Notice of Project Initiation - Orchardville Bridge

The County of Grey is advancing project specific planning to address the deteriorated condition of Bridge No. 900-272 (i.e. Orchardville Bridge) immediately east of Highway 6 in Orchardville, where shown on the Study Area Map below. The County has identified various deficiencies with the structure, including missing concrete sections and exposed reinforcing steel in many areas. The project is being planned under Schedule ‘B’ of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, as outlined in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Manual prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association (2015). Alternative solutions that are being considered for the bridge include:

i) Do Nothing;

ii) Rehabilitate the Existing Structure;

iii) Replace the Existing Structure; and

iv) Remove the Existing Structure.

Through the work completed to date, the Study Team has identified Bridge Removal as the Preliminary Recommended Solution. The Schedule ‘B’ Project File (Version 1), which includes all background technical reports, is available on the County of Grey website and at the County Office for viewing purposes.

With the circulation of this Notice of Project Initiation and the Project File, public, agency and First Nation comments are invited for incorporation into the planning of this project. Comments will be received by GM BluePlan Engineering and/or the County until October 15, 2019. Contact information is provided below. Once comments are received, the Study Team will re-evaluate the Recommended Solution and present the findings in an updated Project File. Subject to the comments received, the verification of the Preferred Solution and the receipt of necessary approvals, the County intends to proceed with the planning, design, and construction of this project in 2020.

This Notice of Project Initiation is advertised in the Mount Forest Confederate and is also posted on the County’s website, where additional information is provided. This Notice first issued on September 12, 2019.

The EA Process was initiated on September 12, 2019. This commenced the public consultation period which provided an opportunity for the public, agencies and indigenous communities to provide comments for incorporation into the planning of this project.
 
A Phase 2 Site Meeting is planned to be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Orchardville Bridge (outdoor meeting: please dress appropriately).  This will provide an opportunity for the local residents and interested public to discuss the problems and/or opportunities specific to those potentially affected parties.
 
Following the meeting, the Study Team will incorporate comments and feedback into the Project File and the assessment of alternatives and the Recommended Solution will be updated for Council to consider as a Preferred Solution. Subject to the feedback received, the verification of the Preferred Solution by Council and the receipt of necessary approvals, the County intends to proceed with the planning, design, and construction of this project in 2020. 
 
This Notice of Site Meeting, issued on November 19, 2019, has also been distributed to the property owners surrounding the Study Area.