Residents and commuters in Collingwood should prepare for delays and plan alternate routes as construction begins on the long-awaited Sixth Street infrastructure project.
The Town of Collingwood issued a notice on April 2, 2026, announcing that a temporary disruption will begin the week of April 6. During this initial phase, traffic will be reduced to one lane and sidewalks will be inaccessible between High and Hurontario Streets to accommodate the removal of trees along the corridor.
The construction is part of a major effort to replace aging watermain, sanitary, and storm sewer systems, while also adding new sidewalks, curbs, and one-way cycle tracks on both sides of the street. The town awarded the contract for this work to Trisan Construction, an infrastructure contractor based in Schomberg, Ontario, on March 24, 2026.
The project, which is part of a larger $36.1 million roadwork budget for 2026, is split into two phases. The first phase, covering the area from Hurontario Street to Oak Street, is expected to be finished this year. The second phase, from Oak Street to High Street, is slated for completion in 2027.
While the infrastructure upgrades are designed to improve water supply and traffic safety, the removal of 39 to 40 mature trees has prompted concern from local residents. Mayor Yvonne Hamlin has acknowledged these concerns, stating that the town shares the community’s commitment to protecting the tree canopy. To address the loss, the town has committed to a planting plan that will replace the removed trees at a 3:1 ratio, resulting in 120 new trees being planted throughout the area.
Utility relocation work is currently ongoing and is expected to be finalized by April 15, 2026, as crews prepare for the full scope of the infrastructure project.
