IN WARD 21, we have experienced a long period of infrastructure renewal in the past couple of years. At times, construction has been painful and annoying for residents and trying for business owners. As we come to the end of nearly all of these projects, there is much to be proud of. Much of this infrastructure was almost 100 years old and was in need of renewal.
We have been through three major bridge and underpass reconstruction projects. The bridge over the Beltline trail at Eglinton and Chaplin was rebuilt, with new roadbed, sidewalks and railings. Toronto Hydro upgraded its facilities as part of this project.
The bridge on Bathurst Street over the Cedarvale Ravine was repaired and the road rebuilt. The underpass beneath the CP rail tracks at Dupont and Bathurst Streets has been under construction since winter 2009. The project involves lowering the road surface in order to eliminate the numerous instances in which trucks collided with the top of the underpass. The road will also have new streetcar tracks as well as new sidewalks and railings.
We are nearly to the end of construction on St. Clair! Anyone who has travelled to the areas between Yonge and Christie Streets knows that it has been dramatic. We expect to have streetcars running by the end of 2009.
As the new street emerges, we have seen more and more new businesses open on St. Clair. To celebrate, there will be an Open for Business sidewalk sale on Sept. 26.
We are coming to the end of a once-in-a-generation renewal of our roads, sewers and bridges here in Ward 21.
I am proud of what we have achieved, and I know that residents are pleased to know that the infrastructure they depend upon is well-maintained.