FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2025
Infrastructure improvements underway in Walton Acres subdivision:
Temporary delay brings long-term benefits
The City of Toronto is continuing its commitment to infrastructure excellence with ongoing upgrades in the Walton Acres subdivision. A project initially aimed at water, stormwater, and roadway improvements will now provide an even greater impact for residents, resulting in all new gas lines as well.
Construction of the water line along East Fernwood Drive – from Forest Drive to just past Carol Street – revealed unforeseen conditions surrounding the existing gas lines in the area. During the installation of stormwater catch basins for this project, crews discovered that when the previous basins were poured, they were placed in direct conflict with the existing gas line. In order to replace these basins, the gas line needed to be adjusted in these areas.
The City has worked in coordination with Columbia Gas to address the issue and keep the water line replacements moving forward as planned. Columbia Gas has opted to proactively replace the gas main and service lines in the area to alleviate future issues with the lines and avoid potential service interruptions.
Doing this additional work in conjunction with the current project means everything can be handled while the roadway is already under construction, avoiding the potential scenario where the new pavement is tore up in the near future to complete the replacement.
The additional work will affect the current construction schedule. Columbia Gas crews will be on site in the coming days to perform the gas line and service replacement, pushing back the initial paving schedule. The goal is for paving to still take place this fall as planned. This is heavily dependent on weather and how quickly Columbia Gas can complete their work. If necessary, paving may extend into spring. In the meantime, Columbia Gas has committed to providing temporary asphalt trench repair as the project progresses, ensuring safe and accessible roadways. Once their lines are all completely constructed, the entire roadway will receive new permanent concrete curbs and pavement.