50 Street Redevelopment
This phase is complete.
Visit the Centennial Street Redevelopment 2025 Project.
The 50 Street Redevelopment Project upgrades 50 Street from Lakeshore Drive to 48 Avenue. Upgrades include new infrastructure (road surface), underground infrastructure (utilities), sidewalks, and landscaping. All downtown businesses in the 50 Avenue Redevelopment construction area are open. Because the railway crossing upgrades are out of our control, project dates are tentative and may change. The project has two phases running from 2023 to 2027. There is a planned two year break for 2025 and 2026 (visual timeline).
Railway Crossing
Construction dates were tentative because the project includes upgrading the railway crossing at Centennial Street. This work is now scheduled for September - October, 2024. We hope to install traffic lights by the end of November 2024.
Railway crossing upgrades:
- Include 50 Avenue and Centennial Street intersection safety upgrades installation of a traffic light
- Must be approved by Transport Canada. We are waiting on approval
- Must be approved and scheduled by CN Rail
- Are performed by CN Rail on CN Rail's schedule

When?
- Phase 2: 2024 - 2025. This phase builds on work done in 2023 as part of the 50 Avenue Redevelopment project
- Planned break: 2026 - 2026. Regardless of start time, there is a planned two year break between Phase 2 and 3
- Phase 3: Tentatively starting in 2027
- Learn more about why construction takes so long
Why?
- The roadway and underground utilities are past the end of their life cycle
- It is cheaper to replace aging underground infrastructure before it fails
- Some water and sewer mains are over forty years old
- Save money by upgrading landscaping and sidewalks at the same time as the road
- Improve accessibility
- Make it safer for all pedestrians and drivers with traffic-calming design
- Reduce congestion and improve traffic flow
- Improve safety at the Centennial Street rail crossing
- Learn more about the improvements to accessibility
- Modernize the road and calm traffic
- Help tourism and business by giving a facelift to this important downtown corridor
Reducing construction impacts
We are completing phase 2 and 3 separately to reduce impact to the downtown core, residents, and businesses
There is a planned two year break from construction between phase 2 and 3
Construction runs from April to November, but we are limiting July and August construction wherever possible
Keeping the Centennial Street and 50 Avenue intersection open for the majority of July and August
Using the full season to get finished as fast as possible
Providing supports to help downtown businesses during construction
Keeping downtown businesses informed of construction in advance
Post detour plans here as construction moves forward
Traffic interruption notices are posted on sylvanlake.ca
Why is the 50 Street area important?
It is the heart of our historic downtown core
50 Street supports heavy use by residents and visitors
As population and traffic increases
We need new underground infrastructure to meet demand
Making the railway crossing safer is important
- Fulfills Council's strategy:
- To provide a safe area for residents and visitors to enjoy while promoting businesses and downtown
- To create an environment that invites people to explore businesses off Lakeshore Drive
- Vision: The Town of Sylvan Lake is a thriving, connected lakeside community that is resident focused, visitor friendly, and THE place to do business
- Mission: Deliver responsible municipal services and infrastructure that support an outstanding quality of life, unforgettable experiences, and a strong, diverse economy
This project helps to fulfill goals in the Town's REIMAGINE SYLVAN, Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan (SWARP)
Learn about the project
The 50 Street Redevelopment Project upgrades 50 Street from Lakeshore Drive to 48 Avenue. Upgrades include new infrastructure (road surface), underground infrastructure (utilities), sidewalks, and landscaping. All downtown businesses in the 50 Avenue Redevelopment construction area are open. Because the railway crossing upgrades are out of our control, project dates are tentative and may change. The project has two phases running from 2023 to 2027. There is a planned two year break for 2025 and 2026 (visual timeline).
Railway Crossing
Construction dates were tentative because the project includes upgrading the railway crossing at Centennial Street. This work is now scheduled for September - October, 2024. We hope to install traffic lights by the end of November 2024.
Railway crossing upgrades:
- Include 50 Avenue and Centennial Street intersection safety upgrades installation of a traffic light
- Must be approved by Transport Canada. We are waiting on approval
- Must be approved and scheduled by CN Rail
- Are performed by CN Rail on CN Rail's schedule

When?
- Phase 2: 2024 - 2025. This phase builds on work done in 2023 as part of the 50 Avenue Redevelopment project
- Planned break: 2026 - 2026. Regardless of start time, there is a planned two year break between Phase 2 and 3
- Phase 3: Tentatively starting in 2027
- Learn more about why construction takes so long
Why?
- The roadway and underground utilities are past the end of their life cycle
- It is cheaper to replace aging underground infrastructure before it fails
- Some water and sewer mains are over forty years old
- Save money by upgrading landscaping and sidewalks at the same time as the road
- Improve accessibility
- Make it safer for all pedestrians and drivers with traffic-calming design
- Reduce congestion and improve traffic flow
- Improve safety at the Centennial Street rail crossing
- Learn more about the improvements to accessibility
- Modernize the road and calm traffic
- Help tourism and business by giving a facelift to this important downtown corridor
Reducing construction impacts
We are completing phase 2 and 3 separately to reduce impact to the downtown core, residents, and businesses
There is a planned two year break from construction between phase 2 and 3
Construction runs from April to November, but we are limiting July and August construction wherever possible
Keeping the Centennial Street and 50 Avenue intersection open for the majority of July and August
Using the full season to get finished as fast as possible
Providing supports to help downtown businesses during construction
Keeping downtown businesses informed of construction in advance
Post detour plans here as construction moves forward
Traffic interruption notices are posted on sylvanlake.ca
Why is the 50 Street area important?
It is the heart of our historic downtown core
50 Street supports heavy use by residents and visitors
As population and traffic increases
We need new underground infrastructure to meet demand
Making the railway crossing safer is important
- Fulfills Council's strategy:
- To provide a safe area for residents and visitors to enjoy while promoting businesses and downtown
- To create an environment that invites people to explore businesses off Lakeshore Drive
- Vision: The Town of Sylvan Lake is a thriving, connected lakeside community that is resident focused, visitor friendly, and THE place to do business
- Mission: Deliver responsible municipal services and infrastructure that support an outstanding quality of life, unforgettable experiences, and a strong, diverse economy
This project helps to fulfill goals in the Town's REIMAGINE SYLVAN, Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan (SWARP)
Learn about the project
This phase is complete.
Visit the Centennial Street Redevelopment 2025 Project.
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Intersection open!
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The intersection at 50 Avenue and Centennial Street is open to traffic! The intersection still requires some work, the estimated schedule details are here.
The intersection at 50 Avenue and Centennial Street is open to traffic! The intersection still requires some work, the estimated schedule details are here.
This phase is complete.
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Intersection construction begins September 2024
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Phase 2 of the Centennial Street Redevelopment project is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2024. This phase includes improving the intersection at 50 Avenue and Centennial Street. Thanks to all the amazing Lakers for their patience during construction. The new intersection will bring much needed improvements in safety and traffic flow downtown. We also thank everyone who continues to support our local businesses during the construction.
Work includes
- Remove old asphalt, concrete curbs, and sidewalks
- Install underground wiring conduit for the new traffic signals
- Excavate and install a new gravel structure to provide a base for a new asphaltContinue reading
Phase 2 of the Centennial Street Redevelopment project is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2024. This phase includes improving the intersection at 50 Avenue and Centennial Street. Thanks to all the amazing Lakers for their patience during construction. The new intersection will bring much needed improvements in safety and traffic flow downtown. We also thank everyone who continues to support our local businesses during the construction.
Work includes
- Remove old asphalt, concrete curbs, and sidewalks
- Install underground wiring conduit for the new traffic signals
- Excavate and install a new gravel structure to provide a base for a new asphalt road surface
- Build new curbs, gutters, and sidewalks
- Pave the road with asphalt
- Install a new asphalt walking path on the east side of the intersection
- Landscaping
- CN Rail and Fortis are also working on upgrades
Duration
- September to October 2024, weather permitting
- Once the above work is complete, work to install traffic lights begins
Closures
- The 50 Avenue and Centennial Street intersection is closed during construction
- All businesses remain open during construction
- Businesses and the library remain open and accessible during construction
- Pedestrians can access all businesses during construction
- When new concrete is placed, please visit businesses using the rear access for 24 hours while the concrete dries
- For businesses without rear doors, we will make every attempt to schedule work so that any business closures are kept to a minimum. For example, scheduling concrete work on days businesses are closed. Closures should be kept to 24 hours, just to allow for new concrete to dry
- Please stay safe by following signage
Open parking during construction
- The library parking lot south of 50 Avenue
- On street parking north of 50 Avenue
Questions
- Ask your question in the Ask & Answered section

This phase is complete.
