Queen Street expected to reopen Friday morning
Two weeks following a structure fire in Downtown Lakefield, Queen Street is expected to reopen to traffic at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 24, Selwyn Township announced Thursday afternoon.
Queen Street, from Albert to Regent streets, has been closed to traffic since October 9. The closure was necessary to give demolition crews safe access to remove the fire-damaged structure.
Following significant progress on the demolition of the affected buildings, the contractor has confirmed that work can safely continue without requiring Queen Street to remain closed. This marks an important step forward in the recovery process for the Village of Lakefield.
Demolition crews work to clean up the site of a structure fire that took place in Lakefield on October 9. This photo was taken Wednesday afternoon as work continued at the former Kawartha Home Hardware building, which also housed five apartment units on the second floor. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
While Queen Street will reopen, the demolition site itself will remain fenced off for the contractor to complete the work and to backfill the lots to create a level and safe site. The sidewalk in front of the affected area will remain closed. To provide safe pedestrian movements, the on-street parking spaces directly in front of the site will be converted into a temporary pedestrian walkway, providing a continuous route to the intersection and nearby businesses on this side of the street.
Burnham Street, including the sidewalk, between Queen Street and Charlotte Street will remain closed as demolition activities continue in the area. However, there will be access from the Charlotte/Burnham Street intersection to the parking area adjacent to Divine Craft.
Two streetlights on Queen Street immediately adjacent to the affected buildings were removed during fire fighting operations to protect the lighting heads. These will be reinstalled once the demolition is complete.
“Reopening Queen Street represents a positive milestone for our community,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “Although the streetscape will look very different for some time, we are encouraged by the resilience and spirit that Lakefield continues to demonstrate. We urge residents and visitors to support our local businesses and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that make Lakefield so special.”
“Reopening Queen Street represents a positive milestone for our community.”
Businesses in downtown Lakefield are open and ready to serve customers. The Township encourages everyone to shop local, dine local, and continue showing support for the business owners and staff who have been deeply affected by the recent events.
Queen Street in Lakefield is expected to reopen to traffic on Friday, October 24 at 8:00 a.m. (Photo: Discover Lakefield, taken April 2025)
Peterborough County and the Township of Selwyn will be working together on an upcoming multimedia campaign for Lakefield to Shop Local, Support Local, and Visit Local. This series will highlight local stores and community groups, and ongoing efforts while encouraging visitors to return and experience all that Lakefield has to offer.
The Township expressed their appreciation for the community’s patience and understanding as crews complete this critical work safely and efficiently. The Township also extended its gratitude to the demolition crews, emergency responders, Township staff, and community partners who continue to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts.