May 14, 2026 - Update

We are providing an update on the Village of Fingal Reconstruction project, including important information about road closures and design changes made in response to feedback from the agricultural community.

Union Road Closure Update
Sanitary sewer installation is continuing on Union Road south of the future pumping station located at 8062 Union Road.

As work progresses, residents should expect a full closure of Union Road north of Fingal Line (Lanark Street to 8058 Union Road). Due to the depth of the excavation, the roadway cannot be safely maintained with one lane of traffic and must be closed to all vehicles.

Closure Limits:
The following areas are included in the closure (see map below):

• Union Road north of Fingal Line (Lanark Street to 8058 Union Road)
• Fowler Street
• Millpark Street

Property Access
Residents should expect that driveways may be temporarily inaccessible while work is taking place directly in front of their property. If you need continued access to your vehicle, please park on nearby side streets. Driveway access will be restored as the work progresses south and the excavation is backfilled.

Long Weekend Access
Union Road will remain closed over the long weekend from approximately 8058 Union Road to Lanark Street. Residents located north of Lanark Street will need to continue accessing their properties from the north.

Accessibility and Special Access Needs
Residents with mobility concerns or other access issues are encouraged to contact the project team. Available alternatives will be reviewed to help maintain access wherever possible.

Detour Route
Please follow the signed detours posted on Municipal Road 511: http://bit.ly/49eqvMc

Update for the Agricultural Community
At the pre-construction Public Information Centre (PIC) held on September 24, 2025, the County of Elgin and the Township of Southwold presented the project design, answered questions, and gathered public feedback.

One of the most significant concerns raised was from members of the agricultural community regarding the proposed lane widths and how large farm equipment would navigate through the village.

We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their concerns. We heard this feedback clearly and understand the importance of ensuring the reconstructed roadway can continue to accommodate agricultural vehicles while also meeting the needs of all road users.

To better understand these concerns, County staff met with representatives from the Elgin Federation of Agriculture (EFA) on March 11, 2026. This discussion provided valuable insight that helped inform revisions to the design.

Design Revisions Based on Agricultural Feedback
Based on feedback received from the agricultural community, the County has revised the final roadway configuration on Fingal Line and Union Road.

Updated drawings reflecting these changes are now available for public viewing here.

Added Layby Areas
Eight parking and layby bays with a rollover and barrier curb have been added throughout the village. These are designated paved areas along the roadside where vehicles can safely pull over or park temporarily. As a result, they will provide additional space for agricultural equipment to briefly pull over when needed, allowing opposing vehicles to pass safely and improving flexibility for larger equipment travelling through the community.

Below are some examples of layby areas in the City of St. Thomas, Village of Sparta, and the Cross-Section of the Proposed Roadway:

Lane Widths and Community Safety
The lane widths are not changing from what was previously proposed. The design follows current federal and provincial standards for village roads and uses the widest lane widths recommended for this type of setting. In developing the final design, the County carefully considered feedback from agricultural operators, residents, and other community members. The goal is to create a roadway that accommodates farm equipment and other large vehicles while also enhancing safety, accessibility, and usability for everyone who travels through the village.

Managing vehicle speeds in villages remains a top concern across Elgin County. The proposed lane widths are intended to help create a safer and more comfortable environment for all road users by:

• Encouraging lower vehicle speeds through the community
• Reducing crossing distances for pedestrians
• Providing space for sidewalks, landscaped boulevards, and underground utilities

Our Commitment
The addition of the layby areas is a direct result of the feedback we heard and reflects our commitment to incorporating public input wherever possible while ensuring the project remains compliant with engineering standards and safety requirements.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as construction progresses.

Kind regards,
The Project Team