Project Description

Main Street Unionville is a heritage village that serves both local communities and regional visitors. Its historic buildings and unique landscape offer a serene escape, providing a backdrop for enjoying the history, unique retail stores, and world-class cuisine.

Since 2013, the City of Markham has conducted numerous studies to guide the future development of Main Street Unionville. The Main Street Unionville Community Vision Plan (2015) identified various challenges and opportunities, leading to the initiation of the Main Street Unionville Streetscape Master Plan for the Commercial Core in 2018. The preferred streetscape concept received Council approval in March 2022.

Project Updates: Procurement and Construction Updates

The City of Markham is excited to announce that the construction assignment for the Main Street Unionville Restoration has been awarded to CRCE Construction Ltd. Additionally, EXP Inc. has been appointed as the project consultant to oversee the implementation.

The first phase of construction was started in August 2024 and will continue until the end of December. The second phase of construction is planned to begin in May 2025 and continue through to December 2025.

Latest Construction Updates The East Lane (Lane Way) Paving Purpose: As part of the Main Street Unionville Restoration Project, we are completing critical road upgrades on East Lane. To finalize paving before winter weather, a full road closure is required to ensure efficient and high-quality work. Closure Details: Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024 (with potential lane closures on Friday, November 22, if needed) Time: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (may extend based on progress) Details: East Lane will be fully closed to traffic during paving operations. Access to parking behind Main Street businesses will not be available during this time. Parking: Reminder that on-street parking is permitted on multiple streets in the area. This includes Fred Varley Drive, Pomander Road and Wembley Avenue. There are also multiple parking spots along Station Lane. Work Area Map: Figure 1: Map of Lane Closures at The East Lane - Main Street Unionville Victoria Avenue Watermain Work Purpose: Upgrading watermain infrastructure to enhance long-term reliability and service to the area. Work Details: Date: November 13, 2024 – December 4, 2024 (approximate timeline) Time: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily Details: Crews will install new watermain connections under the roadway. Temporary lane closures will occur on Victoria Avenue and Main Street Unionville during work hours, but all lanes will reopen at the end of each day. Flagging staff will direct traffic to ensure safety. Note: Timelines may change based on field conditions. Visitor Reminder: We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this work and encourage visitors to continue enjoying Main Street Unionville. These upgrades are vital to the area’s long-term infrastructure and service reliability. Work Area Map: Figure 2: Map of Lane Closures at Victoria Ave - Main Street Unionville Thank you for your understanding as we work to enhance the Main Street Unionville area.

From Vision to Realization

Continuing the City’s and the Community’s vision to enhance Main Street Unionville, the City has engaged CRCE Construction Ltd. and EXP Inc. to implement the restoration. This project includes important underground infrastructure improvements, new sidewalks, boulevards, road surfaces, and a new street light system from Hwy 7 to Carlton Road and on East Lane.

Current Construction: Stage 1

• Stage 1: Anticipated timeline - August 2024 to December 2024
  • Work Location: East Lane, Victoria Avenue, and Carlton Road.
  • Details:
    • East Lane: Replacement of culvert, maintenance holes, and asphalt. Installation of a new pedestrian crossover, concrete curb work, tree planting, asphalt resurfacing, streetlights, line painting, signage, and erosion and sediment control measures.
    • Victoria Avenue: Minor storm sewer improvements, pavement rehabilitation, and short length of reconstruction including curb, gutter, sidewalk, and relaying of interlocking brick.
    • Carlton Road: Watermain relining and installation of a Regional precast concrete valve chamber at East Lane.
  • Impact: Initial traffic control measures and minor disruptions are expected. Coordination with residents and businesses will be essential to ensure minimal inconvenience.

Why Are We Doing This?

The restoration of Main Street Unionville is crucial for several reasons. The relining of watermains and storm sewers is essential to prevent leaks, blockages, and structural failures, ensuring reliable water and sewer services. Using interlocking brick pavers and maintaining the heritage character of the area is vital to preserving the historic significance of Main Street Unionville. Improved streetscaping, including tree planting and street amenities, will create a more inviting and functional public space for residents and visitors. Additionally, upgrades to street lighting and roadway design will enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety, making the area more accessible and user-friendly.

Community Involvement and Notifications

Construction notifications will be issued shortly to residents and businesses in neighboring areas, providing detailed information about upcoming work and expected impacts. Regular updates and community engagement will continue throughout the project to keep everyone informed.

We encourage you to sign up for the project mailing list to receive updates, notices about future public events, and other opportunities to provide input as the project progresses.