From spring to mid-summer 2026, Barn 5 will be closed to the public for construction, and pedestrian access will be temporarily limited between Christie Street and Wychwood Avenue. Alternate routes are available from Benson Avenue to the park’s north or Barn 2 during hours of operation.

 

The City is making structural and masonry repairs to Barn 5 at Wychwood Barns Park as part of state-of-good-repair improvements to address poor conditions at the exterior of the building. A consultant will provide guidance to ensure the repairs follow the heritage value of the building. The ongoing work will be coordinated with the community to minimize disruptions to the operations of the Wychwood Barns Farmers’ Market.

  • Summer 2023: Installation of protective scaffolding (not an active construction zone)
  • Winter 2025: Hire an engineer
  • Spring 2025: Inspection, testing and design development
  • Fall 2025: Hire a construction team
  • Winter 2026: Construction starts
  • Fall 2026: Construction complete

The timeline is subject to change. The site undergoes monthly inspections to ensure public safety.

May 2026

Construction Update

The removal of failing concrete on columns and beams is underway. Steel reinforcing has been cleaned, and new concrete is being poured at all areas requiring repair.

The Learning Garden, in the southwest corner of the park, is now open to Christie Street for pedestrian access. Additional detour signs are being posted to direct pedestrians.

A construction site at Wychwood Barns Park with a construction lift parked on a paved path, beside a building under renovation. The building’s windows are covered in plastic sheets. Another lift is visible in the background near scaffolding. Construction materials are strewn along the path.

A close-up of a concrete column under construction at Wychwood Barns Park. Black panels are secured onto the lower half of the column by wooden slats and tape. Horizontal steel beams span above. The site is enclosed by a green mesh fence, with construction materials visible in the foreground.

April 2026

Construction Update

Emergency scaffolding has been removed and replaced with worker scaffolding. Loose bricks have been removed and replacement is underway. Paint removal is in progress and is expected to be complete next week. Concrete repair has begun at select locations where loose material is being removed.

A construction site at Wychwood Barns Park showing Barn 5 surrounded by worker scaffolding. A green temporary fence with "Danger Due to Construction" and "No Trespassing" signs is installed along the perimeter. A paved pathway runs along the front of the fencing.

An active construction area inside the Wychwood Barns Park site. Concrete columns supporting a pergola structure show exposed masonry with paint removed. Construction tools, materials, and protective sheeting are visible on the ground. A green temporary fence surrounds the perimeter of the work zone.

Site Preparation Update

The contractor is preparing to begin work on the exterior of the barn. This work will start with the removal of paint from the building exterior. Once the paint removal is complete, concrete repair work will begin.

Barn 5 will remain closed for the duration of the project. As a result, pedestrian access between Christie Street and Wychwood Avenue will be temporarily restricted to ensure public safety while construction is underway. Temporary closure signs are posted at key entry points to inform the public of pedestrian detours.

Summer 2023

Scaffolding Installed

Scaffolding and temporary fencing are installed at either end of the outdoor promenade near Barn 5 as a preventative measure to address concrete weathering and surface spalling. Surface spalling is the flaking, chipping or crumbling of the top layer of concrete, brick and masonry.

A construction site with scaffolding supporting a brick building. Metal poles and beams are arranged around the structure, and a fenced-off area displays a red "Danger" sign. Snow covers the ground around the fenced area.
An outdoor area with snow-covered planters and a fenced-off construction zone. Metal beams and brick walls are visible, with scaffolding in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Date modified: May 29, 2026