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Construction Coffee for Downtown Business Leaders
Share Construction Coffee for Downtown Business Leaders on Facebook Share Construction Coffee for Downtown Business Leaders on Twitter Share Construction Coffee for Downtown Business Leaders on Linkedin Email Construction Coffee for Downtown Business Leaders linkEconomic Development, in partnership with Public Works, is launching a new pilot program called Construction Coffee. These open sessions will be held at Lakeshore Café on a bi-weekly basis starting May 15 until June 26, 2024.
Downtown business leaders from the construction area will have the opportunity to meet with project managers and construction foremen in a casual setting to ask questions, provide feedback and stay up to date on all elements of the Centennial Street Redevelopment project.
WHEN?
- May 15, 2024
- May 29, 2024
- June 12, 2024
- June 26, 2024
- September 18, 2024
- October 2, 2024
- October 16Continue reading
Economic Development, in partnership with Public Works, is launching a new pilot program called Construction Coffee. These open sessions will be held at Lakeshore Café on a bi-weekly basis starting May 15 until June 26, 2024.
Downtown business leaders from the construction area will have the opportunity to meet with project managers and construction foremen in a casual setting to ask questions, provide feedback and stay up to date on all elements of the Centennial Street Redevelopment project.
WHEN?
- May 15, 2024
- May 29, 2024
- June 12, 2024
- June 26, 2024
- September 18, 2024
- October 2, 2024
- October 16, 2024
- October 30, 2024
WHERE? Lakeshore Café | 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Area Business Owners are welcome to join us for a coffee/tea and snack to get an update on the Centennial Street Construction Project.
Want to learn more about construction in Sylvan Lake? View our 'What to Expect When You Are Expecting Construction' brochure!
This phase is complete.
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Summer construction update, June 12, 2024
Share Summer construction update, June 12, 2024 on Facebook Share Summer construction update, June 12, 2024 on Twitter Share Summer construction update, June 12, 2024 on Linkedin Email Summer construction update, June 12, 2024 linkWe have some great news for the downtown core! We are paving the gravel sections soon to minimize impacts on local businesses. Paving will get downtown ready for a fun and prosperous summer 2024. All downtown businesses in construction areas are open.
Centennial Street Redevelopment
- Before 1913 Days: A temporary layer of asphalt on the 50 Avenue and Centennial Street intersection, weather permitting. This will keep downtown flowing smoothly through the summer months
- Ask Centennial Street questions here
We have some great news for the downtown core! We are paving the gravel sections soon to minimize impacts on local businesses. Paving will get downtown ready for a fun and prosperous summer 2024. All downtown businesses in construction areas are open.
Centennial Street Redevelopment
- Before 1913 Days: A temporary layer of asphalt on the 50 Avenue and Centennial Street intersection, weather permitting. This will keep downtown flowing smoothly through the summer months
- Ask Centennial Street questions here
This phase is complete.
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Construction delayed by weather moving ahead
Share Construction delayed by weather moving ahead on Facebook Share Construction delayed by weather moving ahead on Twitter Share Construction delayed by weather moving ahead on Linkedin Email Construction delayed by weather moving ahead linkWe had scheduled construction along 50 Avenue from 49 Street to Centennial Street to begin May 6. The much needed rain caused a delay, and this section of construction should begin this week, starting May 27.
Although this work is on 50 Avenue, it must be completed before we can work on the Centennial Street and 50 Avenue intersection and rail crossing
We had scheduled construction along 50 Avenue from 49 Street to Centennial Street to begin May 6. The much needed rain caused a delay, and this section of construction should begin this week, starting May 27.
Although this work is on 50 Avenue, it must be completed before we can work on the Centennial Street and 50 Avenue intersection and rail crossing
This phase is complete.
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Council visits downtown businesses
Share Council visits downtown businesses on Facebook Share Council visits downtown businesses on Twitter Share Council visits downtown businesses on Linkedin Email Council visits downtown businesses linkOn April 25, Council and staff visited downtown businesses impacted by the Centennial Street project. We spoke with management and owners in person to answer questions and share an invite to the May 7 open house.
What we did:
- Visited 31 businesses
- Along Centennial Street from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue
- Along 50 Avenue from Centennial Street to 49 Street
- Delivered a flyer giving notice of May 7 open house
Missed this visit?
- No problem! We are sending out the same information that in-person visits received.
- It will arrive by Canada Post sometime after May 1, 2024
On April 25, Council and staff visited downtown businesses impacted by the Centennial Street project. We spoke with management and owners in person to answer questions and share an invite to the May 7 open house.
What we did:
- Visited 31 businesses
- Along Centennial Street from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue
- Along 50 Avenue from Centennial Street to 49 Street
- Delivered a flyer giving notice of May 7 open house
Missed this visit?
