Welcome to Laying the Groundwork! In this episode, Francis Brazeau is joined by Melanie Knowles and Kelsey Pye from the City of Kingston, along with David Dufort from Tomlinson, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Williamsville redevelopment project and the collaboration helping bring it to life. From underground infrastructure and unexpected site conditions to business access, community communication, and long-term neighbourhood improvements, the conversation explores what it takes to deliver a major reconstruction project in the heart of an active community. The group also discusses the future of Williamsville, Kingston’s continued growth, and the partnerships helping shape the city for years to come. Episode Highlights: An overview of the Williamsville project, including the reconstruction of Princess Street and surrounding infrastructure, replacement of sewers and watermain, and improvements to roads, curbs, sidewalks, and landscaping.Why separating the area’s combined stormwater and wastewater system was an important driver behind the project.The challenges of working around old underground infrastructure, undocumented utilities, limestone bedrock, and building foundations.How the City and Tomlinson work together to quickly respond when unexpected conditions are uncovered during construction.The work being done to maintain safe access to local businesses and residences while construction continues.How project communications, an on-site liaison, social media, signage, and community partners are being used to keep businesses and residents informed.Why temporary water systems, construction noise, pedestrian access, and deliveries require careful coordination throughout the project.How wider sidewalks, cycle tracks, green spaces, seating, and other improvements are designed to create a more active, sustainable, and vibrant Williamsville community.Some of the project’s less visible sustainability features, including permeable asphalt on the cycle track and underground soil cells designed to help manage stormwater and support trees.How infrastructure upgrades are helping prepare Williamsville for continued densification and future development.Melanie’s experience as a woman working in engineering and infrastructure, and how she has seen more women entering the field.What makes Kingston a strong community and how continued infrastructure investment is helping prepare the city for future growth.The collaboration between the City of Kingston, Tomlinson, consultants, local businesses, residents, and other partners throughout the project. Key Takeaways: “A lot of the main work that goes on and the complications are underground, things that people don't see.” “People don't just need to know what the project is going to look like when it's finished. They need to know how it impacts their daily lives.” “We're building for Williamsville today, but we're also building for Williamsville ten, fifteen, twenty years from now.” “They just want to be kept in the loop. And we do that as best we can.” “I think it's been a great collaboration between the City and Tomlinson and all our other partners.” “It's short-term pain for long-term gain. I think the result is going to be fantastic.”
