‘Bay and Beyond’ project moving along ‘exactly as planned’

James Steele, commissioner of engineering and public works for the District of Muskoka, says the “Bay and Beyond” project in Gravenhurst is moving along well in the early stages of the three-year job. 

He shares Bay St. will be down to a single lane between Steamship Bay Rd. and North Muldrew Lake Rd. until Friday so it can be paved ahead of the long weekend. 

“We could leave it in gravel, but we don’t think that’s appropriate,” says Steele. “It’s one of the busier weekends, so we want to make sure it’s ready.” 

He adds the work is moving along “exactly as planned.” 

“It’s still early days for the total value of the project, but these sections are the most disruptive components,” explains Steele. “So, hopefully, once we get through 2024 there will be less impact to the public.” 

Steele expects the next phase will start in the fall, adding it will be a little further east on Bay St. 

The three-year project is being overseen by the District of Muskoka to replace the aging infrastructure between Gull Lake Rotary Park and the Muskoka Wharf. Trisan Construction, based in Schomberg, Ont., was handed the nearly $10 million contract for the first two stages of the job in April. 

Steele explains the second stage, which will start in 2025, will happen along a 620-metre stretch on Bay St. from Greavette St. to John St. 

He adds the third and final stage will start in 2026 and will be awarded to a new contractor. 

A new feature for this project is a progress bar on EngageMuskoka.ca which shows how far along the project’s timeline they are and how much of the budget has been spent. 

“It’s something we’re trying on this project just given the concerns from the public and the disruption it’s going to cause,” says Steele. 

With the project happening in one of Muskoka’s busiest areas, Steele says the district and Town of Gravenhurst have been in constant contact with individuals and business owners. “Folks are adapting to the changes,” he says. 

Steele points out the district has been providing real-time updates for navigation tools like Google Maps to help people know what areas to avoid. 

“These are big impacts,” continues Steele. “We understand that and what we try to do is do whatever we can to make that impact as small as possible for folks.”