What’s happening now
Following extensive review a new location for the reception shaft has been found. Construction is expected to resume in mid-April and continue to November 2027. Construction will require a full closure of Rowanwood Avenue, east of Yonge Street.
City staff are working closely with Councillor Dianne Saxe’s office to take all practical steps to minimize community impacts from this urgent and necessary infrastructure upgrade work, including noise mitigation, alternative parking arrangements and accelerated work schedules.
Background
In February 2025, the City started work to replace the 100-year-old transmission watermain along Rowanwood Avenue, Thornwood Road, Chestnut Park and Roxborough Street. Replacement of the transmission watermain is needed to maintain a reliable supply of water to the area and to meet future water supply demands.
In May 2025, work on the Macpherson Avenue reception shaft was paused due to unexpected underground conflicts that would have significantly expanded the work zone.
Following an extensive review of options, a new location for the reception shaft has been selected.
The new shaft will be located five meters east of the Yonge Street and Rowanwood Avenue intersection. Construction is required to carry out utility relocation work, shaft construction, tunneling and watermain construction at this location. Access to Rowanwood Avenue and streets to the north will be maintained via Roxborough Street East and Chestnut Park.
To view the City’s expected timelines please see the construction update notice.
