Essex Streetscape Project
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The excitement is building in Essex Centre! The Town of Essex has begun improvements to downtown Essex Centre with the launch of the Essex Streetscape project. The project represents a multi-million dollar investment of infrastructure improvements and beautification.
Upgrades includes a variety of streetscape elements such as AODA-compliant sidewalks/crosswalks, curbing, bicycle racks, landscape treatments and plantings, and streetlight enhancements. In addition to the streets, urban design improvements will occur in special areas such as significant intersections, gateway entrances, and accessibility challenges.
Significant infrastructure improvements will also occur along Victoria Avenue.
Be sure to check back often and Follow the Journey!
Streetscape Style
The Town of Essex has embraced the theme “Hub of Essex County” since it’s geographically located within the heart of the County of Essex. Essex Centre is a central access point for many commercial services and retail amenities dedicated to the residents and visitors of the Town. This theme will be celebrated through various iconography throughout the project.
Project Timelines & Background
- August 2013: The Town of Essex formally adopted the Downtown Essex Centre Streetscape Plan.
- April 2021: The Town of Essex appointed Stantec Consulting Ltd. to provide engineering services to design, assist in procurement, and administer the Essex Streetscape Project.
- August 2021: The Town of Essex announced grant funding for the Essex Streetscape Project through the Canadian Community Revitalization Fund.
- February 2023: The Town issued a Request for Tender inviting companies to submit their price to complete construction of the Essex Streetscape Project.
- March 2023: Council awards the construction tender to J&J Lepera Infrastructure Inc., for 9.0 million.
- May 1, 2023: Watermain Installation requiring rolling closure on Talbot Street beginning at Arthur Ave and ending at Cameron Ave. Expected duration is 4-5 weeks, weather permitting.
- June 9, 2023: Removal of the existing concrete sidewalk on the east side of Talbot Street, the existing concrete curbs and asphalt pavement. Expected duration 2 weeks.
- June 18, 2023: Electrical works, subdrains and new concrete curbs. Expected duration 3 weeks.
- July 9, 2023: Sidewalks and pavers on the east side of Talbot Street. Expected duration 3-6 weeks.
- July 2023: Base asphalt
- August 2023: New concrete curbs and sidewalks around Fox, Wilson and Gordon
- August 9-10 & 16-17, 2023: Pouring of concrete sidewalk in front of the businesses on the east side of Talbot Street.
- August 2023: Forming planter and tree boxes on the east side of Talbot Street
- August 23, 2023: Start of the removal of the remaining concrete sidewalk in front of the businesses on the west side of Talbot Street and start of the installation of the joint use trench for third party utilities on west side of Talbot Street.
- Late August into September: Concrete mud mat and pavers on the east side of Talbot Street.
- August 28 (approx. 4 weeks): Watermain on Victoria Avenue from Talbot to Day Street. Motorists should expect short term closure of Victoria Avenue.
- Mid to Late September 2023: Concrete sidewalks on the west side of Talbot Street.
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October 20-25: Milling operations and asphalt pavement on Fox Street, Wilson Avenue and Gordon Avenue. Access to the parking lot behind the Dollar Tree to be restricted during this time. Timing is based on weather.
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October 23 – November 7: Concrete sidewalk, concrete mud mat and pavers on the west side of Talbot Street from Victoria Avenue to Cameron Avenue.
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October 30 – 31: Asphalt pavement on Talbot Street from Wilson Avenue to Arthur Avenue.
- November 9 - 10: Asphalt pavement on Talbot St North from Cameron Avenue to Arthur Avenue.
- November 13: Talbot Street to open to through traffic at 4:30p.m.
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November 2023: Asphalt Trail on Victoria Avenue from Talbot Street to Thomas Street. Remaining portion to be completed in Spring 2024.
Open for Business!
All businesses within the construction zone remain open for business. Browse the many unique shops and services and grab a bite to eat at one of the incredible restaurants that Essex Centre has to offer. Let's support our local businesses and shop local.
*Please use caution when strolling the downtown area and do not enter any restricted construction zones.
Façade Improvement Grant
The Essex Streetscape Façade Improvement Grant Program offers assistance to property owners who are undertaking commercial building façade improvements in the Essex Streetscape Project Area, offering a 100 percent non-repayable refurbishing grant amount of up to $2000 per building. Deadline for application is August 4, 2023.
There are many funding opportunities available for small businesses. For information about current grant programs and resources, please visit our dedicated Economic Development website.
For more information, contact EcDev@essex.ca or 519-776-7336 ext 1135.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will be updated throughout the construction phase of the project. If you have a question, please email CapitalWorks@essex.ca.
| What is a streetscape? |
| Streetscape is a term is used to describe the natural and built fabric of the street, and defined as the design quality of the street and its visual effect. The concept recognizes that a street is a public place where people are able to engage in various activities. Streetscapes and their visual experience largely influences public places where people interact, and it ultimately helps define a community’s aesthetic quality, economic activity, health, and sustainability. |
| Will the new design include street parking? |
| The new streetscape design will include the exact same number of on-street parking spots as the existing layout. The 'flex scape' parking spots are located on the same elevation as the sidewalk, creating a barrier free experience for those with limited mobility. The flex concept also allows greater use of the space for open street events and festivals. |
| Are businesses open? |
| Yes, all businesses in the project area remain open. Vehicles and pedestrians will be permitted to enter the construction site only for the purpose of accessing businesses. Otherwise, drivers should use the marked detour routes. |
Project Area
The project includes the rehabilitation and beautification of 2 project areas:
- Essex Centre Streetscape: Talbot Street from Arthur Avenue to Cameron Avenue.
- Victoria Avenue: Entirety of Victoria Avenue.
Parking
On-street parking may be limited at times due to construction. The municipal parking lots will remain available for public parking.
View larger Parking Map.
Notices
- Notice of Asphalt Paving
November 8, 2023 - Notice of Road Closure for Asphalt Paving/Line Painting Operations
October 19, 2023 - Watermain Construction on Victoria Avenue
August 23, 2023 - Notice: Watermain Shut Down on Monday, May 29th
May 26, 2023 - Notice 2: Construction for Essex Streetscape Improvements
April 24, 2023 - Notice 1: Construction for Essex Streetscape Improvements
March 28, 2023
Streetscape Hotline & Problem Reporting
- If residents and business owners have questions or encounter a problem, they can now use the Essex Streetscape Project Hotline by calling 519-776-7336 ext 1145. Please leave a voicemail message and a member of the team will return your call.
- Submissions can also be made online through the EssexWorks Online Report a Problem System. When completing the online form, please select the category 'Essex Streetscape Project'.
Project Contacts
| Project Manager | Contractor | Town of Essex |
|---|---|---|
|
Stantec Consulting Ltd. Attn: Steven Ash or Attn: Clarence Jubenville, P.Eng. |
J&J Lepera Infrastructure Inc. Attn: Mr. Joseph Lepera, P.Eng. |
Essex Municipal Office Attn: Mr. David McBeth, C.E.T dmcbeth@essex.ca |
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