Fall 2026 Newsletter
Fall Greetings
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and Shana Tova to our neighbours celebrating a New Year!
Welcome to our Fall Newsletter: Municipal Elections; YNSE Updates; Development News; Toronto Bus Tour; 2026 Heintzman House Craft Show; Membership Renewals.
Get Ready to Vote!
Voting days for the 2026 Markham Municipal Election are just around the corner. There are many ways to vote.
· Online: October 16 (10 AM) to October 26 (8 PM).
· At a voting place: October 23 to 26 10 AM to 8 PM.
· At Elections Markham Headquarters: September 28 to October 22, Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, by appointment.
Please make sure you are registered to vote. Information on registration and options to vote can be found at: ElectionsMarkham.ca or vote@markham.ca or 905.477.7000 x8683 (VOTE).
Yonge North Subway Extension Updates
Demolition on Kirk Drive
Metrolinx has completed the structural demolition of 128, 130 and 132 Kirk Drive as well as
the foundation removal of these houses. A permanent fence has been constructed. The contractor, Milestone, completed the demolition work before the Labour Day weekend and with minimal disruption to the community.
However, RORA has advised Metrolinx that the site could be hazardous to pedestrians, particularly children. We noted the uneven grading of gravel; protruding tree stumps; and loose wire. Metrolinx responded that their property management team will be engaging contractors for landscaping; grading of gravel; dust mitigation and snow removal for the winter months. We will continue to press Metrolinx as one resident has already slipped and fallen on the uneven gravel.
Pre-construction Condition Surveys
Metrolinx and North End Connectors Construction are offering pre-construction condition surveys in advance of tunnelling or construction activities taking place near a property. An independent engineering, design and inspection firm has been hired to conduct these surveys. All inspectors will display appropriate identification. The survey will be comprised of a non-invasive in-door and outdoor assessment which includes digital photographs and videos. The survey will take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
Post-construction condition surveys will be conducted after construction has been completed. Homeowners will be provided with copies of both the pre and post construction condition surveys.
Metrolinx will offer pre-construction condition surveys to properties on the following streets in the Royal Orchard community: Yonge Street, Shieldmark Crescent, Kirk Drive, Banquo Road, Thorny Brae Drive, Bay Thorn Drive, Donalbain Crescent, Normark Drive and Inverlochy Boulevard.
If you are interested in a pre-construction condition survey, please contact Ash Naroo at North End Connectors Construction at anaroo@neconnectors.ca
Langstaff Launch Shaft
Excavation of the tunnel launch shaft is now complete and work is moving forward to
prepare the site for future tunnelling. Crews have dug almost 70,000 cubic metres of soil to prepare the tunnel launch shaft site, where two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will begin digging the extension’s twin 6.3-kilometre tunnels.
The launch shaft extends 10 metres below ground, requiring 11,000 cubic metres of concrete and 860 tonnes of steel reinforcement to construct.
Work is underway to prepare the site for the arrival, assembly and testing of the two tunnel
boring machines. The TBMs have been undergoing manufacturing and assembly overseas at a factory in Germany. The launch shaft site will be used to store construction equipment and materials needed for tunnelling, including the concrete segments that will be used to build the tunnel walls. Excavated soil and debris from the tunnel boring machines will travel along a conveyor system back to the shaft, where it will be collected and hauled away to be safely disposed.
Request For Proposal for the YNSE Stations, Rails and Systems Contract
The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for teams to submit their bids for the Yonge North Subway Extension - Stations, Rail and Systems contract (YNSE SRS). 11 teams were shortlisted and invited to respond to an RFP in May 2026.
The YNSE SRS contract is being delivered through an owner‑formed Alliance procurement model and is made up of three distinct work packages: Underground Works, Surface Works, and Design and Systems Integration.
For each of the three packages, the following teams have submitted their proposals:
Underground Works:
· Trillium Construction Partners - Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc., Amico Infrastructures Inc.
· NorthLine Partners - Flatiron Dragados Canada, Inc., Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.
· CrossTransit Group - Ferrovial Construction Canada Inc., VINCI Construction Grands Projets Canada Inc.
· North Extension Transit Alliance (NExTA) - Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Formento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Pomerleau Major Projects Inc.
Surface Works:
· Kenaidan Murphy Joint Venture (KMJV) - Kenaidan Infrastructure Ltd., Murphy Infrastructure Inc.
· NorthLine Partners - Flatiron Dragados Canada, Inc., Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.
· North Extension Transit Alliance (NExTA) - Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Formento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Pomerleau Major Projects Inc.
· True North Corridor Alliance - Bird Construction Industrial Services Ltd., Ledcor Ontario Infrastructure Ltd.
Design and Systems Integration:
· NorthOne Integration Partner - Arup Canada Ind., Hatch Ltd., Egis Canada Ltd.
· NovaNorth - AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., CIMA Canada Inc., NORR Architects & Engineers Limited.
· WSP-AECOM - AECOM Canada ULC, WSP Canada Inc.
One team from each package of work will be selected to enter into a Project Alliance Agreement with Metrolinx, forming the Alliance. The successful proponents are expected to be announced in 2027.
During the Alliance Development Phase, the partners will work together to refine the design and undertake early investigations and works. At the end of this phase, Metrolinx will have the option to accept a proposal confirming the final design, cost and schedule for the Project.
NEW FEATURE
RORA will be providing on our website regular reports of Metrolinx Board Meetings. These reports will provide observations on and insights in how Metrolinx is managing their subway construction portfolio – especially project governance and contract management for the YNSE. Please review our first board meeting report posting HERE.
Development News
Bishop Cross Plaza at 2300 John Street
Primont Properties won its appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and received approval for two residential towers of 22 and 18 storeys and a 12-storey mixed-use building with commercial space at street level, for about 642 residential units.
During the OLT hearing, the City of Markham argued the property should retain a predominantly mid-rise character, with development generally limited to six storeys along John Street and up to 14 storeys along Leslie Street. The City believes the development will result in unacceptable cumulative traffic impacts and maintains that a smaller-scale development consistent with Markham’s Official Plan would lessen those and other impacts.
Given current market conditions, we wonder when the developers will actually be in a position to build. Unfortunately, Primont demolished the existing commercial plaza and surrounding residents are left with an arid moonscape of gravel and dirt.
Upcoming Events
Toronto Fall Bus Tour
Sam and Nancy Cuda are hosting their second annual Toronto Fall Bus Tour on October 25, from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.
See important information below on how to register! Seating is limited!
The Heintzman House Artisan Craft Show Returns!
November 14 & 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
There’s something special about discovering a gift you won’t find anywhere else. Join us for the 54th Annual Heintzman House Artisan Craft Show, a favourite community tradition bringing together talented artisans, beautiful handmade goods and a little early holiday spirit, all under one historic roof.
Explore all three floors and discover more than 40 artisans offering ceramics, jewelry, cozy knits, holiday and home décor, children’s items, handcrafted wood pieces, natural body care, award-winning honey and more.
Familiar favourites will be back, along with new artisans and finds for 2026. And be sure to stop by the Craft Show Café for a tasty treat while you shop. Come for the shopping. Stay for the atmosphere. Enjoy a favourite November tradition.
RORA MEMBERSHIP
RORA is a volunteer membership-based organization. Our mission is to be a voice for our community. Join us to keep our neighbourhood safe, healthy and livable. Your $20 annual membership fee can be paid by e-transfer to: royalorchardra@gmail.com. Please include your name and address on the e-transfer notes.
Together we are Royal Orchard Strong!
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