Creating a 6-7 lane regional highway through established residential communities is almost unprecedented. It will have major impacts on quiet enjoyment of homes and community, on some property values, on the environment, and on public health and safety.

 

York Region has engaged an engineering consultant to recommend a future transportation approach in the 16th Avenue corridor. This work is largely completed and the clear recommendation is that 16th Avenue be widened to 6-7 lanes from Yonge Street to Markham Road. The extra lanes are to be designated for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and Public Transit during peak hours and regular vehicular traffic the rest of the time.

 

The Region is working towards completion of a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) which will fulfill the regulatory requirements for the project.

 

Other major regional roads in York Region, including Bayview Avenue, Leslie Avenue, Kennedy Road, and McCowan Road, are also slated for expansion to 6-7 lanes.