About eight roads in Smiths Falls will be seeing work done in 2026 with council set to approve a contract with D Rock Paving.
The project, valued at $866,544 before HST, includes roadway resurfacing, sidewalk construction and repairs, curb replacements, accessibility upgrades, and targeted pavement rehabilitation at multiple locations throughout town
Councillor Dawn Quinn is a fan of these reports as it shows how expensive road work is for taxpayers.
The largest project will take place on Percy Street between Pearl Street and Broadview Avenue. The 777-metre section will undergo extensive rehabilitation, including asphalt milling and removal, curb and sidewalk repairs, accessibility improvements at intersections, installation of two asphalt speed humps, and new paving. The work carries an estimated cost of $514,265.
Canal Street, from Beckwith Street to Timber Bridge, will receive a complete roadway reconstruction. The project includes full asphalt removal, grading, new concrete curbs and sidewalks on both sides of the street, new pavement, and the installation of three new streetlight poles and fixtures. This work is valued at approximately $105,524 and must be completed by August 28 to avoid conflicts with planned Beckwith Street bridge construction.
Additional projects include localized curb replacement and asphalt restoration on Aberdeen Avenue between Alfred Street and Davidson Street West. Union Street will receive a new sidewalk on the west side between Cornelia Street East and Alexander Street, along with accessibility upgrades and limited curb replacement.
Ferrara Drive will see significant pedestrian improvements. New concrete sidewalks will be constructed on the west side between Abbott Street and Ferguson Drive, while existing asphalt sidewalks on both sides will be replaced with concrete sidewalks that meet current accessibility standards.
On Old Mill Road, a sidewalk previously removed following a fire near the former Water Treatment Plant will be reinstated. The cost of this work will be reimbursed through the Town’s insurer.
Several roads with deteriorating pavement will also receive targeted repairs. Beckwith Street North, between McGill Street and Montague Street, and James Street, between Church Street and Gladstone Avenue, will undergo asphalt milling and paving to address heavily potholed areas.
Director of Public Works Paul McMunn was asked how they prioritize which roads get done.
McMunn says if they investigate a road and realize it needs a full replacement instead of a repaving, they’ll instead pivot to a street that needs less work in order to fit within the town’s allocated budget for road work.
Most construction is expected to be completed by the end of September, with temporary traffic disruptions and construction-related impacts anticipated while work is underway.
Story by Grant Deme
