ERIN – The Erin Elora-Cataract Trail linear water and sewer works project has been “rescoped” due to “recent environmental requirements,” town officials said in a recent news release.
Director of infrastructure and town engineer Brian Kavanagh said a request by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) “necessitated” the trail work to be rescoped.
The Aug. 23 release noted the Elora-Cataract Trail between Trafalgar Road in Hillsburgh and Main Street in Erin will remain closed to the public.
The closure is due to the preparation of “laying water and wastewater pipes” under the trail that will connect Hillsburgh to the existing municipal water system and new wastewater treatment plant, stated the release.
“Rescoping of the project is anticipated to move the completion date from late 2025 to spring 2026,” Kavanagh told the Advertiser in an email.
The trailway project began last September after the conservation authority granted an access agreement last July.
Tree clearing was prioritized but officials assured all trees removed would be replaced with roughly four times as many. Approximately 20,000 trees are set to be planted on the trail and other properties.
The tree and vegetation removal was completed by the town’s contractor, Nabolsy Contracting/Snow Brothers Contracting.
Once the infrastructure installation is complete the trail will be “improved” to a better condition than before, stated the release.
“We are currently working on finalizing the design, coordinating with CVC for permits, and pre-qualifying contractors,” noted Kavanagh.
“This will allow for in-water construction works to be completed next spring and summer within the permitted in-water works period.”
In addition to rescoping, the town will re-tender the linear trail portion of the work.
“Project costs will be updated upon completion of the tendering phase,” stated Kavanagh.
