Sixth Street Reconstruction

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As part of phase one (Part A) of the Sixth Street Reconstruction Project, a temporary disruption will occur starting the week of April 6, 2026.  If you are traveling in this area, please be mindful that traffic may be reduced to one lane, and sidewalks on Sixth Street are inaccessible between High and Hurontario Streets to accommodate phase one tree removal of the project. Your anticipated patience is appreciated. Updates will be shared as they become available on this project page and the Town's News & Notices webpage.

Phase One (Part A) includes sanitary sewer replacement, storm sewer replacement, watermain replacement, streetlights, traffic signals at Hurontario Street/ Sixth Street and Hurontario Street/ Hume Street intersections, Oak Street bridge works, road reconstruction, installation of cycle tracks, and restoration. The enclosed map highlights the work area for phase one. This work is anticipated to be completed by November 2026.

Notice of Construction was delivered to Sixth Street Residents on March 25, 2026.

The Town issued a media release announcing that Trisan Construction has been awarded the tender for the Sixth Street Infrastructure Project. This significant investment will renew aging underground infrastructure, improve water supply and pressure to the Town’s west side, and deliver important upgrades to sidewalks, curbs, and cycle tracks, enhancing active transportation, safety, and accessibility for all residents. Renewal of all infrastructure is part of responsible long-term asset management planning. We’re updating the infrastructure to align with current design guidelines and best practices.

Following the staff operational update to Council at the November 3, 2025, meeting, the Town issued a media release, reaffirming its commitment to the Tree Replacement Strategy on Sixth Street.

At the November 3, 2025, Council meeting, staff provided an operational update on the tree replacement strategy for the Sixth Street Reconstruction project. The presentation is available by clicking the link below or in the Documents section of the Project page.

Sixth Street Reconstruction and Tree Replacement Presentation

At the July 8, 2024, Council meeting, Council voted down a reconsideration of the approved Sixth Street cross-section. Based on this outcome, staff is moving forward with the one-way cycle track cross-section option. Staff shared the conclusions of an arborist report completed on the north side trees to help inform Council's decision. This report identified a majority of the Town-owned trees are in fair-poor condition, there is a lack of tree diversity, and the predominant trees are not ideal as boulevard trees.

On June 3, 2024, Council passed a resolution regarding the Sixth Street tree replacement plan. It states:

WHEREAS there will be a significant loss of trees in the public right-of-way during the reconstruction of Sixth Street;
AND WHEREAS there will be insufficient room in this public right-of-way as reconstructed to replace all the trees lost;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct Staff to develop a program which will include the following:

1. All the trees lost are to be replaced by planting new trees on Sixth Street, at the rate of at least double the trees lost, or other rate of replacement calculated using a science-based formula, such that the net environmental benefit of the removed trees is not lost.
2. To achieve the goal of planting double the trees lost, that homeowners on Sixth Street be permitted to request a tree be planted on their private front yard at no cost to them. Homeowners to be provided instructions on watering and care to ensure survival of any such trees.
3. That the priority area for the planting of new trees be within the project boundaries.
4. That if additional areas are needed to accommodate all the new trees, that the program identify additional streets in the vicinity where the trees will be planted.
5. That recommendations on the tree caliper be returned to Council for decision.
6. AND THAT Staff report back to Council on the ability to require private property owners to maintain or replace trees (as per a method used for the original planting) that have been provided and planted as part of the Sixth Street road reconstruction project.

During the meeting held on October 16, 2023, Council provided direction for staff to reconsider the proposed Sixth Street Reconstruction design and implement one-way cycle tracks on the north and south sides, and a separate pedestrian sidewalk on the north side.

Council also directed staff to ensure that active transportation crossings at all intersections reflect best practices, which may include cycle track pavement markings, raised crosswalks, or other treatments that cost-efficiently reflect best practices and improve the safety of all active transportation facilities on the reconstructed street.

Council Resolution 341-2023 was passed, which includes an image of the proposed cross-section reflecting what Council would like to see implemented.

At the October 16, 2023, Council meeting, Resolution RES-341-2023 was passed:

WHEREAS Sixth Street is the main east-west cycling corridor through the Town of Collingwood;

AND WHEREAS the necessary reconstruction of Sixth Street presents an opportunity for improvements to the active transportation facilities that reflect up-to-date best practices;

AND WHEREAS the objective of the proposed design is to create a “complete street” that cost-efficiently preserves the existing boulevards, trees, and hydro poles, while improving active transportation conveyances on both the North and South sides of the street;

AND WHEREAS the proposed design would introduce a two-way raised cycle track on the south side of the street only, that would be shared with pedestrians;

AND WHEREAS industry best practice is to avoid two-way cycle tracks because of the significantly increased risk of conflict with motor vehicles in situations where there are a large number of driveways and intersections, as exist on Sixth Street;

AND WHEREAS the same shared track would impact the travel experience and safety of pedestrians in that the majority of users are cyclists, and this form of transportation is likely to increase with the growing number of cyclists, plus users of scooters, e-bikes, and other power-driven personal transport devices;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Staff reconsider the proposed Sixth Street Reconstruction design and request staff and/ or consultant provide additional information regarding the Level of Service Guidelines for the potential implementation of one-way cycle tracks on the north and south sides, and a separate pedestrian sidewalk on the north side;

AND FURTHER that the design ensure that active transportation crossings at all intersections reflect best practices which may include cycle track pavement markings, raised crosswalks or other treatments that reflect best practice and improve safety of all active transportation facilities on the reconstructed street.

