FAQs

This Streetscape Project had been set to begin in the spring of 2021. Council’s decision to push forward the project to start in September 2020 was the result of a recommendation to complete as much work as possible, as quickly as possible, in advance of a possible 2021 ferry sailing season. With the infrastructure work completed in the fall of 2020, the second phase of the project will now be completed beginning in early April (and taking approximately 3 months).

The project improvement area is Main Street, from John Street to Parade Street, in the Town of Yarmouth.

The project will be completed in two stages.  The first will see the complete replacement of sewer and water infrastructure.   Much like the Glebe Street sewer separation project, this stage involves replacing the combined rock sewer with separate sanitary and storm pipes and the installation of a new water service line.  By separating the storm water from the sanitary line, the load on the Town’s treatment plant is reduced, as clean rainwater flows directly to the harbour.   This reduces electricity use at the plant and the overall level of annual “GHGs” (greenhouse gases) emitted by the town.   On the surface. New curbs will be built to accommodate future bumpouts and the entire section of street will receive new asphalt. (This stage was completed in the fall of 2021)

The second stage of the project will begin in early April of 2021 and will breathe new life into another section of Main Street.  Features will include sidewalk bumpouts enhanced with unique “kitchen party” seating, a new bus shelter, “green” technology planting beds, bike racks, new lighting, and the display of public art.  The new streetscape will also provide a dedicated pedestrian clear zone with increased accessibility and the retention of on-street parking.  The design concept was developed by Fathom Studios, Dartmouth NS and is a continuation of the them from Main Street’s Phase I Streetscape project completed in 2017.

The second stage of the project will take approximately three months to complete.

Road infrastructure construction is was completed in the fall of 2020.

Streetscape construction is estimated to start in early April and to be completed over a three month period.

The planning for these infrastructure improvements was undertaken by a “Project Team” consisting of a collaboration of staff from the Town of Yarmouth. 

The Town has hired the consulting design firm of Fathom Studio to assist with the planning, design and contract administration of the Streetscape project.

• Accessibility ramp with tactile indicators 
• Sawcut Concrete 
• Bio-retention Rain garden 
• On-grade decking 
• Street trees
• Seating elements 
• Public art installation 
• Planting beds

The first stage of the project replaced some very old underground infrastructure. This stage involved replacing the 100 + year-old combined rock sewer with separate sanitary and storm pipes and the installation of a new water service line.  By separating the storm water from the sanitary line, the load on the Town’s treatment plant is reduced, as clean rainwater flows directly to the harbour.   This reduces electricity use at the plant and the overall level of annual “GHGs” (greenhouse gases) emitted by the town.

For details on the streetscape project features please download the design presentation PDF file.

At intersections only during the second stage of the project, there will be periods where sidewalks will be not available. This is due to replacing the temporary asphalt ramps, pouring new concrete and ensuring handicapped ramps can be properly sloped with tactile pieces added. During these periods, pedestrians will have to cross Main Street at the intersection and use the sidewalk on the other side (and cross back if required). All possible efforts will be made to communicate these sidewalk interruptions in advance of the work taking place.

Stage 2 (Sidewalk bump-outs early April 2021) of the project will impact those businesses where the new sidewalk amenities and bump-outs will be located.   

• Access to every business will be maintained throughout the duration of construction, unless otherwise approved by the business owner in writing. Any necessary closures for demolition or temporary reinstatement will be performed during non-business hours and with five (5) business days’ written notice to business owners.
• Potentially affected businesses include, but are not limited to:
  1. Greco Pizza
  2. Supernova Power Yoga
  3. Yarmouth Wool Shoppe
  4. Bank of Montreal
  5. TD Bank
  6. Coastal Financial Credit Union
     • Locations identified with no alternative access entrance and are directly affected will have temporary measures in place to provide access during construction.
     • Wayfinding signage will be installed if required with information to the public on how to access businesses for delivery and access for staff and customers.
• At intersections only during the second stage of the project, there will be periods where sidewalks will be not available. This is due to replacing the temporary asphalt ramps, pouring new concrete and ensuring handicapped ramps can be properly sloped with tactile pieces added. During these periods, pedestrians will have to cross Main Street at the intersection and use the sidewalk on the other side (and cross back if required). All possible efforts will be made to communicate these sidewalk interruptions in advance of the work taking place.

As the second phase of the project unfolds, there may be temporary changes to transit stop locations. Any changes to stops or the route will be announced on the Town of Yarmouth website and social media, as well as here on our Get Involved page.

Two (2) of the existing twenty-one (21) existing on-road parking spaces on Main Street will be removed in order to accommodate the streetscape improvements.

Construction will be confined to the Town’s road allowance. Disturbed driveways and boulevard areas will be fully restored to preconstruction conditions or better. Driveways will be regraded as necessary to blend smoothly with the reconstructed roadway.

As part of the improvements, drainage improvements, such as new boulevard catch basins, will be provided as appropriate in order to improve drainage of boulevard areas.

During the first Main Street 2017 streetscaping project we learned a lot about working together as a community. The project taught us about collaborating on a clear vision for the street and working together to make the most of the construction phase. We built a solid relationship with many of the businesses along the construction corridor and within the downtown. We also demonstrated that a high-quality streetscape project contributes to the social and commercial success of an area, and the region. Main Street has hosted dozens of events, attracting attention to the area and benefiting local business owners while providing local residents with an enjoyable place to be.

The Project Team planned these improvements to address the underground infrastructure on Main Street in combination with the Phase II Streetscape project to provide economization, minimal traffic and business disruption and support sustainable development principles.

The streetscape improvements support the Downtown Blueprint Plan principles in that it is to develop the downtown as a premiere destination for people and businesses; as a livable community; as a safe place both day and night; and should cater to pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars.