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 Begins – August 25^th, 2025

Phase 2 of the Main Street Unionville Restoration Project is scheduled to begin on August 25, 2025 and will run until November 2025. During this time, the closure of Main Street will extend from the south of the Phase 1 Construction Area (166 Main Street Unionville) to the south side of the Main Street Unionville / Fred Varley Drive intersection. Vehicle access between Fred Varley Drive and Main Street Unionville will be unavailable during this period. See “Approach to Phase 2 Construction” below for more information.

Pedestrian Access in Phase 1 Construction Area

While Main Street will remain closed to through-traffic in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Construction Areas, the Phase 1 area (between 166 and 206 Main Street Unionville) will be open for pedestrians (except for occasional temporary restrictions, as required for construction activities).

Main Street Phase 1 area open to pedestrian traffic

Phase 2 Construction Area

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.