Infrastructure Projects

Loyalist Township received grant funding through the National Disaster Mitigation Program to develop mitigation measures for various shoreline roads in the Township. Through November & December 2022, technical consultants from W.F. Baird & Associates Coastal Engineers Ltd. assessed vulnerable shoreline areas on Amherst Island; specifically, the shorelines around Front Road near Emerald, the west end of Front Road, Third Concession Road, and South Shore Road. Next steps will be conceptual design and prioritizing areas for work.

Background:

Many roads on Amherst Island are susceptible to damage caused by high water events in Lake Ontario. High water levels, combined with prevailing winds and subsequent wave action, can lead to significant structural damage to shoreline roads, resulting in serious health and safety concerns. Such events, which have already happened twice in the last five years (in 2017 and 2019), have been linked to extreme weather events and are likely to happen again. The roads impacted by high water levels and coastal inundation are crucial to transportation on Amherst Island. Damage to these assets could significantly affect residents by limiting their ability to travel to or from their residences. Furthermore, damaged roads could negatively impact response times for emergency services, creating a potential public safety hazard.

Loyalist Township applied for a grant through the National Disaster Mitigation Program for funding to develop mitigation measures for various shoreline roads in the Township and was successful.  The project will involve assessing vulnerable shoreline areas on Amherst Island and developing appropriate designs to reduce the potential for future damage caused by high water levels. These designs will adhere to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (2001) Technical Guide for Great Lakes-St Lawrence River System, which provides technical guidelines and procedures for establishing the limits for flooding, erosion, and dynamic beaches and includes:

1. Conducting an assessment of vulnerable shoreline areas on Amherst Island;
2. Reviewing environmental constraints which could impact the reconstruction of roads in these areas;
3. Developing appropriate designs and providing long-term recommendations for reconstructing affected roads on Amherst Island. This includes prioritization of project areas based on vulnerability to weather-related events. Designs should minimize danger to life, mitigate and reduce impacts on the natural environment, and prevent or reduce future damage caused by flooding or erosion resulting from high water levels.

This project intends to prevent damage to the shore roads, and we are not planning to complete any work on private property. As the designs are developed, there will be an opportunity for public consultation to review and identify any concerns. At this time, there is no timeline or plan for construction; however, as the budget is available, work would progress in the same manner as the 2022-23 shoreline restoration project, where access agreements are obtained for any job on private property that would be necessary to protect the existing road.

Township staff are available to discuss any questions or concerns you have about the project. Please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

Secondary Plans can be considered a second layer of the Township-wide Official Plan. They include a land-use plan with implementing policies that are adopted into the Official Plan to ensure that their intent is legally binding. 

The Secondary Plan provides a policy and implementation framework to guide the future growth and development of this area to 2041. It was accompanied by a series of technical studies that inform the Plan, in accordance with the policies in the Township’s Official Plan (current and proposed policies), that also conform to the County Official Plan, and are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). 

The Secondary Plan also conforms to all servicing and design guidelines and manuals and maintains line-of-sight to other Loyalist Township plans including but not limited to the Strategic Plan, the Asset Management Plan, the Recreation Master Plan, the Climate Action Plan , and the Infrastructure Masterplan.  The process also satisfied the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment requirements and was documented accordingly. 

For further information visit the Amherstview West Secondary Plan project page.

In 2023 site investigation began to gather engineering information for infrastructure improvements on Cornell Avenue, Huff Avenue, Littlefield Road, and Westran Road. This will be a multi-year construction project in conjunction with work on Havergal, Asbury, and Rothwell. The current scope of the project includes road resurfacing and either watermain relining or replacement. In addition, the potential need for additional improvements for replacement, installation, and/or repair of watermains, sanitary sewers, road base, and right-of-way drainage improvements will be determined during the design process. Residents may notice survey crews and locate companies in the area as part of this work.

