Background

Victoria Street South and Toronto Road are actually one continuous road that changes names partway through (at Rideout Street). This arterial road connects Downtown and residential streets to Highway 401, making it a busy and important roadway for Port Hope's connections.

Over the past two decades, new residential development has increased traffic in the area. Because of this growth, the road improvements and aging underground utilities now need upgrades.

The anticipated project site will run from Fraser Street to Trafalgar Street. It is anticipated that there will be lane closures from Fraser Street to Ridout Street and a full road closure from Rideout Street to South of Trafalgar Street.

In 2023, the Municipality held a public information session and survey to gather community input. The project was then included in the 2026 Budget, allowing staff to move forward with next steps. The project is currently out for tender until April 9, 2026. Once a contract has been awarded and a contractor retained, additional updates and timelines will be provided.

What improvements are planned?

This area will undergo a full road reconstruction. A full road closure will be required for this section during construction. Work will include replacing underground infrastructure, widening the road, and installing new sidewalks:

  • Wider roadway (about 10 metres) to allow:
    • One traffic lane in each direction
    • A dedicated bike lane on each side
  • Better connections to Strachan Street, Ridout Street, and Dorset Street West
  • Sidewalk upgrades:
    • East side: Replace existing sidewalk and extend it to Trafalgar Street
  • Underground utility upgrades, including new or improved:
    • Water mains
    • Sanitary sewer mains
    • Stormwater pipes
    Map indicating the project area from Ridout to south of Trafalgar

This portion of the project will focus on upsizing the waterlines to improve capacity. It will also include the decommissioning of an old sanitary sewer pipe. Most of this work will take place within the boulevard, and two‑way traffic will be maintained for the majority of the construction period. Any temporary exceptions will be communicated in advance. Major work near schools in the area will not begin until after June 30.

  • Installation of a new water main
  • Retirement of an old historic sanitary sewer pipe

map showing project boundary on Toronto road from fraser to ridout

News and Updates

Public Engagement

A Public Information Session was held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall. Staff and the Consultant CIMA+ were in attendance to share information and answer questions.

Staff and the consultant collected comments and concerns from residents about the project.

After the completion of the PIC, a public comment form was opened on this page for residents to provide their comments and feedback.