Yes, this has been the most poorly managed and executed streetscape I have ever seen, and I have been involved in several. It was first planned to be done (admittedly in a far simpler way) in 2013 or 2014 and then various things like the Pan-Am games, the decision to replace virtually all the (very old) underground stuff and, in 2016-17, the work on Berczy Park and the small bit of Scott to the west of Berczy all came up. Finally, they actually started work on the streetscape in 2021 but after a few months realised the plans they had of existing under-street things was not accurate (despite the fact that virtually ALL of it had been installed in the last 7 years). At one time they managed to close off the sewer from the condo building at Wellington & Church - with predictable consequences! Many people and groups screamed and the City's Auditor general is, supposedly, investigating why the project seems to be cursed. (I await the report with interest!)
In June 2121 the work was paused because of all these problems with a promise to the neighbourhood and the restaurants that it would be prioritised for 2022 and all would be done in time to have, at least some, patios on Wellington in summer 2022. Well, we all see how well that is going and it is still unclear if things like removing the overhead Hydro wiring on the block of Scott will be done. (This was 'promised' when Scott was rebuilt in 2016/17 - but it appears 'nobody remembered, despite frequent reminders from me and the BIA - who are contributing to the funding.) This year, they have been removing and re-positioning some of the things like light pole bases that they installed in 2021 (currently @ Church & Wellington @ the Hot House). They continue to promise completion by 19 December, we shall see - it's certainly possible but they clearly need more folks working - today I saw about 4 (plus a few others reinstalling traffic lights).
Costs have increased HUGELY!:
1. In accordance with Section 71-11.1.C of the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 71 (Financial Control), authorized the amendment of:
a. Purchase Order Number 6051690 with Sanscon Construction Limited, for the reconstruction of Toronto Transit Commission track allowance, street lighting installation and landscaping work on Wellington Street between Yonge Street and Church Street, and on Church Street between Front Street and King Street, in the amount of $4,899,526 net of all taxes and charges ($4,985,758 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current purchase order value from $8,300,861 ($8,446,956 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries) to $13,200,387 net of taxes and charges ($13,432,714 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries); and
b. Purchase Order Number 6037171 with Victor Ford and Associates Incorporated, for the provision of additional design support services related to resumption of construction on Wellington Street between Yonge Street and Church Street, and on Church Street between Front Street and King Street in the amount of $338,936 net of all taxes and charges ($344,901.27 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), revising the current purchase order value from $338,720.00 to $677,656.00 net of taxes and charges ($689,583 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries).
See:
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-222905.pdf