Underground Services on your Property:

To help us plan and protect your property, we ask that if you live on Cornell Avenue, Huff Avenue, Littlefield Road, or Westran Road, please provide us with information about any private underground services you may have on your property. Examples include a continuously-operating sump pump, emergency sump pump, in-ground irrigation systems, or any other drainage line that could be disturbed during construction. We want to ensure that we don't damage or block your services during construction. In addition, we need to know where your pipes are to be able to protect them. If you have not yet had a chance to provide this information to the Township and wish to do so now, please contact the Township at your earliest convenience. We would also like to hear about any issues you've observed as a resident of the project area. These may be drainage concerns, water quality issues, or other items related to Township infrastructure.

Providing Feedback:

Township staff are available to discuss any questions or concerns you have about the project. Please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

The Fairfield-Gutzeit House, located on Lake Ontario in Bath, requires inside and outside restoration of the building's structure and finishes. Construction is taking place in 2023-2024.

For more information and project updates, please visit the Fairfield-Gutzeit House Restoration project page.

In 2023 the design work for infrastructure improvements was started for Havergal Avenue, Asbury Road, and Rothwell Avenue. This will be a multi-year construction project with a tentative construction date of 2025, subject to budget approval. The current scope of the project includes road resurfacing and either watermain relining or replacement. In addition, the need for additional improvements for replacement, installation, and/or repair of sanitary sewers, road base, and right-of-way drainage improvements will be determined during the design process. You may notice survey crews and locate companies in the area as part of this work.

Underground Services on your Property:

To help us plan and protect your property, we ask that you please provide us with information about any private underground services you may have on your property if you live on Havergal Avenue, Asbury Road, or Rothwell Avenue. Examples include a continuously-operating sump pump, emergency sump pump, in-ground irrigation systems, or any other drainage line that could be disturbed during construction. We want to ensure that we don't damage or block your services during construction. In addition, we need to know where your pipes are to be able to protect them. If you have not yet had a chance to provide this information to the Township and wish to do so now, please contact the Township at your earliest convenience. We would also like to hear about any issues you've observed as a resident of the project area. These may be drainage concerns, water quality issues, or other items related to Township infrastructure.

Providing Feedback:

Township staff are available to discuss any questions or concerns you have about the project. Please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

Loyalist Township is planning to rehabilitate and upgrade Main Street - Bath, from Centennial Park east to the eastern village limit. The project is expected to include reconstruction of the road base, watermain and sanitary sewer main replacement, drainage improvements, pedestrian safety improvements, and new active transportation infrastructure.

Please visit the project page for more information and to sign up for email updates.

Loyalist Township is undertaking the design work for the reconstruction of Maple Road. The project currently includes reconstruction of the road base, ditch improvements, new driveway culverts, cross culverts, and intersection improvements. The ultimate design will be finalized after the Infrastructure Masterplan (IMP) is published in the first half of 2024, as the IMP will identify potential linkages for active transportation.

You may notice survey crews and locate companies in the area as part of this work.

Underground Services on your Property:

To help us plan and protect your property, we ask that you please provide us with information about any private underground services you may have on your property if you live on Maple Road. Examples include a continuously-operating sump pump, emergency sump pump, in-ground irrigation systems, or any other drainage line that could be disturbed during construction. We want to ensure that we don't damage or block your services during construction. In addition, we need to know where your pipes are to be able to protect them. If you have not yet had a chance to provide this information to the Township and wish to do so now, please contact the Township at your earliest convenience. We would also like to hear about any issues you've observed as a resident of the project area. These may be drainage concerns, road alignment issues, or other items related to Township infrastructure.

