will be starting next week. Here is information on the project:

  • the construction notice which indicates effects on the road, the closure of this entrance to the Environmentally Significant Area, and expected length of work.
  • a short presentation with additional detail on the project and restoration.

You can also find information at https://getinvolved.london.ca/metamora

Medway Valley Heritage Forest ESA Conservation Master Plan

The Conservation Master Plan for the Medway Valley Heritage Forest Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is being presented by staff to the Planning and Environment Committee of City Council at a public participation meeting on Monday, July 26. The item will be heard no earlier than 6 pm. The meeting will be via Zoom with no in person attendance by the public.

Members of the public are required to pre-register to speak at the public participation meeting. You must pre-register no later than 9:00 a.m. the day of the meeting. Pre-register by calling 519-661-2489 ext. 7100 or contact PPMClerks@london.ca Please indicate the meeting (Planning and Environment Committee meeting of July 26th at 6 pm regarding the Medway Valley ESA Conservation Master Plan and item when contacting the Clerk’s Office.

Registered speakers will be given the information to connect to the Zoom meeting and will also be able to present by phone. Directions on how to participate will be provided upon registration. Speakers will be limited to five minutes for their presentation.

If you wish to have a written submission on the committee meeting agenda, it can be sent to PEC@london.ca prior to 9 am on Monday, July 19th.

We believe this plan reflects what the majority of our community has said about the Valley for the past 25 years.

The full Conservation Master Plan can be downloaded from https://getinvolved.london.ca/medway-valley-cmp

Ward 6 meeting, Metamora contruction, trees, and bees.

REMINDER OF WARD MEETING WITH COUNCILLOR SQUIRE: The ward meeting with our city councillor Phil Squire via Zoom will be held on Thursday, May 13 at 7 pm. You need to pre-register to get the Zoom link. You can do so at psquire@london.ca or by calling 519-661-2489 x 4924.

METAMORA STORM SEWER RECONSTRUCTION: We have been advised that the work on the project will likely start late July or early August and run for approximately 6 weeks. The restoration plan includes native trees and shrubs. Additionally, native seed mix (a bee pollinator mix) is proposed for any disturbed areas from the construction. In total, 52 trees will be planted within the project area. This is the maximum number of trees that can be planted to ensure adequate spacing. Other areas within Medway Creek will be identified for planting the remaining number of compensation trees. Also included within the area are two bat boxes.

SHERWOOD FOREST PARK The city still plans to plant more shade trees along the pathways in the park as well as planting grasses, shrubs, and other plants in the “squares” by the seating areas. This work will either take place before the hot weather begins or the fall. The trees and turf grass planted last year will be inspected and any bare patches or trees that did not do well will be replaced.

REFOREST LONDON TREE GIVE AWAY TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18: ReForest London has secured special funding to have kids and their families to plant trees. London families with children under the age of 18 are invited to get a free tree for their yard through this Neighbourhood Tree Depot tree-giveaway program. This Tree Depot only runs from May 12th to May 20th, so order quickly. All orders must be submitted more than 24 hours in advance of pick-uptime. For more information: https://reforestlondon.ca/trees-kids-spring-2021-tree-giveaway

LONDON SPELLING BEE: This event caters to children aged 6 to 14 based on their age as of December 31, 2021. Children participate in one of three categories: (1) Primary, ages 6 to 8; (2) Junior, ages 9 to 11; or (3) Intermediate, ages 12 to 14.

The Bee is open to children who attend public, private, or on reserve schools or are home schooled. The area includes London and places within 1 hour drive of London. Registration closes on Monday May 31, 2021. If assistance is needed with registration or the fee please contact Dirka Prout Chapter President – London |(519) 474-0979 Ext. 2 | londonsboc@hotmail.com

www.facebook.com/londonsboc

|www.twitter.com/london_sboc

All activities from registration, coaching (if selected in the package) and the regional competition will be held online. The Regional competition will be held during one of the last two weekends in August 2021. The top three finisher in each category gets cash prizes and trophies. The top place finisher in each category will represent the London Region at the National Championships on Sunday, October 3, 2021.