Paul McMunn, director of Public Works and Utilities, brought an update to the Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls on Monday evening. The street renewal project known as Beckwith Street Phase 2 is pending construction. 

This week will see mobilizing and staging taking place, and twenty boulevard trees were removed the week before last. 

Beckwith St will be closed from Russell St to Elmsley St beginning on April 4. Truck traffic will be rerouted through Smiths Falls via Jasper and Old Slys Rd. 

There will be an information night on March 31 for members of the Downtown Business Association. Several businesses will be affected by the construction.

Councilor Wendy Alford asked if sidewalks would remain open. “They will be, until they can’t be,” explained McMunn, noting that sidewalks will be maintained until they are removed.

Construction is also getting underway at the town hall, which will necessitate council meetings and committee meetings being held virtually for the next three months until renovations are completed. 

Council meetings have been held virtually throughout the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Article by Janelle Labelle