Providing Feedback:

Township staff are available to discuss any questions or concerns you have about the project. Please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

Renovations and expansion of the Utilities Garage in Millhaven are planned. The updates will add office area, allowing Utilities management and operations staff to be based at the same work location. It will also provide a dedicated workshop for Utilities maintenance technicians, and allow for more vehicle and equipment storage. In early 2023, Bell + Associates were awarded the contract to complete architectural design services for the expansion. A conceptual design has been completed, and pre-consultation has taken place prior to applying for site plan amendment. Construction was approved in the 2024 capital budget, and project staff are preparing for the necessary planning approvals, building permits, and procurement documents to go to construction in 2024.

For further information, please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

Expansion of the Odessa Fire Station is required to accommodate growth, provide space for vehicle maintenance, and extend the useful life of the building. In early 2023, Bell + Associates were awarded the contract to complete architectural design services for the expansion. A conceptual design has been completed, and pre-consultation has taken place prior to applying for site plan amendment. Construction is not anticipated before 2025 and will be subject to capital budget deliberations.

For further information, please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

Loyalist Township is moving forward with infrastructure upgrades in Odessa West, including Battery Street, Emma Street, Cross Street, South Street, and Bridge Street. Construction began in early summer 2023 and will be completed by fall 2024. This multi-year construction project includes replacing the watermain, installing storm sewers, upgrading right-of-way drainage, and reconstructing the road.

Special Charges for Emma Street Local Improvement Work under Ontario Regulation 586/06 of the Municipal Act, 2001

For further information, visit the Odessa West, Water, Storm Water, Drainage & Road Improvements project page

Infrastructure upgrades are taking place in the area of Main Street - Odessa, Creighton Drive, and Potter Drive, and the west section of South Street. The project includes watermain and sanitary sewer replacement/repair, drainage improvements in the right-of-way, and upgrading Potter Drive to a collector road including sidewalks on both sides of the street. Construction started in mid-June 2024.

For further information, visit the Potter, Creighton, South, Main Infrastructure Upgrades project page

We are planning infrastructure improvements on Sir John Johnson Drive and Pruyn Crescent in Bath. These will likely include watermain and sanitary sewer replacement, water service upgrades, road reconstruction, and a multi-use pathway along Sir John Johnson Drive which will connect Main Street - Bath with Briscoe Park. Drainage improvements may also be included.

Please visit the project page for more information and to sign up for email updates.

Loyalist Township is creating a 30-year Solid Waste Management Master Plan to guide waste management strategies and services. The plan aims to tackle current and future waste challenges by enhancing recycling, organics processing, and waste diversion. It covers curbside residential, multi-residential, and waste from parks, public spaces, and Township facilities. Key goals include boosting waste diversion, cutting waste generation, finding efficiencies and cost savings, and ensuring environmentally friendly practices. The plan will address the limited capacity of the Amherst Island and Violet Waste Disposal Sites, explore collection and processing methods, and consider broader issues such as single-use plastics, alternative technologies, greenhouse gas emissions, and circular economy programs. Loyalist Township staff will work EXP Services Inc. on this comprehensive waste management project.

The strategy strongly aligns with the ResLient Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan, targeting a 40% waste diversion rate and will consider advice from prior environmental projects and outreach. Public engagement is crucial for the plan, with information centres and consultations scheduled for early 2025 to gather community feedback on future waste management policies.

To learn more about Loyalist Township's Solid Waste Management Plan, visit Engage Loyalist

Road and sidewalk improvements in the village of Stella are planned. The work will include drainage improvements and the possibility of active transportation infrastructure.

Surveying work in the project area has been completed, identifying legal boundaries as well as locations for possible future road widening. The Township is not pursuing a broad strategy of road widening at this time; however, this work positions the municipality for future planning and/or if resident-driven opportunities arise.

A relocation design is underway for the affected Hydro poles in the project area.

In April 2022, residents in the work area received a hand delivered letter describing the surveying work.

Providing Feedback:

Township staff intend to gather input from residents through public consultation opportunities, and are available to discuss any questions or concerns you have about the project. Please contact Joe Gratton, Project Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 172#

During the Special Council Meeting on November 9, 2023, Council endorsed the renewal of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre which will include the construction of a new aquatic facility.

