Waterdown Bypass Update

Construction of the partially completed Waterdown Bypass, also known as the East-West Corridor, has been on pause since 2021, due to a detailed archaeological investigation, in partnership with four First Nations. In July 2022, excavation fieldwork identified that the project needed to extend beyond the road allowance into adjacent private properties. Given the importance of protecting Indigenous heritage, the First Nations requested fieldwork be suspended until an acceptable strategy was developed; including extending the limits of archaeological investigation beyond the road allowance and informing property owners about the potential for archaeology on private property.

In acknowledgment of the First Nations’ concerns, the City plans to pursue a staged archaeological approach that includes a project oriented short-term mitigation strategy and a long-term protection strategy. The short-term strategy involves accessing a 10m temporary limited interest easement to two adjacent private properties for completing an archaeological assessment. This process will define the strategy for the additional archaeological investigation, should it be required. The short-term and long-term approaches to archaeology on the sites are supported by the First Nations as well as the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. Monitoring during construction for this project will be according to provincial requirements.

• Read the Memo of Jackie Kennedy Director – Engineering Services, Public Works Department to Councillor McMeekin regarding the Waterdown Bypass.

At present, it is expected that construction of the Waterdown bypass will recommence in 2026. As a result of the delay, the City’s Engineering Services department has prioritized other key projects in Waterdown. Specifically, the City will soon move forward with the replacement of the bridge over Grindstone Creek along Dundas Street, as well as the resurfacing of Dundas Street between Reynold Street and Burke Street.