Alma, Balaclava Streets Reconstruction & Realignment
MAPS
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The Recommended Solution based on preferred option (reconstruction of Alma as a southbound, one-way street).
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This image shows the study area for the reconstruction and realignment of Alma and Balaclava streets.
DOWNLOADS
Alma and Balaclava Streets Class Environmental Assessment Phase One and Two Report.
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PDF
5.5MB]
Study commencement notification materials.
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PDF
3.7MB]
Public and agency comments and responses following notification of study commencement.
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2.3MB]
Public open house notification materials.
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PDF
3.1MB]
Public and agency comments and responses following public open house.
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PDF
4.4MB]
PROJECT ARCHIVE
Previously published information on this project.
RELATED LINKS
Learn more about the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.
PDF HELP
The freely available Adobe Reader software can be used to view the PDF documents on the City of Kingston Web site.
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The reconstruction and realignment of Alma and Balaclava Streets is now complete. The City did run into some problems with the asphalt finish and will be removing limited areas of asphalt and replacing it over a couple of days early in the 2009 construction season.
Below text below the Executive Summary from the Phase 1 and 2 Report of the Environmental Assessment for the reconstruction and realignment of Alma and Balaclava streets. The full text of the reports can be downloaded using the links below.
The Reconstruction and Realignment of Alma and Balaclava Streets Class Environmental Assessment presented some unique challenges because of a 1800s era cemetery that lies under part of Alma Street. The Recommended Solution arrived at as part of this study balances the needs of residents for improved infrastructure with the need to respect the unmarked burials under and adjacent to Alma and Balaclava Streets.
Input was obtained from two main points of contact with the public and agencies, in July 2006 and in September 2006. A well-attended Public Open House was held on October 4, 2006. Specialist reports were completed on traffic impacts, social environment, drainage and landscaping. Significant reference was also made to an archaeological assessment and tree management plan which were prepared previously by others.
The Project Team carried out an evaluation of alternative solutions. Alternatives were compared to each other based on criteria including Natural Environment, Traffic & Transportation, Socio-Economic Environment, Engineering and Cost. The evaluation resulted in the selection of Option F (Replace Infrastructure and Reconstruct Alma Street as a southerly one-way street with parking) as the Preferred Solution. Option F provided improvements with fewer adverse impacts than the other options. It respects the burials under the road by avoiding disturbing them, to the greatest extent possible and practical.
Incorporating issues brought up by the public at the Public Open House, the Preferred Solution has been confirmed and refined to the Recommended Solution. The recommended solution includes:
- Fully reconstruct both Alma Street and Balaclava Street within the study limits
- Balaclava Street is to be reconstructed in its existing location
- Alma Street is to be reconstructed as a southbound one-way street with one lane of parking on the west side
- An existing electrical pole line on the east side of Alma Street will be relocated to the back side of the sidewalk on the west side (i.e. residential side) of the street and combined with an existing Bell line on that side (efforts to combine the pole lines on the McBurney Park side of Alma Street were unsuccessful due to concerns for future disturbance of burials).
- Replace watermain and sewer within the study area, replace individual water and sewer service laterals from the mains to the property line
- Combined sewers on Alma and Balaclava Streets will be replaced with separate sanitary and storm sewers
- Sidewalk will be replaced with standard 1.5 metre sidewalk
- A curb extension will be constructed on the south side of Ordnance Street opposite Alma Street to reduce the length of pedestrian crossings
A list of commitments has been made to address public concerns. Commitments include:
- Continued implementation of the McBurney Park Tree Management Plan
- Continuing to work with Utilities Kingston to obtain the best solution for utility poles on Alma Street
- Contacting residents prior to construction with information about replacement of private services
- A procedure will be developed for dealing with burials. Approval by the Ontario Registrar of Cemeteries and the Ministry of Culture will be required before construction. An archaeological pre-excavation will be undertaken to carefully clear the area to be excavated before construction. Construction will be monitored by a licensed archaeologist.
The next step in the Class Environmental Assessment process is to issue a Notice of Completion. Publication of the Notice of Completion will initiate a thirty-day appeal period. If concerns arise regarding this project which cannot be resolved in discussion with the City, a person or interested party may request that the Minister of the Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order) which addresses individual environmental assessments. Requests must be received by the Minister at the address below within 30 calendar days of the date of issue of the Notice. A copy of the request must also be sent to the Vicki Kimmett, City of Kingston at the address below:
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Minister of the Environment |
Vicki Kimmett, Project Lead |
Following completion of this EA, the next step will be preparation of a detail design. While the design is being completed, the proposed procedure for dealing with human remains must be finalized and approved by the Ontario Registrar of Cemeteries and Kingston City Council.