During the meeting, Council received a Validation Report which summarized the proposed design for the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal Project including costs, strategies, and timelines for the implementation for the project’s first phase. The first phase represents an improvement to the services which have historically been offered at the facility to meet the needs of a growing Loyalist community.

For further information and the latest updates, visit the dedicated website for the WJ Henderson Renewal Project

Several new subdivisions and commercial sites are under construction in Bath, Odessa, and Amherstview. Individual developers are responsible for these construction sites. Engineering & Environment Division staff are often onsite throughout the construction process. For information regarding subdivision and commercial site construction, please contact  Cory Grant, Engineering Development Supervisor, 613-386-7351, Ext. 177#. 

Loyalist Township has repaired flood-damaged roads on Amherst Island related to the damage caused to shore roads from flooding due to high water levels experienced in 2017. The infrastructure repaired through this project included portions of Front Road, Second Concession Road, Third Concession Road, and South Shore Road. The contract was awarded to R.W. Tomlinson Ltd. and construction started in early October 2022, beginning on South Shore Road. Construction was completed in July 2023, with tree planting taking place in the fall of 2023.

 The latest upgrades to Babcock Mill park were completed in December 2020. Improvement to the park included:

• the removal of ash trees damaged by the emerald ash borer;

• the planting of new trees;

• some additional landscaping along the walkways and existing playground;

• the relocation of the existing parking area near the playground to address safety concerns;

• a new gravel multi-use pathway between the east end of Battery Street and the Babcock Mill parking lot;

• accessible access to the park and Millhaven Creek area;

• new gravel walkways to line up with the new subdivision walkways on the west side of Bridge;

• the addition of some new benches within the park including a Lions Club memorial bench;

This project is a partnership between the Odessa Lions Club and Loyalist Township. The first phase of the project involved the construction of the Natural Playground at Babcock Mill Park. The Township appreciates the support from the Odessa Lions Club.

Babcock Mill Park has been upgraded with trees and paving of the existing pathway to improve accessibility and provide better connectivity resulting in a more inclusive, welcoming, and enjoyable outdoor experience. A bollard was installed at the bridge to enhance safety for those using this pathway. The work helps to create a network of bikeable and walkable pathways connecting natural spaces, and both mature and newly developed neighbourhoods.

Construction for the Bath Water Treatment Plant Upgrade project began in June 2020. The project involved replacing the existing media filters with a Membrane Gravity Filter system which incorporated full redundancy into the plant’s treatment process.

A mobile water treatment unit provided treated drinking water for the village of Bath and the Bath and Millhaven institutions while work was conducted on the existing filters. Construction lasted approximately six months.

Briscoe Park is located at the end of Sir John Johnson Drive, in the community of Bath. A public consultation was completed in 2018 and the final design includes improved accessibility, safety upgrades, new playground equipment, new trees, and drainage improvements. Several upgrades to the park were completed in July 2020 and the project is now in the two-year warranty period. The addition of a swing set was budgeted for in 2021 and was added to the park in 2023.

In 2021-2022, Chesterfield Drive, Tareyton Road, and Bakers Lane in Amherstview received watermain and sanitary sewer replacement with new services to the property line, and roadway reconstruction with entrance culverts. Reinstatement and deficiency correction was completed in 2023.

The Public Works Garage at 748 County Road 6 was expanded to accommodate new truck bays, workshop area, and office space. The construction contract was awarded to Peak Construction Group. Work began in the fall of 2022. In May 2023, the concrete slab was poured and the building structure began to be constructed. Construction was completed in late 2023.

 Following several upgrades, Elwood Dopking Park (21 South Street, Odessa) reopened to the public on December 8, 2021. Upgrades included 

If you drive along Bath Road through Amherstview, chances are you’ve noticed the beautiful view of Lake Ontario from Island View Park, at the south end of Fairfield Boulevard. The park, with its gardens and wrought iron rails, is a popular spot for photos.