- No problem! We are sending out the same information that in-person visits received.
- It will arrive by Canada Post sometime after May 1, 2024
This phase is complete.
- Visited 31 businesses
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Business Engagement May 7, 2024
Share Business Engagement May 7, 2024 on Facebook Share Business Engagement May 7, 2024 on Twitter Share Business Engagement May 7, 2024 on Linkedin Email Business Engagement May 7, 2024 linkWe're looking forward to meeting with local business owners on May 7 to discuss Centennial Street! Town staff, project partners, and some Council members are attending to chat and answer project questions.
Why?
- To keep you informed!
- Public sessions will showcase storyboards, 3D renderings, plans, and more
- Attendees can ask questions about the project as well
- Additional meetings will occur in the future
- Those unable to attend can request meetings at a later date
When?
- May 7, 2024
- Two sessions
- 10:00 AM - Noon
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where?
- Cobbs Block
- 5015 50 Street
What else?
- Work continuesContinue reading
We're looking forward to meeting with local business owners on May 7 to discuss Centennial Street! Town staff, project partners, and some Council members are attending to chat and answer project questions.
Why?
- To keep you informed!
- Public sessions will showcase storyboards, 3D renderings, plans, and more
- Attendees can ask questions about the project as well
- Additional meetings will occur in the future
- Those unable to attend can request meetings at a later date
When?
- May 7, 2024
- Two sessions
- 10:00 AM - Noon
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where?
- Cobbs Block
- 5015 50 Street
What else?
- Work continues in 2024. There is a planned two-year break for 2025 and 2026
- Visit us online for additional details and future updates!
Questions?
Media contact
This phase is complete.
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March 18, 2024 Update - Aerial Survey Tomorrow
Share March 18, 2024 Update - Aerial Survey Tomorrow on Facebook Share March 18, 2024 Update - Aerial Survey Tomorrow on Twitter Share March 18, 2024 Update - Aerial Survey Tomorrow on Linkedin Email March 18, 2024 Update - Aerial Survey Tomorrow linkOur engineering and landscape architecture consultant is completing an aerial survey using drones. Certified drone operators are completing the work with equipment approved by Transport Canada.
Why?Where?
- Centennial Street from the railway tracks to Lakeshore Drive
50 Avenue from Centennial Street to 49 Avenue
When?
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, March 19, 2024
No road closures
Questions?
- Visit the project Ask & Answered to send us a question about the aerial survey or the Centennial Street project
Media contact
Our engineering and landscape architecture consultant is completing an aerial survey using drones. Certified drone operators are completing the work with equipment approved by Transport Canada.
Why?Where?
- Centennial Street from the railway tracks to Lakeshore Drive
50 Avenue from Centennial Street to 49 Avenue
When?
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, March 19, 2024
No road closures
Questions?
- Visit the project Ask & Answered to send us a question about the aerial survey or the Centennial Street project
Media contact
This phase is complete.
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Progress on supporting downtown businesses
Share Progress on supporting downtown businesses on Facebook Share Progress on supporting downtown businesses on Twitter Share Progress on supporting downtown businesses on Linkedin Email Progress on supporting downtown businesses linkAs planning and the project moves forward, we post meeting dates and participants here.
May 7, 2024
Mailing April 29 - May 1, 2024
- Delivering details shared by in person visits directly via Canada Post
- Businesses from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue
April 24, 2024
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In person business visits:
- Businesses from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue
- Delivered a flyer giving notice of May 7 open house
- Staff attending: Town of Sylvan Lake Project manager, members of Council
- Downtown attending: We were able to visit the majority of businesses. We spoke with management or owners in person to shareContinue reading
As planning and the project moves forward, we post meeting dates and participants here.
May 7, 2024
Mailing April 29 - May 1, 2024
- Delivering details shared by in person visits directly via Canada Post
- Businesses from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue
April 24, 2024
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In person business visits:
- Businesses from Lakeshore Drive to 50 Avenue
- Delivered a flyer giving notice of May 7 open house
- Staff attending: Town of Sylvan Lake Project manager, members of Council
- Downtown attending: We were able to visit the majority of businesses. We spoke with management or owners in person to share information and answer questions
April - May 2024
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Upcoming communication:
- Information about 50 Avenue and Centennial Street intersection construction
- Notice of May 7 open house
- Staff attending: Town of Sylvan Lake Project manager, members of Council (TBD)
- Downtown attending: TBD as available
September 2023
- Detail: Notice of intersection construction and Centennial Street project
- Staff attending: Town of Sylvan Lake Project manager and Communication Assistant. Stantec project manager
- Downtown attending: C.A.M. Nails, Shear Envy, Yellow Shirt Relics, Sylvan Lake Barber Shop, The B Nest, Eclectica Fashion, Once Again Consignment
This phase is complete.
