City of Toronto: Get involved

Why is this construction work necessary in my neigbourhood?
The City has completed a number of studies to address basement flooding problems in chronic flooding areas across the city. To help provide relief from basement flooding, the studies have recommended implementation of source (lot level) controls and improvements to the sanitary sewer system, the storm sewer system and overland flow drainage system.

Will this work help stop basement flooding?
Although there are several causes of basement flooding, the projects that are being constructed are expected to help reduce the risks. Residents also encouraged take the appropriate steps on their property to further reduce their risk of flooding. For more information, please visit www.toronto.ca/water/sewers/basement_flooding.htm.

Schedule

How long will construction take?
Each project will differ in the amount of time needed to complete the work. Construction Notices will be issued to residents to let them know the expected start and completion of the work being carried out in their neighborhoods.

Traffic

How will traffic be affected?
In order to complete any work in the roadway in a safe manner, local, temporary lane reductions and/or closures could be necessary. If this is the case, it will be noted on the Construction Notice distributed to the neighbourhood, and posted on work site signage.

Will police officers be placed at key intersections to direct traffic?
Police officers will be on site to direct traffic when work is occurring within 30 metres/200 feet of any intersection with traffic signals.

Parking

Will additional parking spots be opened up on any side streets to replace those lost on street parking?
Parking information is specific to each project. Information about any changes to the current situation will be provided directly to affected residents through Construction Notices and Updates. Notices can also be viewed on this website.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Access to Properties

Will access to driveways and walkways be affected?
Access to residential properties may be disrupted on occasion. Disruptions may be required in order to remove existing concrete, as well as for forming and pouring the new concrete.

Vehicle access along a street may also be restricted at times to one lane in each direction. Access to private driveways will be maintained by completing the work on only one half of a vehicle entrance at a time. The City will take all precautions to minimize the duration of these disruptions.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Temporary Disruption of Services

Will my water or wastewater services be interrupted?
Temporary interruptions may occur. You will be notified via Construction Notices in advance of any interruption.

Will garbage collection vehicles be able to access my street?
There may be times when the City's collection vehicles will not have access to certain streets. Instructions will be provided in the Construction Notices. Residents should contact the project hotline if special assistance is required.

Work Hours

What are the construction work hours?
Generally, work will take place between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional work on Saturdays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm until the construction is completed. Work will not take place during statutory or other major holiday observances.

Dust

How will dust and dirt from construction activities be controlled?
Construction dust is to be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of the project. Water trucks and other dustsuppressing materials will be used, as required.

Coordination of Work

Is work being coordinated between City divisions to ensure efficiency?
The work has been and continues to be coordinated among the various City divisions and other stakeholders in order to ensure that an efficient and high quality final product is constructed.

Property Damage

Could there be damage to my landscaping? How will it be restored?
At all times, efforts will be made to avoid damage to existing property. However, if your property has been inadvertently damaged, the City will repair and/or restore it to preconstruction condition. If you have any concerns, please call the project hotline at 4163385497.

Preconstruction Home Inspections

I have received a letter from OZA Inspections asking permission to conduct an interior and exterior inspection of my home. Is this necessary?
OZA is a third party hired to carry out an interior and exterior inspection of all man-made structures in the area affected by the construction. The purpose of the inspection is to document any existing visible cracks that may be in your home or building. It is not a structural assessment or used to assess the value of your home. However, it is important in determining if damage was caused during construction or was pre-existing.

Is mandatory to participate in the inspection survey?
Participation in the inspection survey is voluntary. However, it is recommended so that there is a record of your home or building’s condition prior to the start of construction.

How will they go about inspecting my property?
You will receive a hand delivered notice asking to set-up an appointment with OZA to visit your property. OZA staff will carry visible company identification with them when visiting your home or business. With your consent, they will take photos of any visible cracks found on the outside and/or inside of your home. Inspectors will avoid taking pictures of any personal information or contents of your home.

How can I get a copy of the Inspection Report for my home? Can anyone else access the report?
Property owners must contact OZA directly to obtain a copy of their inspection report. The City of Toronto may also request this information. The construction contractor will not have access to your home’s specific documents but will be provided with a summary report outlining the general condition of the buildings in a construction area.

Sewer and Water Services

Will my home’s service pipes be changed at the same time?
Depending on the work being carried out, the sanitary and/or storm sewer connection from the new pipe to your property line will be replaced. Also any water service lines that are made of lead or found to be damaged will be replaced to the property line.

Can I request my water service to be upgraded?
The City will replace any damaged or lead service to the property line with the City’s standard 19mm (3/4 inch) service. Property owners are responsible for the cost of replacing the private portion of the water service connection from the property line to their home.

Construction Schedule

How will we know when construction is going to be starting in our area?
Prior to the commencement of any construction, residents will receive a Public Notice advising of the type and extent of the work to be done. Before the start of construction, residents will then receive a Construction Notice which will provide additional details of the work to be performed and instructions about any anticipated disruptions in the neighbourhood.

Access to driveways

I have special needs and require access to my driveway. How can this be ensured?
If you have any special needs, please contact the Field Ambassador at 416-338-5497 as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Asbestos Removal

Is it possible that asphalt on my street contains asbestos?
Asbestos was used in road asphalt mixes throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s because it significantly improved the performance of asphalt. This practice was discontinued in the early 1980’s, but some streets in Toronto still have the old surface layer of asphalt pavement that contains asbestos fibres. The asbestos used in the 1970s and 1980s has been sealed and presents no danger.

If asbestos is found, how will I be protected?
The City of Toronto and its contractors are required by legislation to follow procedures to minimize the release of asbestos fibres into the air and protect the workers and public health and safety.

To do this, the contractor will be wetting down the roadway during roadwork, where possible, to keep dust levels down. Asbestos waste will immediately be removed from the site. Workers directly involved with cutting or grinding operations will also be wearing protective equipment. Signs will be posted informing residents that access to the area under construction is restricted to those wearing protective equipment.