Lake Macquarie City Council will begin work on Stage 7 and Stage 8 of the project on The Boulevarde.

The project aims to give the Toronto town centre a “clean, contemporary and inviting new look”, a council spokesperson said.

Six stages of the project have been largely completed. The new work will occur at the top end of The Boulevarde, nearest to the Cary Street intersection.

The final stages would involve night work throughout February, but access to shops and businesses would remain open, the spokesperson said.

That news will come as a relief to businesses at the top end of the Boulevarde who had watched restaurants and shops at the lake end of the street impacted by the works.

But those businesses at the lake end, and their customers, are now enjoying the benefits of new footpaths, stairs and kerbing, decked dining areas, new street furniture, improved lighting and landscaping, and better street accessibility.

Work on Stage 7 and Stage 8 is expected to continue until April.

Council’s city projects manager, Adam Wakeman, said community feedback on the Toronto Streetscape Masterplan had been very positive.

“This project will modernise and enhance the Toronto town centre, making it a more pleasant environment for locals and visitors and generating new opportunities for economic activity,” Mr Wakeman said.

“Work continues on schedule and council is looking forward to delivering this project in full for the community in coming months.”

The Lakes Mail has spoken to businesses on The Boulevarde, Toronto Chamber of Commerce, and shoppers, and most have been delighted by the changes.

There is, however, some who lament the loss of the massive fig trees that once lined The Boulevarde.

The trees provided shade, a home for birds, and were integral to the leafy charm of the street. But they had to go, as they were damaging infrastructure.

The council has planted gardens and trees to replace the figs. It will take some time for them to become established and help replenish some of the lost greenery.

To find out more about the Toronto Streetscape Master Plan, go to Streetscape Master Plans.