Residents living near the Montrose laneway in Toronto are expressing frustration over the prolonged watermain replacement project causing dust, noise, and parking issues. The project, spanning nine months, has left many feeling impatient with what they perceive as slow progress.
Situated between Montrose Avenue and Beatrice Street, the laneway serves over 200 homeowners providing garage and backyard access. The city initiated the replacement of underground sewer and water pipes, necessitating the extended duration of the project due to the narrow and challenging accessibility of the laneway.
City officials attribute the project’s delayed start to adverse weather conditions in February and a temporary halt during the summer to mitigate health concerns related to dust. Despite residents’ skepticism, the city assures that the project will adhere to the original schedule, concluding by the end of December.
While some residents doubt the completion timeline, city representatives emphasize that the crucial digging and pipe replacement work is finished. Remaining tasks include curb replacements and laying a permeable interlocking brick surface on the remaining section of the laneway.
Residents like Alyssa Baker and Brock McLaughlin lament the continuous disruption caused by construction activities, with concerns extending to parking inconveniences. Despite the challenges, former city employee Jo Ann Pynn highlights the importance of allowing adequate time for the project to be executed meticulously, anticipating a positive outcome for the laneway once completed.