Design for Highway 413 Nearing Completion with 90% Progress Made

The Ontario government is making progress on the controversial Highway 413 project, with preliminary design work almost 90% complete. This signals greater certainty on the preferred alignment of the highway, with 113 full and 57 partial properties identified as not required for construction. The design of major structures, interchanges, and crossings has been determined, allowing the province to begin releasing unneeded land back to owners for various uses.

Fieldwork, including borehole drilling and engineering evaluations, is currently underway, with construction slated to begin in 2025. Once completed, Highway 413 is expected to contribute $350 million to the province’s GDP annually.

Landowners impacted by proposed refinements to the Focused Analysis Area (FAA) can visit highway413.ca for more information and participate in a 30-day consultation posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Following the consultation, the government will publish refinements to the FAA.

Highway 413 will connect the regions of York, Peel, and Halton, running from Highway 400 in the east to the Highway 401/407 interchange in the west. The Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which received Royal Assent on Nov. 25, will accelerate the construction of Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning project. It will also create an accelerated process for assessing environmental impacts on Highway 413.

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Development of 928-unit apartment complex in Barrie is currently in progress

Construction has officially begun on the Sky Towers project in Barrie, which promises to add 928 rental units to the city’s housing market. Developed by SkyDev, a branch of the Skyline Group of Companies, this development is a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for housing in Barrie.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Nov. 15, marked the commencement of the first phase of construction, which will consist of a 25-storey and a 27-story tower with a total of 541 rental suites, including 32 units designated as affordable housing. This phase is expected to be completed by 2027, followed by the construction of a third tower at 29 storeys and a 9-storey building.

Barrie, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, is projected to see its population more than double by 2051, reaching 298,000 residents. The new Sky Towers project is a response to the city’s need for urban density along its growth corridors, as highlighted by MPP Doug Downey. The strong partnership between municipal and provincial governments has enabled the allocation of over $6.7 million in government funding to support the creation of the affordable housing units within the development.

Aside from providing much-needed housing, the Sky Towers project will also offer a range of amenities and facilities for its residents. These include an indoor/outdoor rooftop space, electric vehicle charging stations, a pet spa, a gym, a yoga studio, and social gathering spaces. With Barrie’s vacancy rate at just 2.7 percent and a rental market of only 4,000 suites, this project presents a significant opportunity to meet the high demand for housing in the city.

Skyline’s CEO, Jason Castellan, expressed excitement about breaking ground on Phase 1 of the project and looks forward to welcoming new residents to Barrie. As the development progresses, it will not only provide much-needed accommodation but also contribute to the city’s urban growth and offer a modern living environment for its residents.

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Officials report progress in Calgary water conservation efforts as crews work to repair water main break

As Calgary continues to grapple with a major water main break that has put the city under a water emergency, city officials are urging residents to continue their water conservation efforts to avoid running dry. The city’s water services director, Nancy Mackay, commended Calgarians for their efforts in reducing water usage but emphasized the importance of ongoing conservation.

With crews working tirelessly to repair the fractured feeder main, the city is asking residents to limit indoor water use and refrain from any outdoor water activities. As repairs are expected to take another five to seven days, it is crucial for residents to maintain their water-saving habits to prevent a potentially dire situation.

Despite the challenges posed by the unexpected break, Calgary has managed to stabilize water supply and demand, thanks to the cooperation of its residents. Currently, the city’s reservoirs have been refilled with treated water, putting the water supply in a more secure position for the time being.

However, a boil-water advisory remains in place for the Bowness neighborhood, and outdoor water use is prohibited until further notice. Residents are encouraged to be patient and limit their water usage to help alleviate the strain on the system.

As the city continues to monitor the situation closely, it has issued warnings for water misuse and is prepared to enforce stricter measures if necessary. With the support and cooperation of Calgarians, the city is hopeful that it can overcome this challenge and ensure a sustainable water supply for all.

Overall, the key takeaway from this article is the importance of ongoing water conservation efforts in Calgary to prevent water shortages and ensure the well-being of the community. By working together and following the guidelines set by city officials, residents can help mitigate the impacts of the water main break and protect this valuable resource for future generations.

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