One of the most common concerns brought to my attention is the state of Alta Vista Drive and its need for repair. Between the potholes, cracks and dips, it is clearly beyond its life expectancy and long overdue for repair. The frustration residents feel is both understood and shared.
When a road requires rehabilitation, staff assess its condition and then determine the type of repair that would be most appropriate. In some cases, a preventative measure, such as crack sealing (which is most effective on roads from one to four years old), can be used. In other cases, a full road resurfacing (where the top layers of asphalt are replaced), is necessary.
Unfortunately, preventative measures are no longer feasible for Alta Vista Drive because it has deteriorated to the point where preventative measures are no longer effective. In addition, the aging underground infrastructure (e.g., sanitary and storm sewer services) needs renewal. If the road were resurfaced now, it would have to be torn up again in a few years’ time to address the infrastructure issues. This approach would not only be a financially irresponsible use of public funds, but it would also cause even more disruption to all road users.
City staff have long identified Alta Vista Drive, from Bank Street to Billings Avenue, as a candidate for a full, integrated renewal project. A Functional Planning Study, which determines the high-level project function and layout, was completed in 2020. It proposes safer intersections, wider sidewalks, and improved cycling and pedestrian facilities. The next step is a detailed design where conceptual layouts are transformed into precise, actionable construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates. This involves the final engineering and coordination required to build the road surface, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and service connections. Detailed design work on Alta Vista Drive will begin once the Bank Street Renewal Phase 2 design work is finished. That way, construction on Alta Vista Drive should begin when Bank Street Phase 2 construction is complete (in approximately 2030).
Construction of Alta Vista Drive is contingent on the Bank Street Renewal project because the sewer pipes that run along Alta Vista Drive connect to Bank Street, and the receiving pipe on Bank Street needs to be big enough to accommodate the flow from the Alta Vista Drive pipes. If the Alta Vista Drive pipes are replaced first, the Bank Street pipes could become overwhelmed. It would be like connecting a hose to a straw.
I appreciate the challenges that poor conditions on this road have had on residents. Making matters more frustrating are the number of infrastructure projects currently underway in the ward which require extensive use of Alta Vista Drive.
Although a fully integrated renewal is still a few years away, I have advocated for and continue to work with staff to ensure efforts are ongoing to improve the conditions wherever possible.
One of the improvements was securing funding in 2024 to repair the most damaged asphalt sidewalks between Randall Avenue and Summit Avenue. Staff have now agreed to prioritize resurfacing in 2027 for the worst parts of Alta Vista Drive between Bank Street and Randall Avenue, before the integrated project starts several years later. In the meantime, residents can continue to report potholes to 3-1-1. I know Alta Vista Drive is an important part of daily life in our community and the timeline is not as quick as we would like. I appreciate everyone’s patience.