However, you may not have realized that, tucked away underneath the park, is the Fairfield Water Treatment Plant!

Island View Park is built on the roof of the water plant, letting the plant do the important work of supplying treated drinking water to Amherstview, Odessa, the Brooklands & Harewood subdivisions, and Loyalist East Business Park, while preserving the view of the lake and Amherst Island, with minimal equipment visible from the street.

In the summer of 2024, our contractor repaired the exposed portion of the water plant's roof. 

Loyalist Township has completed the reconstruction of the Boat Launch Parking lot at Finkle’s Shore Park. The reconstruction project included reconstruction of the parking lot improvements to the Boat Launch grating. Some shoreline rehabilitation work to address erosion issues will be undertaken by the Public Works division in 2023.

This historic building is the home to the Bath branch of the Lennox & Addington library. Visit our Layer Cake Hall page to learn about the restoration project that took place in 2022/2023.

In November 2020 construction of the second phase of the Loyalist East Business Park began. This work includes water, sanitary, and utility servicing of road extensions to Jack Davey Drive and William Henderson Drive, allowing several additional commercial/light industrial lots for sale. The work also includes a new stormwater management facility to serve these additional lands. Work was completed in 2022. 

During the development of the 2017 Recreation Master Plan, consultations with residents identified the demand for an off-leash dog park within the Township. Currently, there are no designated dog parks or off-leash areas in Loyalist. Off-leash areas provide safe spaces for owners to exercise and socialize their dogs. At the August 8, 2022, Council meeting, Council directed staff to develop a Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee; the mandate of the Loyalist Township Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee was to represent the community and review possible locations for a dog park in Loyalist Township in either Amherstview, Bath or Odessa and make a recommendation to Council on a park considering all features and requirements necessary for a successful dog park.

The volunteer advisory committee reviewed all materials and possible locations for a dog park in Loyalist Township. To help inform the committee’s recommendation, residents were invited to provide feedback via a survey and/or participate in three in-person public engagement sessions. On November 8, 2022, the final committee meeting was held to review and discuss the public consultation results and finalize a recommendation(s) to Council.

The Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee recommended to Council that the public consultation resulted in no definitive preferred location for a dog park. Therefore, one specific dog park is not being recommended to Council; should Council consider a dog park in the future, further public consultation be completed, and funding options be reviewed for investment within Loyalist Township.

On November 28, 2022, Council adopted the Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee recommendation and directed that the grant funding originally intended for the dog park be directed to the Layer Cake Hall refurbishment project. Although the Township will not build a dog park at this time, reallocating this funding will further offset the cost of the Layer Cake Hall refurbishment that the municipality would have otherwise funded.

Past Project Updates:

November 28, 2022 – At the November 28, 2022, Council meeting, Council adopted the Dog Park Ad-hoc Advisory Committee recommendation that there was no definitive preferred location for a dog park and should Council consider a dog park in the future, further public consultation be completed.

November 8, 2022 –The final committee meeting was held to review and discuss public consultation results and to finalize a recommendation(s) to Council. Review the meeting agenda

October 27, 2022 – The Loyalist Township Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee completed in-person consultation sessions on October 25 (Odessa), October 26 (Bath), and October 27 (Amherstview), and the online survey has been closed to prepare a report for the committee. 

September 28, 2022 - At their September 28th meeting, Loyalist Township Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee chose the following parks for consideration:

• Lakeview Park, 4565 Bath Road, Amherstview

• Bath Park, 241 Church Street, Bath

• Centennial Park, 54 Old Wilton Road, Odessa

September 20, 2022 - Loyalist Township Dog Park Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee met for the first time and were given an overview of the project to date as well as resources to help them determine a shortlist of parks in each community. Review the meeting agenda

September 11, 2022 - September 11, 2022 was the application deadline for six (6) citizen members to apply to serve on the advisory committee.

