Kincardine prepares for downtown ‘reconstruction’
In a few months, you won’t be able to drive through Kincardine’s downtown. It will be a several block long construction zone.
“In a couple of months, we’re going to be starting the big dig project, the downtown Kincardine reconstruction,” says Kincardine Mayor Ken Craig.
The $7.5 million project will rip up Kincardine’s Queen Street from the end of March to November, to replace aging waste water and water pipes, bury utilities as well as replace sidewalks and streetscapes.
“Yes, there’s some historic piping that needs to be replaced. It’s failing. It has to be replaced. So, how do we make the most of that time?” says downtown business owner Darrel Perry.
Perry has led a group of downtown business owners figuring out how best to navigate the downtown closure that will impact their busiest, spring and summer season.
There’s really no way around the impending disruption, other than to look forward to a brand new street, with improved accessibility, parking, and traffic calming measures.
“We’re keeping true to the brand of the street — the Scottish heritage. It will still look the same, as far as the branding goes but there will be some great enhancements,” says the Penetangear shop owner, and Kincardine Chamber of Commerce member.
Tourists needn’t worry, Craig says. Kincardine’s summer events, namely the famous Pipe Band Parade through downtown will continue this summer, just with some alterations.
“All the events Kincardine has hosted through the years will continue this year. It’ll just be in different venues, different ways,” he says.
Kincardine’s big dig should begin by the end of March and wrap up in November, says Craig. Lavis Construction will be doing the work.
“Kincardine will stay open. We are bound and determined that Kincardine will be a place to come and visit, and enjoy through this summer season,” says Craig.
“It’ll be a space, I think, the community will be really proud of,” says Perry.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.