Spring 2026 Newsletter
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- 5 min read
WHAT’S INSIDE:
2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Over 100 people packed the Heintzman
House for the 2026 AGM on April 20, 2026.
We invited senior representatives from Metrolinx, their tunnelling contractors, North End Connectors, and Alectra to answer residents’ questions regarding the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) and electricity planning to run the new subway and support the increased densities proposed for the Yonge Street Corridor and Transit Oriented Communities. Questions and concerns focused on the upcoming demolition of homes on Kirk Drive; timing of tunnelling in the Royal Orchard community; traffic mitigation on Yonge Street during the Royal Orchard Station construction; permitted noise decibel levels during construction; utilities planning over the long-term. The Q&A session is captured in the AGM Minutes here:
We are grateful to Councillor Keith Irish for moderating this portion of the meeting prior to providing us with a comprehensive overview of Ward 1 community/neighbourhood issues; updates on current and proposed development and provincial matters. His presentation can be found here:
Earth Day Royal Orchard Park Community Park Clean Up
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s clean up on April 26, 2026. This was Councillor Irish’s second park clean up that day. We were thrilled with the number of children and teens who joined our clean up. Community matters!
We collected over 25 bags of assorted waste that should never have been dumped into our beautiful ravine and trails. Once again, there was a significant amount of household garbage that should have been diverted to our weekly City of Markham Waste Collection Days.
Development Updates
Bayview/John Visioning Exercise
RORA attended Councillor Irish’s Community Information meeting on April 27, 2026 to review the city’s Planning staff high-level recommendations resulting from the Bayview / John Visioning exercise. Markham planning staff held three public engagement sessions in 2025 which RORA attended on these areas: (1) Urban Design, Built Form and Land Uses; (2) Transportation and Mobility; and (3) Community Uses. While Councillor Irish cautioned that Markham’s scope and capacity for site-specific policy is affected by the province’s Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 (Bill 60), he hoped that the principles and directions arising from the Visioning Exercise may be useful in future planning. Stephen Liu and Rick Cefaratti from Markham’s planning department were in attendance.
There was clear support by attendees for a vision of the Bayview/John area that is transformed into more attractive and dynamic hub of activities, services, and amenities (i.e. “a pocket of delight”) which gives people a place to go, meet with others, and enjoy a film or meal/coffee or just relax in a beautiful green space. Attendees also concurred that the City should make full and best use of the Shouldice lands for the public – many argued that these lands should be kept “pristine”.
Attendees expressed significant concerns about increased congestion in the area, particularly given the impact of new developments in the area and nearby (e.g., Langstaff and development close to the subway). There were a number of suggestions on how to improve roads (especially Bayview Avenue and John Street) and fill missing road links, improve pedestrian safety, strengthen public transit, and improve bike paths.
Planning staff will be considering all public feedback in preparing their final report to Markham Council.
Farmers Market/Octagon Restaurant Development Application
The agreement to purchase this property has been terminated. Markham expects the Ontario Land Tribunal will issue a formal Dismissal Order shortly. This means the Farmers Market and Octagon Restaurant will continue to operate and serve the residents of Thornhill!
Royal Orchard Phase 4C Flood Control Work
The final phase of the storm sewer system improvements to increase capacity and reduce the risk of flooding in Thornhill was delayed on account of the Yonge Corridor Secondary Plan study. City staff anticipate the flood control work will recommence in 2028.
Yonge North Subway Extension Update
Preconstruction Activity
Metrolinx is moving forward with significant pre-construction work to support the YNSE. RORA has been sending out information to residents regarding upcoming construction activity as we become informed. If you missed our emails, this information is also posted on our website: https://www.royalorchardra.ca/
New Construction Liaison Committee
Metrolinx is moving ahead to establish a new Construction Liaison Committee (CLC) for the Royal Orchard and Launch Shaft segment of the YNSE. The CLC will be a committee for residents and organizations in the community to discuss the YNSE project and topics like construction updates for tunnelling and EEBs, station construction, and project progress. This CLC will cover the geographical segments of the Royal Orchard community and the area of Langstaff Road East around Cedar Avenue and Essex Avenue.
RORA has confirmed with Metrolinx its interest in participating on the CLC. Metrolinx is targeting June for the first CLC meeting and potentially a Community Walk with North End Connectors in Royal Orchard, specifically around the Kirk Drive/St Anthony’s area and nearby streets that will have tunnelling activity underneath. Stay tuned for more details.
SAVE THE DATE: Movie Night
Mark your calendars for July 30th at 8 pm. Sam and Nancy Cuda will be hosting another
night of movie magic under the stars at the Heintzman House. They will also be graciously providing popcorn and ice cream. Bring your own chairs. Come celebrate summer! Come celebrate community!
2026 Heintzman House Art Show
This year’s Art Show was another great success with 1,300 visitors. 34 new and returning artists presented an extraordinary collection of more than 900 artworks. The show featured for the first time a well received interactive art experience where visitors became part of a collective masterpiece.
The Heintzman House Board would like to thank all those who attended and generously donated to our local food bank. The Board will be providing matching funds.
Mayor Scarpitti, Councillor Irish and several other councillors attended and demonstrated their support for local and regional artists.
Calling All Photographers
Do you have photographs of our beautiful Royal Orchard community? We would love to feature them on our website and in future newsletters. Please send your photos to royalorchardra@gmail.com. We will credit all photos!
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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