The City of Cambridge says a section of Blair Road will have to be shut down while workers replace an aging retaining wall.
The stone structure is about 62 metres long and 2 metres tall and is located near George Street North in the Dickson Hill neighbourhood. It is believed to have been built in the early 1900’s.
Last week, council unanimously approved a plan to replace the existing wall in its entirety.
“The repair options are not being recommended due to the elevated costs involved and considering the current condition of the wall,” explained Jamie Croft, the city’s manager of infrastructure engineering.
The price tag for the project is set at $1.6 million, though more funds may be required for its upkeep.
“An additional $61,000 is estimated for the ongoing maintenance and inspection costs over 75 years,” said a city spokesperson in an email to CTV News.
City staff initially presented two other options to repair the wall but a complete replacement was recommended.
“The cost is in the middle range of the options presented, providing a balance between cost and heritage, and has a lower project risk compared to repair options and salvaged-stone-facing options,” Croft said.
Construction work is expected to take approximately six months and will require the temporary closure of Blair Road at George Street North.
“The lowest cost would be to close the road,” said Croft. “But [there’s] obviously much greater impact to the commuters.”
The new structure will be built in front of the old one, using newly-sourced stones that resemble the ones in the existing wall.
“I will say that whoever gets this contract, there’s going to be an awful lot of eyes watching, making sure it’s done very well,” Mayor Jan Liggett said during the council meeting.
Residents told CTV News they were happy with the plan for the retaining wall. Some said it fit in the with the historic feel of the neighbourhood.
“It’s part of the heritage and culture of West Galt that makes it unique, along with the streetlights,” said Wendy Stares.
The city said the work will include widening the sidewalk by up to 1.8 metres and, as a result, the boulevard will be narrowed slightly.
City staff said construction on the retaining wall is expected to begin sometime in 2026, subject to budget approval.
