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.

Latest Construction Updates

Phase 2 Construction Area

As of November 4th, the sidewalks on both sides of the street in Phase 2 are mostly complete and are open for pedestrians. Installation of the street pavers continues from the north end of Phase 2 and is progressing southward.

The intersection at Main Street and Fred Varley will reopen after the Phase 2 work area moves south of Fred Varley and it is safe to reintroduce traffic up Main Street.

NOTICE: EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE

Phase 3B Begins Early - November 5th, 2025 to end of December

The City of Markham has implemented an emergency road closure on Main Street Unionville, in the area immediately north and south of the railway tracks (from Maple Lane to Station Lane), following urgent safety concerns identified by City and site staff.

This action was taken after reports of unsafe driver and pedestrian behavior, including vehicles stopping on the railway tracks and difficulties coordinating the temporary traffic lights with the railway crossing signals. To ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and rail operations, the City, working closely with Metrolinx and the project team, has taken immediate steps to close Main Street at the railway crossing to all through traffic.

This closure was originally scheduled for the week of November 16^th, as part of the planned construction staging; however, due to unsafe conditions, it was necessary to implement the closure immediately.

Please note:

• Southbound traffic only will be permitted on Main Street (via East Lane) and exiting from Station Lane until Friday, November 7, when a temporary access lane connecting Victoria Avenue to East Lane is completed.
• Once the temporary access lane from Victoria is open, a full closure of Main Street in both directions will take effect to allow construction to continue safely and efficiently.
• Access to Victoria Avenue remains open from the north via East Lane.

The City’s plan remains to reopen the completed sections of Main Street (from Carlton Road to Fred Varley Drive) for through traffic as soon as possible and as originally planned for mid-November (subject to weather conditions). Updates will be shared as this reopening approaches.

Map of Emergency Road Closure on Main Street Unionville

What This Means for Drivers and Businesses:

• Main Street will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the railway crossing.
• Access to local businesses and parking lots will remain available as always.
• Detour signage and electronic message boards will be installed to guide drivers accordingly.

We recognize that this change may cause inconvenience, but public safety must remain the City’s top priority. The City of Markham appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we take these necessary steps to maintain a safe environment for all road users.

Phase 3 Construction Area

Phase 3 works will include:

• Restoration of the sidewalks and boulevard on the west and east side of Main Street, plus related streetscaping works,
• Underground infrastructure upgrades, and
• Restoration of the roadway along Main Street from the east lane to Station Lane.

Map of Road Closures on Main Street Unionville

Traffic Restrictions:

• Traffic will be restricted in this area, with access available to emergency vehicles. There will be no vehicle access to Station Lane from Main Street.
• Access to Victoria Avenue will be maintained from the east lane through the use of a temporary access lane. There will be no vehicle access to Main Street from Victoria Avenue.
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project.

Access to Businesses:

• Access to the Unionville Planing Mill will be through its Victoria Avenue entrance.
• The businesses at 142 and 144 Main Street Unionville will be accessible via Main Street from the north.
• The Unionville Recycling depot will be closed during this road closure.

Map of Access to Victoria Avenue, the Planing Mill businesses, and the businesses at 142 and 144 Main Street Unionville

Project Updates: Procurement and Construction

In the summer of 2024, the City of Markham awarded the construction assignment for the Main Street Unionville Restoration to CRCE Construction Ltd., with EXP Services Inc. contracted as the project consultant to oversee implementation. 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.

Part A of construction began in August 2024 along the east lane and was paused in December. Work resumed on February 7, 2025, for the construction and installation of Valve Chamber #2, at the northern extent of the east lane. This work was completed in April 2025.

The second part of construction (Part B) began on April 7, 2025 and is focused on the restoration of Main Street Unionville. The work will be undertaken in phases as it moves toward Highway 7. The last phase of the project is expected to be completed in December 2025.

Phase 1 (April 7 to mid-August 2025) of Part B is in its final stages. Since April, CRCE’s construction crew has been busy with the restoration of the sidewalks, boulevards and roadway along Main Street Unionville from its intersection with Carlton Road to in front of 166 Main Street Unionville. During Phase 1, Main Street Unionville has been closed to vehicular traffic to allow the works to be completed. Pedestrian access to businesses, however, continues to be maintained.

Part B (late-August to November 2025) begins on August 25^th, 2025.

Businesses are open during construction, and parking is available in the area.

Parking Availability During the Current Phase of Construction

You can find the latest lane notices and additional information under the Community Notifications tab on the right side of this page. Thank you for your understanding as we work to enhance the Main Street Unionville area.

Construction Overview

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 The East Lane.

Construction Activities: Part A

• Work Locations: East Lane, Carlton Road, Victoria Avenue
• Anticipated Timeline: August 2024 to December 2024, February to April 2025

Work Completed:

• East Lane: Culvert replacement, maintenance holes, asphalt resurfacing, and installation of a new pedestrian crossover. Additional work included concrete curb construction, tree planting, streetlight installation, line painting, signage placement, and erosion and sediment control measures.
• Victoria Avenue: Storm sewer and watermain improvements
• Carlton Road: Watermain relining and installation of a valve chamber at the intersection with east lane.

To be Completed:

• Victoria Avenue: Storm management upgrades, road resurfacing, sidewalk improvements (timing to be determined)

Construction Activities: Part B

• Work Location: Main Street Unionville Markham
• Anticipated timeline: April 7, 2025 to December 2025. See image below for the anticipated timing for each phase.

Proposed Phase Plan

Approach to Phase 2 Construction

The work in Phase 2 will be carried out in three stages to minimize disruption, although stages will overlap where required:

• Stage 1: Restoration of the sidewalks and boulevard on the west side of Main Street, plus related streetscaping works.
• Stage 2: Restoration of the sidewalks and boulevard on the east side of Main Street, plus related streetscaping works.
• Stage 3: Restoration of the roadway along Main Street.

Work Details:

• Removal and reconstruction sidewalks and boulevards
• Installation of market pavers along road and parking bays, with soldier course borders
• Removal and reconstruction road surface, with installation of roadway pavers
• Streetlight installation

This staged approach will ensure that businesses remain accessible while the construction takes place. Staging may overlap as required to help manage potential schedule impediments and address access constraints to businesses and other properties.

Parking Availability:

Access to the rear parking lots for businesses on the west side of Main Street Unionville and the unnamed municipal lane will remain available to the public and deliveries by way of the temporary access lane. The temporary access lane can be entered by 202 Main Street Unionville.

Alternative Traffic Routes:

While traffic detours will be marked, please plan your commuting routes accordingly around the road closure. Suggested alternate routes for consideration are presented below.

Alternate Routes around the Phase 2 Road Closure

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. Use the QR code below to start following our WhatsApp channel for the latest updates. Alternatively, if you are on your phone, click on QR code below, or on the following LINK, to access the WhatsApp Channel directly.