Meaford plans $3.8-million St. Vincent Street rebuild and wants input on parking

Meaford plans to rebuild St. Vincent Street from Marshall Street East to the harbour next year, replacing water mains that date from 1905 and 1936. Before then, the municipality wants residents' views on parking on the downtown stretch of the street.

The project has a total budget of $3,835,740 over two years, according to the municipality's project page. Construction is expected to start May 1, 2027, and finish by Nov. 30, 2027. Engineering and design are due to be done by the end of this year.

The work includes replacing the water mains, along with sanitary sewers "that have failed or at a high risk of failure," and storm sewers, the page says. The road will be repaved. The municipality is also considering sidewalks on both sides of the road, and a bulk water station and sewer dumping station for the harbour.

A staff report said the project is a priority because of several water main breaks in recent years, including multiple breaks in 2025, Bayshore Broadcasting News reported in June. Council awarded the engineering contract to Tatham Engineering Ltd. for $371,424 on June 8, the meeting minutes show.

Parking

The municipality is seeking feedback on parking on St. Vincent Street between Marshall Street East and Bridge Street, according to the project page. An online survey and vote on the options will run from Oct. 27 to Nov. 27. The municipality hasn't yet published the options, or said whether spaces would be added or lost.

Residents can review the plans and ask questions at a community information session on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Terrace Room at Meaford Hall, 12 Nelson St. E., according to an Oct. 15 municipal release. Details are at meaford.ca/stvincentst. The project manager is Joel Saunders, 519-538-1060 ext. 1319.

Your turn

Do you shop, work or park on St. Vincent Street? What should Meaford keep in mind before next summer's construction? Tell us at news@chatsworthbanner.ca or through our tip form.