In an urban context, is there anything that looks better than fresh asphalt and bright yellow markings, especially when it is right beside an improved, lush greenspace? Infrastructure renewal at the Iroquois Plaza was, in the opinion of many, long overdue, and the result was well worth any inconvenience the construction may have caused. Tinkess Photo

IROQUOIS – When the Iroquois Plaza was built during the construction of the St Lawrence Seaway, essentially as a replacement for the community’s Main Street, it, along with its cousin in Morrisburg were advertised as offering a world class shopping experience. That, of course was 67 years ago, and nothing looks great after 67 years of wear and tear.

It is a reality of life that if you build something, you immediately should start thinking about how you are going to maintain it. Infrastructure upgrades are a necessary evil but looking at the one just about complete at the Iroquois Plaza, you would have to admit, it looks pretty good.

The infrastructure renewal project, with a cost of $1.1 million included underground storm and sewer relining ($339,000), repaving ($805,000), expanded green space, and new sidewalks and curbing around the walkways surrounding the plaza, as well as new sidewalks around the perimeter of the parking area adjacent to County Road Two. Crosswalks are soon to be installed to make it easier  to cross County Road Two and connect with the commercial development there as well as the Valecraft Homes Merkley Oaks subdivision.

Add in freshly painted lines on the asphalt, additional lighting, and freshly laid sod and the plaza appears much more welcoming to both tourists and residents alike.

The paving work was completed by D. Rock Paving of Brampton, while the sewer relining was completed by Capital Sewer Services.

The Morrisburg Plaza, built at about the same time, is currently the subject of design work and will undergo a similar infrastructure renewal in 2026.