Crews in Port Hope made quick work in challenging conditions after a water main break in the Walton Street Bridge area over the Ganaraska River – but reopening timelines are still up in the air.
In an update via email to MBC on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, the Municipality of Port Hope confirmed that on Sunday, Dec. 28, at about 8:45 a.m., a water main break occurred at the northwest corner of the Walton Street Bridge over the Ganny.
“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,” explained municipal staff.
As previously reported, officials had confirmed a water main break yesterday, saying it had shut down a portion of Walton between Mill and Queen streets and the bridge, but more fulsome details had not yet been released.
As municipal crews isolated the affected area, they were able to adjust valves to minimize impacts on area businesses and residents – and despite extremely challenging winter conditions, staff and contractors excavated and capped the water main at both ends of the bridge, reported the municipality, in Monday’s update.
This meant service disruption was limited to a single business, added officials.
What’s more, staff have noted that this section of water main was installed during the famous 1980 flood and wasn’t included in the scope or budget for the recent massive Walton Street reconstruction undertaking.
“The cause has been identified as a break in the 300mm ductile iron water main, located several meters east of the section replaced during Phase 2 of the Walton Street reconstruction,” said staff.
Meanwhile, reopening timelines will be determined after a precautionary structural evaluation of the bridge, and Walton remains closed to vehicular traffic between Queen and Mill streets until further notice, said staff.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
