Steinbach's head engineer says the reconstruction of Elmdale Street from Barkman to Kroeker Avenues will likely get underway in May. Phil Kalyta says the project will continue the theme that was implemented in front of the arena, including a wide walkway, beautification of the drainage ditch with stone work and ornamental lighting.

Kalyta notes this section of Elmdale Street has a leg on either side of the drainage ditch and one of them will be closed.

"The main street is only going to be on the south side of the street and then on the north side, there are going to be local access roads to access the existing properties and a pathway, an active transportation pathway similar to what is in front of the arena. It's going to be a wide pathway with decorative lighting along there, so we will continue that theme all the way to Kroeker."

Kalyta adds they will build wide crossings over the drainage ditch that connect Elmdale Street to either end of Brookdale Crescent.

"A couple of years ago, we put a temporary crossing in for the east leg of Brookdale Crescent. When we have completed this work, both legs of Brookdale Crescent will have a drain crossing. You won't even know it's a crossing. It will be wide and well built."

He notes the work will be done in phases with the west half of the block to be done first and then the east half.

The project will cost $1.6 million.

City council made a commitment a few years ago to make Elmdale street a showpiece from Reimer to Kroeker Avenues, highlighting the 'stony brook' from which Steinbach got its name. The work being done this year is the final piece of that project.