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Help for Downtown During Construction
Share Help for Downtown During Construction on Facebook Share Help for Downtown During Construction on Twitter Share Help for Downtown During Construction on Linkedin Email Help for Downtown During Construction linkThe Centennial Street project is an investment in the future of downtown. It helps downtown businesses by increasing accessibility. But is a community effort.
We all must do our part to improve our community:
Residents
- Continue to support downtown businesses
- Be cautious around the construction site to keep workers safe
- Share this page so others can find accurate information
Businesses and property owners
- Create a construction strategy. Plan for extra marketing.
- Learn about the construction to help inform their construction strategy
- Participate in project events and meetings with the Town
- Register on engage.sylvanlake.ca and follow this project
- Ask questionsContinue reading
The Centennial Street project is an investment in the future of downtown. It helps downtown businesses by increasing accessibility. But is a community effort.
We all must do our part to improve our community:
Residents
- Continue to support downtown businesses
- Be cautious around the construction site to keep workers safe
- Share this page so others can find accurate information
Businesses and property owners
- Create a construction strategy. Plan for extra marketing.
- Learn about the construction to help inform their construction strategy
- Participate in project events and meetings with the Town
- Register on engage.sylvanlake.ca and follow this project
- Ask questions in the Ask & Answered
- Talk with our Economic Development Officer to get connected with business supports
- Bring concerns to our project manager or construction foreman
- Partner with and support other downtown businesses. For example, participate in the Tourism Partnership Program
Town of Sylvan Lake
- Provide news and advance notice of construction progress
- Communicate that businesses are open during construction
- Problems may arise during construction. The project manager works with businesses to find solutions
- Communicate our progress on supporting downtown businesses
- Share a list of meetings with downtown businesses and property owners
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Connect businesses with support to help them thrive during construction, such as:
- Help with marketing / digital presence (Business Link)
- Loans (Community Futures Central Alberta)
- Tourism Partnership Program
- Full list of more supports coming soon
Two year break in between phase 1 and 2, tentatively planned for 2025 and 2026 (visual timeline)
Construction runs from April to November, but we are limiting July and August construction wherever possible
Keeping the Centennial Street and 50 Avenue intersection open for the majority of July and August
Questions?
- Ask questions
This phase is complete.
Have Your Say
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Business Engagement - May 7, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageOpen house for local business owners to discuss Centennial Street. Get details here.
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Construction Coffee - May 15, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Construction Coffee - May 29, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Construction Coffee - June 12, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Construction Coffee - June 26, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Pre - Construction Coffee - September 10, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBusiness owners are invited to get updates and ask questions. Refreshments provided.
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Construction Coffee - September 18, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Construction Coffee - October 2, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Construction Coffee - October 16, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment has finished this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Construction Coffee - October 30, 2024
50 Street Redevelopment is currently at this stageBi-weekly coffee chat for business owners in the construction area to get updates and ask questions.
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Public open house - Date TBD
this is an upcoming stage for 50 Street RedevelopmentCome learn about the plans for the Centennial Street and 50 Avenue construction.
Project Phases
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March 01 → November 19 2027
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July 01 2025 → December 31 2026
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September 2024 → June 2025
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January → August 2024
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January 2014 → November 2023
Who's Listening
Important Links
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Centennial Street History (5.99 MB) (pdf)
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Centennial-Street-Tentative-Timeline.pdf (253 KB) (pdf)
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Sept 2023 Notice to Partners (319 KB) (pdf)
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April 24, 2024 In Person Visit to Businesses (281 KB) (pdf)
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What to Expect When You are Expecting Construction (10.8 MB) (pdf)
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May 7 Open House Presentation Boards (21.6 MB) (pdf)
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Why Does Construction Take So Long (19.1 MB) (pdf)
Signup Banner
FAQs
- How can we get involved?
- What is the project?
- Why do we need this project?
- When will the construction start/end?
- Who pays for the project?
- Will my taxes increase?
- How are you helping local businesses during construction?
- How will customers be able to access my business during construction?
- How are you keeping downtown disruptions to a minimum?
- Who is the contractor doing the work?
- How will communication be handled during construction phase?
- Will parking be affected?
- Will my water/sewer/power services be affected?
- Will the front of my building be affected?