Winter 2026 Newsletter
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- 9 min read
WHAT’S INSIDE:
February Greetings!
Happy Year of the Horse and Ramadan Mubarak to our neighbours who are celebrating. May this time bring you happiness, peace and prosperity!
Save the Date
RORA’s Annual General Meeting will be on Monday evening, April 20, 2026 at the Heintzman House. Come meet your neighbours, learn more about RORA and hear updates from Councillor Keith Irish. We have also invited Metrolinx to attend to provide updates on the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE).
We will be sending out invitations in the weeks ahead. If you are interested in becoming a member of the RORA Board, we are looking for a Treasurer. Please contact us at royalorchardra@gmail.com
Yonge North Subway Extension
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. More details are available here.
As January 2026, the YNSE launch site south of Langstaff Road has been in the active preparation phase, with major construction and site assembly underway. North End Connectors (NEC), the team awarded the contract for the tunnel, is currently performing site clearing, surveying, piling, and grading works. A CN rail track diversion eastward was recently completed to allow construction to proceed.
Tunnelling is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) expected to arrive on site for assembly in late 2026. Once the twin tunnels are excavated (expected to take two years, finishing around 2029), this launch shaft will be converted into a permanent tunnel portal. Metrolinx senior leadership have not provided estimated completion dates for when the Ontario Line or the YNSE will be in service.
Metrolinx Town Hall Q&A Follow Up
Metrolinx provided the following responses to outstanding questions asked at our Town Hall in November 2025:
Question 1: How deep will the tunnels be under EEB-5, EEB-6, and the Gazebo (8111 Yonge St)?
The tunnels will run deep underground through this area to keep them safely separated from buildings and utilities, and the designs and construction methods we’ll be using will be typical for modern subway construction.
At 8111 Yonge Street, the tunnels are expected to be approximately 44 metres below the floor of the building’s lowest underground level to the bottom of the tunnels.
At EEB-5, the tunnels are expected to sit about 44 metres below ground level. The tunnel depth at EEB-6 is expected to be approximately 21 metres below ground level.
Question 2: Have you reviewed the research by Dr Gerry Goldberg on the physical/mental health impacts of exposure to vibration? What happens if vibration levels exceed limits?
We understand that building new transit can be disruptive, and we’ll continue to work closely with the community and our contractors to reduce the impacts wherever possible.
Our approach to managing noise and vibration – both during construction and once the subway extension is in service – is based on a number of requirements and guidance that are backed by longstanding practice for major transit projects, including guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the US Federal Transit and Federal Highway Administrations.
The Yonge North Subway Extension will use modern construction methods and include proven technology to reduce noise and vibration from trains passing over the rails. For example, one of the solutions we’ll be using is called ‘floating slab’ track. This track design has been proven to work on many subway lines around the world, including the western extension of Line 1 to Vaughan. It involves attaching the tracks to concrete slabs that ‘float’ above the subway tunnels on thick rubber pads that absorb vibration from passing trains.
We’re offering people a chance to hear for themselves how effective these solutions are at our community office in York Region, which features interactive sound demonstrations that highlight how modern technology will make sure future subway service is smooth and quiet.
Experienced field staff will also be on site monitoring noise and vibration continuously during tunnelling, which will allow us to make timely adjustments when needed to reduce impacts.
Questions 3: Regarding Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, which call on Metrolinx to:
a. Publish construction-phase PPV predictions at burial depth, not just at surface buildings.
The route of the Yonge North Subway Extension will run beneath the existing railway corridor, and tunnelling operations are planned outside the boundary of the cemetery property. Before tunnelling begins, we’ll work with our contractor to assess the expected vibration levels at surface level and underground, and our assessment will account for conditions at various depths.
Tunnel boring vibration typically doesn’t last very long as the machines move beneath an area. The technology we’re using is the same approach used safely in major cities around the world – including the Greater Toronto Area – and long experience shows this type of vibration can be effectively managed in dense and sensitive urban environments.
b. Install real-time vibration monitoring at Holy Cross with clear thresholds that trigger immediate review or stoppage.
Based on the updated environmental studies we’ve conducted for the project, we are confident that any vibration disturbances in the area of the cemetery will be very low – most likely lower than the vibration currently experienced from passing trains and will not have any impact to burial sites at Holy Cross Cemetery.
We will have vibration monitoring in place before tunnelling begins as part of the noise and vibration management plan we’ll be developing with our contractor. The noise and vibration management plan we’re developing with our tunnelling partner will set out where monitoring equipment will be placed and the thresholds that would prompt a review of our work. If necessary, we will adjust our construction methods or install additional vibration control measures.
As we do for all our projects, we will continuously monitor vibration levels during tunnelling and take any steps necessary to protect sensitive sites and buildings. We will also continue to work closely with Holy Cross Cemetery to keep them informed and address any issues that may arise. Our community engagement team will be available throughout construction to respond directly to any concerns.
c. Conduct settlement and soil-movement analysis directly at burial sites.
We’ve already completed detailed geotechnical investigations to understand the underground conditions along the route of the extension. This work helps us develop safe and effective designs and construction plans. Before tunnelling begins, we’ll be working with our contractor to put a comprehensive ground-settlement monitoring plan in place, along with a noise and vibration management plan that will set out where monitoring will occur and the thresholds that would prompt further review of our work.
d. Ensure independent third-party oversight, arms-length from Metrolinx, throughout TBM operations.
We’re committed to being transparent about what we’re seeing during construction. We’ll be sharing noise and vibration summaries through established channels, including Construction Liaison Committees, so the community can stay informed as tunnelling moves forward.
