Geotechnical investigations are set to begin in Guelph, Ontario, as the city advances preliminary designs for water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support future development in the Clair-Maltby area. The work will provide soil and groundwater information for planned sanitary sewer and watermain systems identified in the Clair-Maltby Master Environmental Servicing Plan, also known as OPA 79.
The investigation area includes Gordon Street between Maltby Road East and Clair Road, Clair Road between Victoria Road and Laird Road, and Laird Road between Clair Road West and Highway 6.
The proposed sanitary sewer alignment also extends along part of Southgate Drive and city-owned land east of Highway 6 toward Kortright Road West, near the Hanlon dog park.
Englobe Consultants will carry out the fieldwork, using a drill rig to install boreholes and monitoring wells at locations on city property, including road allowances and city-owned lands.
Monitoring well installation is scheduled between Nov. 2 and 9, 2026. Work at each location is expected to take no more than four hours.
Temporary traffic lane reductions may be required while drilling equipment is in operation. Access to some driveways could also be affected by equipment or traffic control measures. Where possible, the contractor will coordinate temporary access with affected residents. Some drivers may need to use street parking during the work.
Blue drums containing soil and water collected during drilling may remain near investigation locations for approximately one week before removal.
The city said municipal services and waste collection will continue without interruption.
The geotechnical work is an early step in developing the preliminary designs for infrastructure serving the Clair-Maltby growth area. Soil and groundwater data will help inform engineering decisions for the planned sewer and watermain systems before subsequent project stages.
For infrastructure contractors and residents, the investigations provide an indication of the locations and scope of planned servicing work, while the design process advances to support future development.
Source: Guelph.
