FAQs

The revitalization study will plan for the replacement of the membrane (waterproofing layer) protecting the underground concourse at Portage & Main and recommend a vision to enhance the public space at the intersection. 

The study consists of a construction plan for:

• Enhancements to the public space at the intersection and concourse entryways
• Replacing the underground membrane (waterproofing layer) at the intersection

The construction plan will include cost estimates and phasing with projected timeline for the project.

The City needs to make significant investments in its aging infrastructure at the intersection. The membrane (waterproofing layer) that protects the underground concourse is nearing the end of its useable life and requires replacement; without it, there is increasing risk of water damage to the concourse. The membrane is over 40 years old and replacement of that infrastructure is necessary to address waterproofing in the underground concourse.  

The revitalization study will plan for the replacement of the membrane protecting the underground concourse at Portage & Main.

Yes, the existing concrete barricades at street level of Portage & Main will be removed. They will be replaced with new safety barriers along the edge of the sidewalk that can be removed to accommodate special events.

The existing concrete barricades need to be removed to accommodate the replacement of the underground membrane. 

The image below shows the area at the intersection where the waterproofing layer (membrane) that protects the concourse must be replaced.

No, the City is not considering opening Portage & Main to pedestrians as part of this project.

In the 2018 municipal election, the public was asked the question on the ballot (also known as a plebiscite): Do you support the opening of Portage and Main to pedestrian crossings? The results showed the majority of voters did not support keeping the opening of Portage and Main to pedestrian crossings.

The City will respect the results of the 2018 plebiscite. Sidewalk enhancements at the intersection will be prominent in the new vision for Portage & Main; however, opening the intersection to pedestrian crossings at street level is not being contemplated as part of this study. 

The study includes a construction plan for enhancements to the public space and concourse entryways, as well as repairs to the underground membrane at the intersection; however, no concourse work is included in this project.

A separate Request for Proposal (RFP) focusing on the condition of the underground concourse was awarded in November 2021 and will guide the City on priority repairs in the short-term.  

The winning proposal for the study was awarded for $326,812.

Construction to replace the membrane (waterproofing layer) will take up to three years to complete. The revitalization study includes a construction plan for renewal work at Portage & Main that includes phasing with projected timelines for construction.  

There is no targeted construction timeline or budget at this time. Construction and the budget are subject to Council’s consideration after the study has been completed.

It’s anticipated that there will be traffic impacts at the intersection during construction, including intermittent lane closures and traffic diversions. Pedestrian sidewalks at street level are anticipated to remain open. Movement through the concourse will be restricted as during construction. There is no targeted construction timeline or budget at this time. Construction and the budget are subject to Council’s consideration after the study has been completed.

Members of the public and those who frequent the area are invited to attend pop-up events and provide feedback through the online survey. Subscribe for updates (top-right of the page) to stay informed on next steps.