Important Notice for Downtown Markdale Businesses and Residents

We are aware that information has been circulating suggesting that water service in downtown Markdale could be shut off for up to two days.

The Municipality of Grey Highlands and Cox Construction would like to clarify that neither parties have provided any businesses with information indicating a planned two-day water shutdown.

Should any scheduled interruption to water service be required as part of the construction project, affected businesses and residents would be notified in advance through official communication channels, with details regarding timing and duration.

We encourage everyone to rely on information shared directly by the Municipality of Grey Highlands or Cox Construction for project updates. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Municipality directly

Traffic Notice: Traffic will be reduced to a single lane, 3.3 metres wide, with traffic control in place. Due to traffic volumes, controllers will allow a limited number of vehicles into the community at a time to ensure the safety of residents, motorists, and workers. Oversized and wide-load trucks must use an alternate route.

📢 Service Disruption Notice – September 14-21, 2026

Council Approval: In October 2022, Council approved the Connecting Link Markdale Project.

Grant Application: In October 2025, Council supported staff in applying for the 2026/2027 Connecting Link Markdale grant.

Media Release Issued: On March 9, 2026, Ontario announced a $5 million investment toward the reconstruction of Toronto Street in Markdale.

Construction Contract Awarded: Council awarded the construction contract for the Connecting Link Markdale project at the July 8, 2026, Council meeting.

Construction Update: Crews will mobilize the week of July 27, 2026, to install project signage, with construction work scheduled to begin the week of August 4, 2026.

Traffic Conditions and Public Access:

The roads will be reduced to a single lane during construction, with an average lane width of 3.4 m, to allow access for certain trucks and transit buses through the site. Trucks and other vehicles, such as farm machinery, wider than the lane reduction, will need to find alternative routes. Working hours are generally from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. If required, notice will be provided for any work taking place outside of these hours or on Saturday. The Contractor will provide traffic management measures, including signage, traffic control persons, and barriers. Additional traffic control assistance will be provided by OPP officers as required. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. We encourage those residents with mobility limitations to contact the project team so their specific needs can be addressed during construction.

Public Parking:

No public parking during construction will be permitted within closed, active construction, areas on Highway 10. The Contractor will be on-site to coordinate and communicate with pedestrians and motorists on where to park.

Special Access Needs:

If you require special access to your property during construction, please contact the Public Relations Officer, listed on the bottom right of this page.

Proposed Work Schedule: October 26–30

Monday

• Sanitary sewer installation will continue at the intersection of Main Street and Toronto Street.
• Once the sewer excavation progresses beyond the west-side detour entrance beside the ice cream store, the existing automated temporary traffic signals will transition to serving as the primary traffic control system through the work zone until sanitary sewer installation is complete.
• Sanitary sewer installation is anticipated to be completed within approximately one week, weather and site conditions permitting.
• Road excavation will continue at the south end of the project.
• Removal of the west-side sidewalk and curb will continue north toward Foodland.

Tuesday to Friday

• Sanitary sewer installation will continue.
• Road excavation activities will continue at the south end of the project.
• Removal of sidewalks and curb on the west side of Toronto Street will continue.
• Removal of asphalt driveways within the construction limits will commence as preparation for road widening and reconstruction activities.

Important Reminders

• Expect delays and allow additional travel time when travelling through the construction zone.
• Obey all traffic signals, construction signage, and directions from traffic control personnel.
• No right turns on red will be permitted within the active work zone.
• Access to properties will be maintained whenever possible; however, temporary interruptions may be necessary as work progresses.
• Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or operational requirements.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure project moves toward completion.

Proposed Work Schedule: October 19–23

As construction continues, multiple crews will be working throughout the project area. Please expect traffic delays, reduced speeds, and changing traffic patterns. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation.

Monday

• The temporary traffic signal north of Cavan Street will be relocated to the south side of the intersection.
• Motorists are reminded not to block the Cavan Street intersection, particularly when stopped at the temporary traffic lights. This is critical to allow access for emergency vehicles and local traffic.
• The sanitary sewer installation and construction of a new maintenance structure will continue between Cavan Street and Main Street, including work in front of the IDA Pharmacy.
• The temporary traffic lights will remain in operation. Please note that the signals are timed and may require up to a two-minute wait between traffic movements to allow vehicles to clear the work zone safely.
• Road excavation and road widening will continue at the south end of the project near Tim Hortons.
• Sidewalk and curb removal will continue on the west side of Toronto Street.

Tuesday

• Sanitary sewer installation will continue.
• Road excavation at the south end of town will continue, progressing north.
• Sidewalk removal and boulevard excavation will continue along the west side of Toronto Street.
• Topsoil removal will begin in preparation for road widening between Uplands and the south project limits.
• Due to underground utility conflicts, some excavation areas will be deeper than originally anticipated. For safety, these locations will be marked with barrels, stakes, and caution tape.
• Pedestrians are asked to remain within the designated gravel sidewalk area.
• Exposed catch basin covers may be present within the gravel roadway. These locations are marked with barrels and orange paint. Please do not move any traffic control devices.
• Survey stakes marked with bright orange paint have been installed throughout the project area to establish grades for the new curbs. Please do not remove or disturb these stakes.

Wednesday to Friday

• Sanitary sewer installation will continue.
• Road excavation and preparation for road widening will continue.
• Sidewalk, curb, and boulevard work will continue throughout the construction limits.
• Traffic control measures and temporary signals will remain in place.

Important Reminders

• Expect delays and allow extra travel time when travelling through the construction zone.
• Please obey all temporary traffic signals, signs, and directions from traffic control personnel.
• Do not block intersections, particularly near Cavan Street.
• Stay within designated pedestrian routes and use caution around construction areas.
• Crews will continue grading the roadway and repairing potholes as conditions permit.
• Dust control measures, including calcium application, will continue following road grading operations.
• Weather and site conditions may affect the construction schedule.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as this important infrastructure project progresses.

It was announced in early March 2026 that Grey Highlands had been selected for funding through the Ministry of Transportation's 2026-27 Connecting Link Program to receive up to $5,000,000 of the overall project costs for reconstructing Toronto Street in Markdale. This project had been approved as part of the 2026 budget, pending funding approval.

R.J. Burnside and Associates prepared the tender package and it was issued on Biddingo in accordance with the Procurement By-law on May 22, 2026, closing June 18, 2026.

Additional details will be provided once a contractor has been awarded by Council.