The Ministry of Labour has lifted two Stop Work Orders that were issued for the 8th Street East Reconstruction site. The Stop Work Orders were issued to the contractor as a result of the slope failure on the 8th Street East hill that occurred on May 19, 2015. Both stop work orders were removed without conditions on June 11, 2015 following an on-site inspection by a Ministry of Labour inspector to review the temporary repairs of the slope undertaken by the contractor under the direction of a Professional Engineer.

One of the Stop Work Orders required the contractor to give priority to achieve safe access for homeowners on the south side of the 8th Street East hill while the other Stop Work Order required that the rehabilitation/stabilisation of the slide area and adjacent areas be planned and submitted bearing the seal of a Professional Engineer.

Based upon the remedial repairs completed by the contractor and the plan of action presented by the geotechnical engineer, the Ministry of Labour was satisfied that the Stop Work Orders' requirements had been addressed. This allows the contractor to proceed with reconstruction of the slope as soon as the rehabilitation design is completed after which time construction of the road and services may resume.

Geotechnical investigation and design for the long-term slope repair is presently underway. It is anticipated that construction activities will resume on the site within 3 to 4 weeks.

8th Street East will continue to be closed to through traffic from 4th Avenue East to 8th Avenue East until mid-October when the project is now scheduled to be completed. Local access shall be maintained to affected properties and emergency response vehicles at all times.

Construction updates for 8th Street reconstruction are available on the City website.

source: media release, City of Owen Sound