Main Street Unionville Restoration: A Beautiful Refresh
The Main Street Unionville is getting a beautiful refresh to enhance the charm and experience for everyone.
The City of Markham is excited to announce the commencement of the Main Street Unionville Restoration, a significant initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the historic charm of Main Street Unionville. This project will cover the area from the train tracks to north of Carlton Road, including the East Lane from Main Street to Carlton Road.
Throughout the duration of the project, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham will remain open to the public during regular hours. Updates on the project’s progress will be provided on this page for the convenience of our visitors.
For more information about the Main Street Unionville Restoration and to stay updated on the construction progress, please visit markham.ca/MainStreetUnionville.
About the Project
The restoration will focus on critical infrastructure improvements, including the upgrade of watermains and storm sewers, installation of new sidewalks, boulevards, road surfaces, and a street light system from Hwy 7 to Carlton Road, on Carlton Road and the East Lane. These enhancements will ensure that Main Street Unionville continues to be a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
The project on Main Street will begin the second week of April with a completion date targeted for the end of 2025. Regular updates on the project’s progress, traffic management, and other relevant information will be provided through the City of Markham’s website and social media channels.
Process Update
Latest update:
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 16th, 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.
Parking options:
Phases:
Phase 1 (April -August)
Main Street Unionville /Carlton Road intersection
to 161 Main Street
Phase 2 (August- October)
161 Main Street to Fred Varley Drive
Phase 3 (October – December)
Fred Varley Drive to the Railway Tracks
Phase 4 (December)
Streetlighting: Railway Tracks to Highway 7
The image above outlines the phases of the project. The highlighted sections indicate the locations of the Varley Art Gallery and McKay Art Centre.
For more information about the Main Street Unionville Restoration and to stay updated on the construction progress, please visit markham.ca/MainStreetUnionville.