At the September 11, 2023 Council Meeting, Stuart West, Manager of Engineering Services, provided an operational update including project overview, objectives and opportunities, reviewed alternative cross sections considered, provided a visual of Alternative 2, being the preferred solution, reviewed public consultation and notices provided to date, and provided clarification to the Municipal Class EA process. Manager West reviewed consultation feedback, highlighting the desire to maintain the urban tree canopy along Sixth Street, specific drainage and driveway concerns, improved street lighting for safety, improvements to road safety, and the impacts of two-way trails. Pedestrian and cyclist counts were reviewed, including OTM Book 18 recommendations and selection criteria for separating pedestrians and cyclists.

Questions of Council were addressed, including trail connectivity; potential for collisions with two-way cycling and pedestrian traffic on the proposed multi-use trail; the ability to raise intersection crossings and other traffic-calming tools; environmental impacts of asphalt versus concrete surfaces; residential parking; and ensuring it is built for future needs.

A public information session was held on May 31, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Collingwood Public Library. This informal open house displayed the preliminary design drawings and provided an opportunity for members of the public to learn about the project and ask questions of Town Staff and Tatham Engineering. 

The preliminary drawings are available under the 'Links' section on the right side of this project page.

A notice of the upcoming Public Information Centre regarding the Sixth Street Reconstruction Project was posted on the Town's website and shared with the public through the Town's communication channels.

The primary objective of reconstructing Sixth Street is for the installation of a transmission watermain to improve water supply and pressure to the west end of Collingwood.   The existing distribution watermain is undersized and will be replaced, along with the existing sanitary and storm sewer.  

This is a Generational project – The new cross-section will look very different and will transform the street into one that we hope will encourage active movement as the preferred means of transportation throughout Town.

The new OTM (Ontario Traffic Manuel) Book 18 guidelines recommend when the average daily traffic volumes are above 5,000 vehicles per day, that a physically separated bikeway be installed such as a separated bike lane, multiuse path, or cycle track.   Sixth Street currently has approximately 7,500 vehicles per day.  

Sixth Street was identified as an east-west cycling in the Collingwood Cycling Plan because of the existing signalized intersections at Hurontario Street and High Street. Sixth Street connects to the trail system on the west end and Hamilton Street leading to Central Park and the Train Trail on the east end.

Sixth Street was identified as an east-west cycling in the Collingwood Cycling Plan because of the existing signalized intersections at Hurontario Street and High Street. Sixth Street connects to the trail system on the west end and Hamilton Street leading to Central Park and the Train Trail on the east end.

As this project advances, the Town must remove 39 trees (36 Town-owned and 3 potentially shared ownership) to accommodate the infrastructure improvements and design. Additional trees may be required to be removed, but every effort will be made to save as many trees as possible. 
The arborist report concluded that six (6) trees had a rating of ‘Good’, fourteen (14) had a rating of ‘Good-Fair & Fair’, and nineteen (19) had a ‘Fair-Poor & Poor’ rating.  Approximately half of the Town-owned trees were rated in the ‘Fair-Poor & Poor’ rating, species diversity is love and the streetscape is dominated by Silver and Norway Maples, neither of which is recommended for the location.  Most of the trees don’t have critical reasons for removal, however those that are in poor health will have less resilience to construction impacts, which may accelerate their decline.

Council directed staff to plant trees at a minimum 3:1 replacement ratio, meaning 39 required removals will result in 120 new trees being planted. The replacement strategy focuses on “right tree, right place.” That means we’re not just planting more trees; we’re planting the right species in locations where they have enough space to grow, won’t conflict with infrastructure or utilities, and can thrive long-term. We’re also increasing species diversity including native species and selecting trees that are more resilient to climate change and urban stress. The goal is to have a healthier, more sustainable urban forest over time, not just replacing numbers, but improving overall canopy quality and resilience. 

Utility relocation work is underway, with construction scheduled for 2026 and 2027.   Construction will start at the Hurontario & Sixth Street intersection and proceed west.  Phase 1 (Hurontario to Oak) will be completed in 2026 and Phase 2 (Oak Street to High Steet) will be completed in 2027.

A public information center was held on May 31, 2023 at the Collingwood Library.  Staff then provided an update to Council in September 2023 , Council provided a motion to revisit the recommended design with the implementation of cycle tracks in October 2023.  In May 2024 Staff provided another update to Council highlighting the challenges of the cycle track option, mainly the removal of existing trees in the north boulevard area.  The engineering consultants also hand delivered notices to residents along Sixth Street ahead of the public meeting in September 2023.