Notice of Commencement: Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study for Bridges 1-P, 28-P, 30-P, 32-P, and 33-P.

The Project

The Township of Centre Wellington has initiated a Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to evaluate options and select a preferred alternative for five (5) bridge structures (Structures 1-P, 28-P, 30-P, 32-P & 33-P) that are located within a twenty square kilometre (20km2) area of road networks located within the former Township of Pilkington. The structures are currently closed to vehicular traffic due to their deteriorated state. This study will evaluate the role of these structures within the overall transportation network and connectivity in the local community and determine the most suitable alternative at each location.'

The location of the structures are shown in the key plan herein.

The Study Process

The Study is being conducted in accordance with Schedule B of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (March 2023, as amended) process. This notice signals the commencement of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) Study. The MCEA Study will confirm and document the existing structural deficiencies and identify alternative solutions, including removal and permanent closure, rehabilitation, or replacement of the structure. The environmental impacts of each alternative will be evaluated and a technically preferred alternative will be selected in consultation with the public, agencies, and Indigenous Communities.

Project Study Area

• 5 Bridges within 20km2 area of former Pilkington Township
• Rural community
• Agricultural
• Aggregates
• Mennonite
• Low volume roads
• Load limited structures on alternative roads

Public Information Centre (PIC) #1

At the PIC, background information of the project and the MCEA process was provided.

• Location: Bethel Mennonite Church (6772 Eighth Line W, Elora)
• Date: September 6, 2023
• Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Public Information Centre (PIC) #2

At the PIC, information regarding the preferred options and how these options have been studies and explored was provided.

• Location: Bethel Mennonite Church (6772 Eight Line W, Elora)
• Date: December 6, 2023
• Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Council Presentation - Preliminary Preferred Alternative (Monday, February 26, 2024).

Based on a detailed evaluation and considering feedback received through the consultation process, the preferred solution is Alternative 5 – Replacement of Bridges 28-P, 32-P and 33-P and the removal without replacement of Bridges 1-P and 30-P. This solution has the following benefits:

• Provides east-west connection alternative to county roads (beneficial for slow moving vehicles);
• Serves the two most travelled roadways of the study area;
• Improves emergency response times;
• Emergency service and other municipal service vehicles (snow removal, road grading) will no longer be required to use neighbouring municipality roads;
• Provides improved access to commercial, agricultural and institutional locations throughout the study area; and,
• The solution was generally supported by the local community based on feedback from public consultation.

• Location: Civic Centre (1 MacDonald Square, Elora)
• Date: February 26, 2024
• Time: 6:00pm

For more information, review the report to Council here.

Due to the overall file size, please contact Adam Dickieson if you are interested in obtaining a digital copy of the Project File Report.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you have any questions or comments regarding the study, or would like to be included on the mailing list to receive future notices and study updates, please contact one of the Project Team members below:

Adam Dickieson (Engineering Services Coordinator, Township of Centre Wellington)
1 MacDonald Square, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
519-846-9691 x 355 / adickieson@centrewellington.ca

Andrew Dawson, P. Eng. (Consultant Project Manager, R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd.)
292 Speedvale Ave W. #20, Guelph, ON N1H 1C4
705-797-4310 / andrew.dawson@rjburnside.com