At approximately 8:45 a.m. on December 28, 2025, a watermain break occurred at the northwest corner of the Walton Street Bridge over the Ganaraska River. Increased flows were observed by staff at 9:15 a.m., and subsequent calls from the public helped pinpoint the exact location of the break.
Municipal crews began isolating the affected area and adjusting valves to minimize impacts on local businesses/residents. Despite extremely challenging weather conditions, municipal staff and contractors excavated and capped the watermain at both ends of the bridge. Service disruption was limited to a single business.
This section of watermain was installed following the 1980 flood and was not included in the scope or budget of the recent Walton Street Reconstruction Project. The cause has been identified as a break in the 300mm ductile iron watermain, located several meters east of the section replaced during Phase 2 of the Walton Street Reconstruction.
Reopening timelines will be determined following a precautionary structural evaluation of the bridge. Walton Street remains closed to vehicular traffic between Queen Street and Mill Street until further notice. There is no impact on the safety or quality of the water supply due to this event.
Video – Water Main Break Shuts Down Part of Walton Street in Port Hope
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