The noise and vibration management plan we’ll be developing with our tunnelling contractor will be endorsed by a qualified professional engineer with specific experience in assessing and managing construction-related noise and vibration. Metrolinx will review and approve the plan to make sure it aligns with required standards and reflects best practice for tunnelling.
e. Establish a formal notification process for families with loved ones interred at Holy Cross.
Metrolinx has, and will continue to, communicate early and often with impacted property owners, including Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
f. Request that a Metrolinx representative and a Holy Cross Cemetery representative walk the impacted area with residents—specifically the 300-metre section where burials sit 3 metres below ground and tunnelling will occur at roughly 11 metres. A joint on-site review will help ensure that these commitments are grounded in the actual conditions on the land.
Metrolinx remains committed to collaborating and has maintained ongoing communications with Holy Cross Cemetery to respond to any questions or concerns regarding construction and tunnelling operations. Metrolinx is not authorized to arrange site walks on behalf of Holy Cross Cemetery. Holy Cross Cemetery has not requested future site walks on their property.
Development News
Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for Langstaff East
As you may recall from our last Newsletter, Markham Council was asked to support a request for a Minister’s Zoning Order for 21.4 hectares (52.9 acres) of land located in Langstaff east: lands east of Cedar Avenue, south of Highway 407, west of Bayview Avenue and north of Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Thornhill’s Langstaff Gateway.
This MZO request proposes to “double the density” from the approved Secondary Plan for Langstaff east from 10,064 to 19,773 residential units. It also proposes to “increase the maximum building height permissions.”
This MZO in addition to the previously approved Enhanced Minister's Zoning Orders for the lands west of Cedar would bring 99, 773 new residents to the Langstaff area. This area will become the second densest place on earth, just behind the Dharavi slums of Mumbai made famous by the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire.
The MZO request is now scheduled to be discussed at a Special Markham Council meeting on March 3, 2026 at 9:00 am. Supporting documentation has not yet been posted. RORA will send out a separate email regarding this meeting and how to support Councillor Irish.
8127-8149 Yonge Street
The developer, DRC (Markham), sought approval for a high-rise mixed-use development with two towers of 50 and 55 storeys atop a shared eight-storey podium. Following a settlement reached between DRC and the City of Markham, the OLT has approved a revised proposal from the developer to proceed with 47 and 50 storey towers atop the shared eight-storey podium.
Bill 60 and Site Specific Secondary Plans
The Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 (Bill 60) was passed on November 24, 2025, and received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025, becoming law. A major focus of Bill 60 is on simplifying and streamlining municipal Official Plans (OPs). A core component of this initiative is the elimination or restriction of secondary plans and site-specific policy areas to reduce planning complexity, speed up approvals, and promote standardized, higher-density development. This means the completion of the Yonge Corridor Secondary Plan, save and except the vital infrastructure studies and reports, could very likely be in jeopardy.
RORA has significant concerns with these provisions of Bill 60: eliminating secondary plans—particularly in intensification zones like Major Transit Station Areas (such as the future Royal Orchard Station)—will lead to fragmented, uncoordinated development. As well, the province’s push for standardized, one-size-fits-all planning with the removal of local, site-specific policies is further erosion of municipal autonomy to guide locally responsive and appropriate development.
This means we must be even more vigilant as development proposals come forward and support Councillor Irish in our fight for complete, liveable communities.
Upcoming Events
Markham and Richmond Hill Open House on Home Energy Retrofits (March 2, 2026 from 7 to 8 PM)
Markham in partnership with Richmond Hill will be hosting a virtual Open House on March 2, 2026 to share information on their Home Energy Retrofits Feasibility Study as well as available funding programs and supports that can help residents reduce their energy use at home. The hosts want to hear from the community on the types of supports that would make it easier to improve energy efficiency at home. Lastly, attendees will also have the opportunity to enter a prize giveaway. Registration for the virtual session is required: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/markham-and-richmond-hill-open-house-on-home-energy-retrofits-tickets-1983022079421?aff=oddtdtcreator
Heintzman House Art Show and Sale 2026 (April 24 to April 26, 2026)
Spring Into Colour at the Heintzman House Art Show and Sale, a prestigious juried exhibition celebrating creativity and artistic excellence. This highly anticipated event showcases the work of 34 new and returning artists, presenting an extraordinary collection of more than 900 pieces available for purchase. From vibrant contemporary works to timeless classics, the show offers an inspiring range of styles and genres to suit every taste.
New this year, the show will have a lively interactive art experience where every visitor becomes part of the masterpiece. Patrons of all ages—artists and non-artists alike—are invited to add their colorful marks to a collaborative modern artwork, celebrating creativity in all its forms. A small $2.00 donation to participate will support the local food bank, making your artistic touch both meaningful and impactful.
The art show runs from Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26, 2026. Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Heintzman House is located at 135 Bay Thorn Drive, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 3V1. Free Admission and free Onsite Parking
Membership
Our sincere thanks to those who recently joined or renewed their annual RORA membership. Membership renewals were due January 1, 2026.
RORA is YOUR community voice and we advocate for the health and safety of our beloved Royal Orchard neighbourhood.
Joining/renewing is easy. Your $20 membership fee can be paid by e-transfer to: royalorchardra@gmail.com. Please include your name and address on the e-transfer notes. New members, please fill out the membership form here so we can make sure you get all our emails and notifications. If you have made changes to your contact information, please email us at the same account.
We will also accept cash/cheques. Please make cheques payable to Royal Orchard Ratepayers’ Association and deliver or mail your payment to: A. Young, 18 Banquo Road, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3H1. Tell your neighbours how important it is that they join us!
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