Fourth Street/Gibson Street Upgrades

The District of Tofino is undertaking an infrastructure improvement project along sections of Fourth Street and Gibson Street in 2024 and 2025. This project aims to enhance the town's infrastructure, ensuring safety, connectivity, and environmental sustainability.

Key Project Components

Fourth Street Watermain Replacement:

Reason: The existing asbestos cement (AC) watermain, installed in 1960, has reached the end of its useful life, as evidenced by frequent and severe watermain breaks.
Solution: The AC water main will be replaced with a modern 200mm (8”) PVC water main, increasing water conveyance capacity, resilience to breaks and leaks, and adherence to contemporary standards.
Benefits: Enhanced water flow, reduced maintenance costs, and minimized risk of failure, particularly during peak summer months.

Pedestrian Improvements:

Sidewalk Development: A new 1.5-meter-wide sidewalk will be constructed to connect Wickaninnish Community School and the new daycare to Campbell Street.
Safety and Connectivity: The raised sidewalk will link to existing sidewalks on Fourth Street and Malon Lane, providing a safe route for pedestrians, including children, from downtown to suburban areas. This route will feature drop-down curb ramps and painted crosswalks for improved accessibility.
Drainage Improvement: Drainage along Fourth Street will be improved through adjusted catch basins, curbs, and slope considerations.

Environmental Considerations:

Floral Relocation: Existing floral features will be relocated and reused in the public right-of-way.
Wildlife Protection: Bird nesting surveys and amphibian sweeps will be conducted as needed.
Erosion Control: A sediment and erosion control plan will be implemented to protect the environment during construction.

Project Details:

Budget: Approximately $1,025,000
Funding Sources:
- C&I Levy Road
- C&I Levy Water
- Development Cost Charges (DCC’s) for Road and Water
Completion Date: Fall 2024
Traffic and Water Service Disruptions: Expect minor delays with single-lane alternating traffic and 10-15 minute delays during full road closures for water main tie-ins and crossings.

Key Project Components

Fourth Street Watermain Replacement:

Reason: The existing asbestos cement (AC) watermain, installed in 1960, has reached the end of its useful life, as evidenced by frequent and severe watermain breaks.
Solution: The AC water main will be replaced with a modern 200mm (8”) PVC water main, increasing water conveyance capacity, resilience to breaks and leaks, and adherence to contemporary standards.
Benefits: Enhanced water flow, reduced maintenance costs, and minimized risk of failure, particularly during peak summer months.

Pedestrian Improvements:

Sidewalk Development: A new 1.5-meter-wide sidewalk will be constructed to connect Wickaninnish Community School and the new daycare to Campbell Street.
Safety and Connectivity: The raised sidewalk will link to existing sidewalks on Fourth Street and Malon Lane, providing a safe route for pedestrians, including children, from downtown to suburban areas. This route will feature drop-down curb ramps and painted crosswalks for improved accessibility.
Drainage Improvement: Drainage along Fourth Street will be improved through adjusted catch basins, curbs, and slope considerations.

Environmental Considerations:

Floral Relocation: Existing floral features will be relocated and reused in the public right-of-way.
Wildlife Protection: Bird nesting surveys and amphibian sweeps will be conducted as needed.
Erosion Control: A sediment and erosion control plan will be implemented to protect the environment during construction.

Project Details:

Budget: Approximately $1,025,000
Funding Sources:
- C&I Levy Road
- C&I Levy Water
- Development Cost Charges (DCC’s) for Road and Water
Completion Date: Fall 2024
Traffic and Water Service Disruptions: Expect minor delays with single-lane alternating traffic and 10-15 minute delays during full road closures for water main tie-ins and crossings.

Water Shut-Offs: Gibson Street, Fourth Street, & Malon Lane

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The District of Tofino wishes to inform residents & businesses of upcoming temporary water shut-offs as part of the Fourth Street & Gibson Street Upgrades project.
These planned shut-offs are necessary to switch water service to a new water main in the area.
Details of the planned shut-offs include:
Water Shut-Off – Monday, November 18, 2024
- Location: Fourth Street between Gibson Street and the top of Fourth Street
- Time: 10 AM to 3 PM, approximately
Water Shut-Off – Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Location: Fourth Street at Malon Lane
- Time: 10 AM to 3 PM, approximately
Further disruptions are anticipated throughout the week of November 18, 2024.
District staff and contractors will go door-to-door to inform residents and businesses directly affected by these water disruptions.
The District of Tofino appreciates the understanding and patience of residents and businesses during this work to improve local services.
Water Shut-Off: Fourth Street, Gibson Street, Daphne Place

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The District of Tofino wishes to inform residents & businesses of upcoming temporary water shut-offs & disruptions as part of the Fourth Street & Gibson Street Upgrades project.
These planned shut-offs & disruptions are necessary to switch water service to a new water main in the area.
Details of the planned shut-offs & disruptions include:
Major Shut-Off – Thursday, November 14, 2024
- Location: Gibson Street between Campbell Street & Fourth Street and all of Daphnee Place
- Time: 10 AM to 4 PM, approximately
Minor Disruptions – Friday, November 15, 2024
- Location: Gibson Street between Fourth Street & Campbell Street
- Duration: All day, approximately 30 minutes per property, as properties are individually connected to the new water main
Minor Disruptions – Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Location: Gibson Street between Fourth Street & First Street
- Duration: All day, approximately 30 minutes per property, as properties are individually connected to the new water main
Further disruptions are anticipated during the week of November 18, 2024.
District staff and contractors will go door-to-door to inform residents and businesses directly affected by these water disruptions.
The District of Tofino appreciates the understanding and patience of residents and businesses during this work to improve local services.
Road Closure: Third Street/Gibson Street Intersection - September 25, 2024

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Please be advised of a scheduled road closure at the intersection of Third Street and Gibson Street on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, between 7 AM & 2 PM. (Image 1)
This closure is to accommodate water main trench work, which is part of the ongoing Fourth Street and Gibson Street Upgrades Project.
Additionally, from September 26 to October 3, 2024, one-way traffic will be in effect between Third and Fourth Street along Gibson Street. (Image 2)
Drivers are encouraged to follow posted signage and use alternative routes where possible.
The District thanks residents for their patience and cooperation.
Image 1
Image 2
Project Update: September 13, 2024

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Beginning Monday, September 16, 2024, construction activities will begin on the Fourth and Gibson Street upgrades project, aiming to enhance infrastructure, safety, and connectivity in these areas.
Underground utility installations on Gibson Street will begin on September 16, 2024, and are expected to be completed by September 30, 2024. Following this, construction will shift to Fourth Street, with completion anticipated by October 31, 2024.
In preparation for the pedestrian improvements, some well-established vegetation along Fourth Street will need to be relocated. District staff will carefully manage the removal, transport, and replanting of this vegetation.
During the project, adjacent properties on Gibson and Fourth Streets will experience a minor disruption to their water service, lasting up to half a day. The exact timing of this disruption will be confirmed closer to the date.
Please note that pay parking in the Gibson & Fourth Street areas may be impacted.
Report to Council: September 10, 2024

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The presentation begins at 20:40
Council authorized the Fourth & Gibson Street Water Main Replacement & Pedestrian Improvements contract to Sproat Lake Contracting Ltd. for $987,000 and approved a budget increase for the project to $1,175,460.