August 8, 2022 – Following the information session, a report summarizing the results of the public feedback was presented to Council. After receiving the report, Council directed staff to develop a committee to represent the community and review possible locations for a dog park in Loyalist Township in either Amherstview, Bath or Odessa, and make a recommendation to Council.

July 14, 2022 – An informal drop-in information session was held at Lakeview Park, Amherstview. The information session provided an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and comment on the draft design concepts.

October 25, 2021 – Council reviewed possible locations for a pilot dog park. Staff were directed to prepare a conceptual design and host community consultation sessions. The report to Council can be found here

The area around the dock located behind the Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre on Stella Bay, Amherst Island was upgraded in 2022 to improve safety, restore the shoreline, prevent erosion, and improve access. The new armour stone wall and steps to the water were designed by Loyalist Township Engineering & Environmental Division staff.

The work done in 2022 consisted of shoreline restoration and in-water work, reinstatement of topsoil and seed, and installation of railings. The dock installation was completed in May 2023 and includes a kayak/canoe launch which was custom-designed for this project.

These infrastructure upgrades were intended for:

• Shoreline restoration and reduced erosion

• Safe water access to users of all ages

• Quarried stones, landscaped stairs with a rail

• Improved safety

• Minimal ongoing maintenance

Climate Change Considerations:

To mitigate environmental risks and impacts during the construction phase of the project, adequate sediment and erosion controls were a strict requirement throughout the project. The shoreline restoration was also designed to withstand erosion and prevent any further loss of shoreline in this area. Current and future climate risks to the projects over their lifespan include increased flooding, high winds, extreme heat, and erosion. These risks have been factored into the design. For example, the design of the Neilson Store Dock considered the need for larger, heavier stone to ensure that it will remain in place during high lake levels and wave action. 

Permits from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Fisheries and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority were required for the project.

The Babcock Mill Reading Garden was a collaborative project between Loyalist Township and the Grade 6/7 class of Odessa Public School, initiated during the "Imagining My Sustainable Community" program in March 2023. The students envisioned the garden as a community hub, promoting sustainability and inclusivity. The project received approval from the Loyalist Township Council in October 2023, with construction commencing in spring 2024. A notable contribution came from Austin, a student at Ernestown Secondary School, who built a little library for the garden. The grand opening took place on October 23, 2024, marking a significant step in the Township's commitment to sustainable community development. Additionally, the project was awarded a $10,000 Community Tree Grant through Tree Canada, supported by CN's EcoConnexions From the Ground Up Program.

For further information, visit Imagining My Sustainable Community Projects page

In 2023 Loyalist Township’s Utilities Division completed rehabilitation work on the Odessa Water Tower. This work involved relining the tower's interior in order to maintain its long-term structural integrity. The Tower was out of service from April 10th until July 27th while work was completed.

The Odessa West Subdivisions are well into their next phases of construction and the developers have completed the construction of a new stormwater management facility. The Odessa West Stormwater Management (SWM) facility was designed to accommodate stormwater runoff from two new subdivisions in Odessa. The facility is located at the site of the decommissioned Odessa sewage treatment plant, which was demolished to allow for the installation of the SWM facility 

In addition to the construction of the SWM facility, the bottom 400 meters of Bridge St, a 7-meter-wide paved road, which runs parallel to Millhaven Creek, has been converted to a 4-meter-widemulti-use pathway, accessible to residents. These walking paths provide additional connectivity into the new subdivision phases from the recently improved trail system through Babcock Mill Park and through the new SWM facility to connect to future phases of the Babcock Mills Subdivision. 

Structural relining can help an existing watermain last several decades longer. Relining a watermain instead of replacing it also means we dig up fewer front lawns for the work. 2018's watermain relining program benefited residents on Cambridge Crescent, and on the eastern leg of Kildare Avenue between Manitou Crescent West and Cambridge Crescent.