Construction Updates FAQs: Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System

Fairbank Silverthorn Storm Trunk Sewer System

Q1: What does the project entail and when will it begin?

The City of Toronto is advancing construction of a new storm sewer system that will collect, store and move stormwater (rain and melted snow) from the Fairbank-Silverthorn area to Black Creek. This work is part of the City’s Basement Flooding Protection Program to help reduce the risk of future basement flooding. Once complete, the new storm sewer system will help to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall and sewer back-ups for more than 4,600 homes in your area.

The City’s contractor will be installing new storm and combined sewers on Oakwood Avenue from May to September 2025. Works will take place on Oakwood Avenue between Rogers Road and Holland Park Avenue. The works will be done in the following phases:

Phase 1: Oakwood Avenue between Rogers Road and Holland Park Avenue
Phase 2: Intersection of Rogers Road and Oakwood Avenue
Phase 3: Intersection of Oakwood Avenue and Holland Park Avenue

Once sewer-related works are completed, road resurfacing and restoration will take place.

Q2: What are the hours of construction? Is there any weekend work planned or
evening work planned to potentially make this project finish on an accelerated
timeline?

Work will be scheduled as per the City’s standard of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but extended hours and weekend work may be required to quicken construction. If that is the case, the City will provide as much notice as possible to impacted businesses and residents.

Q3: How will this project impact road traffic and sidewalk access?

In order to complete the work in a safe manner, there will be road and minor sidewalk restrictions within the work zone. Traffic on Oakwood Avenue will be reduced to southbound traffic during Phase 1 only. In Phase 2 and 3, there will be short term intersection impacts but two-way traffic on Oakwood Avenue will be restored. Existing sidewalks and pedestrian access to properties will be maintained at all times. Access for emergency vehicles will also be maintained during construction.

Q4: Who can I contact for any questions and concerns?

For immediate and day-to-day assistance, please contact the field ambassador – Shakha Vasdani. He can be reached at 416-338-5497, or by email at fairbanksewer@toronto.ca.

Q5: What type of disruptions might businesses and residents experience?

The City and its Contractor will make every effort to reduce the impact of construction. Noise and dust may be generated during storm sewer installation works, and there will be minor truck traffic and material delivery during construction. All properties are advised to have a pre-condition survey undertaken ahead of construction. This information has been included in the pre-construction notice.

Q6: If there are delays, how long will they last?

Delays can be caused for any number of reasons including inclement weather, labour issues/shortages, supply chain issues/supply shortage, availability of equipment, complications with underground infrastructure, etc. If there will are any delays, the City will provide advance notice and communicate any changes in the project timeline.

Q7: How will parking and/or driveway access be impacted?

Street parking will be restricted on Oakwood Avenue, specifically between Rogers Road and Holland Park Avenue. The contractor will notify you of any temporary restrictions to your driveway access, if required.

Q8: Where will the construction staging and parking for construction staff be
located?

The City acknowledges that there is limited on-street parking and will work with the Contractor to ensure that impacts to parking are reduced. Construction crews have been advised to park their personal vehicles well outside of the area to ensure that local businesses and residents can access the area and are not obstructed.

Q9: Are any elements from the streetscape plan (i.e. sidewalk widening, more trees) going to be implemented for this?

There are no streetscape improvements included in this project. This project will focus on addressing chronic flooding issues in the neighbourhood by installing new or upgrading existing, storm and sanitary infrastructure to implement planned Basement Flooding Protection measures. To focus on completing the works and enabling the planned flood protection, restoration will be focused on restoring the streetscape to its original conditions only. The incorporation of streetscape improvements must be planned several years in advance of construction. This process is led by the City’s Transportation Services department and involves reviews with the BIA Office and local BIAs.

Q10: Does the City have a communication plan to relay information about the project and it’s to the businesses and residents affected? How often are updates
expected to be circulated?

A range of communication activities, tools and tactics will be used to keep the community and stakeholders informed about construction activities and the mitigation measures used to minimize impacts. All updates will also be posted on Toronto.ca/Fairbank and at oakwoodvillage.ca

Q11: Are businesses eligible for any subsidies to offset loss of business revenue?

The City does not provide financial compensation to businesses that are impacted by municipal infrastructure construction projects.

Q12: Will there be fencing put up all along the sidewalks, potentially blocking
storefronts?

Fencing will be placed around the work site to ensure pedestrian safety, but sidewalks and storefront entrances will remain open to foot traffic.

Q13: Will there be temporary loading zones installed as some businesses have
deliveries made directly out front of their business?

Please contact our Field Ambassador directly to arrange any deliveries/loading.

For immediate and day-to-day assistance, please contact the field ambassador – Shakha Vasdani. He can be reached at 416-338-5497, or by email at fairbanksewer@toronto.ca.

Q14: Will there be temporary intersections to allow for safe pedestrian crossing?

Temporary intersections or crossings will not be installed, however, safe pedestrian access and crossings will be maintained during construction. The Contractor will install ramps and signs to ensure pedestrian access is safe, adequate and accessible for all members of the public.

Q15: What does the debris mitigation plan look like from the construction?

The Contractor is required to clean and maintain the site at all times and no excavated material is permitted to remain on site overnight. The City’s Inspector will ensure that the Contractor abides by these requirements.

Q16: How will weekly waste management & recycling be accommodated for
businesses and impacted residents?

Please follow your normal routine. If required, the contractor will move bins to an appropriate location and return them. Please ensure that your bins are labelled with your address.

Q17: What is the type of noise generated from this type of work? Vibrations? We have some businesses whereby the amount of noise generated will significantly
impact their business.

Q18: How will TTC be impacted? What does the route diversion look like?

63/363 Ossington buses will divert northbound from Oakwood Avenue, west on St Clair Avenue, north on Glenholme Avenue, east on Rogers Road and north on Oakwood Avenue, to regular route.

161 Rogers Road buses will divert northbound from Oakwood Avenue, west on St Clair Avenue, north on Glenholme Avenue and west on Rogers Road, to regular route.

Stops not served: northbound Oakwood Avenue between St Clair Avenue and Rogers Road.

Please visit TTC.ca for further route updates.