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 13 to 16

As work progresses into the next phase of construction, several activities will be taking place at the same time. Motorists should expect slower traffic and delays throughout the project area. Please remember to leave room for emergency vehicles at all times.

Tuesday, October 13

• Sanitary sewer installation will begin at Cavan Street and proceed south.
• A new temporary traffic control system will be activated. This system will use four timed traffic signals to manage one-way northbound and southbound traffic through the construction zone.
• The existing temporary traffic lights will be removed from service and replaced by the new system.
• Traffic will be redirected through the Community Parking Lot west of Toronto Street (across from Allan's Garage). Please follow all arrow boards, traffic signs, and directions from traffic control personnel.
• The west sidewalk between Main Street and Cavan Street will be closed and fenced off for pedestrian safety.
• A protected pedestrian route will be available on the east side of Toronto Street between Main Street and Cavan Street. Please use the crosswalk at the Main Street traffic lights.
• Testing of the sanitary sewer bypass system will take place between Main Street and Cavan Street.
• Sidewalk removal will begin on the west side of Toronto Street between the Foodland entrance and the hospital. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained.

⚠️ Please expect significant traffic delays while the new temporary traffic signal system is installed and activated.

Wednesday, October 14

• Remaining asphalt will be removed from the Foodland area to the south project limits.
• Water valve boxes and sanitary sewer manhole covers within the roadway will be adjusted to the correct elevation.
• Traffic control personnel, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police, will manage traffic during these operations.
• Sanitary sewer installation will continue.

Thursday, October 15

• Road excavation will begin in the southbound lane at the south end of the project.
• Sanitary sewer installation will continue.

Friday, October 16

• Road excavation will continue in the southbound lane, progressing north.
• Sanitary sewer installation will continue.
• The sanitary sewer bypass system will remain in operation and be monitored throughout the weekend by Cox Construction staff.

Important Information

• Expect delays and slower traffic throughout the week.
• Please follow all posted signs, temporary traffic signals, and directions from traffic control personnel.
• Pedestrians are asked to stay within designated walking routes and use marked crossings.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure work continues.

On behalf of Cox Construction Ltd., we wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving weekend. 🍂🦃

October 5 – October 9

Monday

• Road excavation will begin at the Foodland traffic lights.
• The Foodland traffic lights will be flashing while traffic control personnel and the OPP assist with traffic.
• The Highway 10 entrance to Foodland will be temporarily closed but the access on Devonleigh Gate will remain open
• Crews will begin installing a temporary sanitary bypass system at Cavan Street.

Tuesday

• Temporary traffic lights will be installed beginning at approximately 7:30 a.m.
• Single-lane traffic will begin between Cavan Street and Main Street.
• Traffic will be directed through the Community Parking Lot. Please follow all posted signs and traffic-control devices.
• Sanitary sewer replacement will begin at Cavan Street. This work is expected to take approximately three weeks.
• Sidewalk and curb removal will begin at the Foodland traffic lights and continue south toward the hospital entrance.
• Crews will also begin preparing the area for the new sidewalk

Wednesday

• Sanitary sewer work will continue.
• Curb and sidewalk removal will continue south from the Foodland area.
• Single-lane traffic and temporary traffic controls will remain in place.

Thursday

• Sod installation is expected to begin between the Ultramar gas station and Cavan Street.
• Sanitary sewer work will continue.
• Remaining driveway paving will be completed after the sanitary sewer work is finished.

Friday

• Sanitary sewer work will continue.
• Single-lane traffic and temporary traffic controls will remain in place.

⚠️ Please Remember

• Expect significant delays between Cavan Street and Main Street.
• Allow extra time when travelling through the construction area.
• Please follow temporary traffic lights, signs, and directions from traffic-control personnel.
• Use extra caution around construction equipment and excavation areas.
• Construction schedules are subject to change.

Please note: Construction schedules are weather-dependent and may change.

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.