The Elm Street laneway into PECI will see full road reconstruction, a new asphalt walkway, new curbs and gutters, and new storm and sanitary sewers.

The laneway serves as a pickup and drop-off point for the school, which includes students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Construction will take place during the summer break, June 29th to August 31st. 

In 2024, concern about the road’s safety risks to PECI students and families boiled over. A petition with over 100 names called for a designated pedestrian walkway and reconstruction of the pothole-speckled road.

Cobourg Development Services will complete the project for $250,149 plus taxes. The lowest of 12 bids, it still exceeds the $167,000 approved for the project in the 2025 capital budget.

Council will direct $100,000 from the reserve for urban road construction, along with $25,000 from the water and wastewater capital reserve, to make up for the shortfall.

“Detailed design showed there was some additional work needed,” said Country Manager of Engineering, David MacPherson. 

“The storm system came out into Paul Street a little bit more than what was expected. We are increasing the accessible sidewalks at the intersection of Paul and Elm, so there was definitely some additions to the scope in the original budget.”

“We’re taking money out of our reserves time and time again,” said Councillor Braney. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could sell an outhouse around here so we could put that money towards something like this?”

CAO Adam Goheen confirmed that revenue from future building sales will go toward facilities reserves.

Barker Street

Council voted to postpone converting Barker Street between Bowery and Paul streets to two-way traffic until it too has been reconstructed.

County Manager of Engineering David MacPherson said staff will complete design for the Barker Street reconstruction and will tender the project this year.

A staff report recommended opening the road to two-way traffic immediately by removing one-way signage. Council opted to wait until construction is complete. 

Councillor Phil Prinzen noted waiting gives nearby PECI and Tri-Board Student Transportation more time to prepare for the traffic changes. 

“I think it would be wiser to wait until they’ve developed their plan rather than blocking off Barker to all traffic every time there’s school drop off and pickup,” Councillor Kate MacNaughton agreed.