Downtown Streetscape Master Plan

Work is almost complete with finishing touches currently underway. Stamping has been finished and final line painting will happen over the weekend. The Phase 1 section will reopen to local traffic on Monday, July 28. 

The site furnishings (benches, bike racks, planters) have been installed as have the light poles and attachments. The coloured concrete has been washed and sealed. Ninety-five per cent of the line painting is complete. The asphalt stamp is in production and once it arrives, the asphalt will be stamped and line painting will be finished. Finishing touches include installation of the projection lighting, catenary lighting and lines and lighting photocell. 

All businesses remain open and pedestrians can access the street and all stores, services and restaurants.  

Asphalt and concrete work has been completed and is now curing before final sealing. Trees, light poles and bollards have been installed and electrical work has begun. Remaining work includes power washing and sealing concrete, finalizing electrical and installing street furnishings. The construction area is expected to remain closed to vehicles until after Streetfest on July 18, 19, however pedestrian access remains open. 

Over the past few weeks work has been progressing well, despite some rain days. Coloured, stamped concrete has been completed on corners and started on the north side sidewalks. Bollards, tree grates as well as sign and light pole bases have been installed. Concrete pouring and stamping will continue over the next couple of weeks and street light and traffic signal installation will take place.

Work has been progressing smoothly. Watermain and storm drains have been installed, electrical work has been completed. Base layer asphalt is being laid May 13 and 14 followed by installation of the bases for the light poles. Sidewalk installation is schedule to begin May 15 and will continue for approximately two weeks.

Road closure notification signage was installed the week of March 10. Fencing will be installed starting March 24 and detours will be in effect. Work will then begin to remove street furnishing, traffic lights and concrete starting at the Dundas Street and Wellington Street intersection.

Downtown Woodstock is the most intensive and functionally diverse area of Woodstock, serving as the primary business, cultural and administrative centre in the County. It has a distinct heritage character and a thriving commercial area.

The central area focuses on the Dundas Street corridor from Graham Street to Wellington Street. This area is the heart of the Downtown. With the proximity of City Hall, Museum Square, and other important destinations, it makes this the most active area of the Downtown. 

Extensive consultation was undertaken throughout the process and the City received tremendous feedback, with more than 1,000 responses to the online survey collecting input on the design options. The Master Plan aims to address areas of concerns identified through the consultation and will add in accessibility features to create a more inclusive environment for everyone. Specifically, the project will include removing the existing surface materials (asphalt, concrete, paving stones and lighting) and replacing with new asphalt, including textured asphalt sidewalks, rolled curbs, new lighting and new street furniture. 

Parking has been modified in select locations to allow for bump-outs and enhanced pedestrian crossings. This ensures a well connected, active space that emphasizes pedestrian safety. Several streets terminate at Dundas Street within this area. These terminating views provide an opportunity for Public Art and enhanced vistas along the streetscape.

n March 2024, Council directed staff to proceed with implementation of the streetscape for the section of Dundas between Riddell Street and Wellington Street. Completing the project in phases will showcase what the completed project will look like and allow us to test the functionality and adjust any improvements on future phases.  

The project has been broken down into the following phases:

• Phase 1 (Wellington to Riddell) and Phase 2 (Light to Graham) have been approved by Council and are proceeding in 2025. The approximate cost for these two phases is $5.7M
• Phase 3 (Graham to Riddell), Phase 4 (Vansittart to Light) and Phase 5 (Wellington Street to Beale Street) are included in the capital budget forecast for 2026 – 2028, however each phase will come back for approval as part of the annual budget process. The estimated cost of phases 3 – 5 is approximately $10M.
• Phase 6 is the redevelopment of Museum Square. This portion of the project has not been approved by Council. Depending on the features and amenities included, staff estimates the cost could be in the range of $10-15M.
• Phase 7 is an addition to City Hall. Again, this phase has not been approved by Council and the project has not progressed enough to provide an accurate cost estimate. However, based on preliminary discussions, it could be in the range of $12 – 17M.

The master plan proposes a streetscape and public realm vision for Downtown Woodstock. This proposed plan and overall implementation strategies look at the entire Downtown stretch, from Vansittart Avenue to Beale Street / Bay Street. This master plan proposes a continuous approach throughout the Downtown, with unique interventions based on site specific needs. The plan also recognizes the current character of the Downtown and seeks to develop a phased approach in which Woodstock’s Downtown can continue to grow, thrive and invite public use.

The plan will:

1. Strengthen existing historical characteristics - Embrace the existing heritage and culture of Woodstock Downtown, and as a City.
2. Update and provide accessible street furnishings - Enhance existing lack of street furniture and ensure that accessibility and comfort is at the forefront.
3. Provide safe crossings and well defined crosswalks - Enhance crosswalks and provide safe travel for all modes of transportation.
4. Expand the vegetation and promote healthy vibrant trees - Provide space for plants to thrive including trees, native shrubs and perennials and hanging baskets.
5. Provide timeless materiality - Allow for materials that are durable and can be maintained in the future.