Fall/Winter 2022

bus rapid transit supports a growing York Region

By 2051, York Region is projected to grow to over two million people and 990,000 jobs, mainly concentrated around our urban centres. To prepare for this increase in population, housing and jobs, transportation options are needed to ensure everyone can easily get to where they need to go.

York Region's rapid transit network is the result of years of transportation planning. With the first two phases of award-winning rapid transit projects completed, we're looking ahead to securing sustained funding for the next generation of rapid transit projects needed to support York Region's residents and businesses.

Investments in York Region's 2051 Rapid Transit Network will stimulate the economy with new jobs, businesses and housing, and having sustainable travel options in place will help reach climate change targets by reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Rapid transit infrastructure has already started to transform the Region's urban centres and is helping to create healthy, vibrant communities. These vital connections will help unlock development along key corridors and will be a catalyst for new development, including affordable housing options.

Yonge North Subway Extension continues to move ahead

Woman on subway platform watching subway pull in.

project updates

Progress on the Yonge North Subway Extension [YNSE] continues, with several significant milestones reached this year. Metrolinx, the project lead, is working closely with York Region, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and other stakeholders to advance planning, design and construction of this critical transit project.

Recent milestones:

After the requests for qualifications period for the Finch Station Early Works contract, which will get the station ready for major construction, three companies were invited to make bids through a request for proposals; on September 29, Black & MacDonald Limited was announced as the successful bidder and early work is expected to start at Finch Station this fall.
The updated EPR addendum was approved by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and included a final description of the project, an assessment of environmental impacts, mitigation and monitoring measures and other components.
The Province of Ontario announced plans for two transit-oriented communities for the YNSE at the future Bridge and High Tech Stations — this work program is being led by Infrastructure Ontario.
Premier Ford announced the Province will fund and build a fifth YNSE station at Royal Orchard, in Thornhill, in addition to Clark station being announced in fall 2021.

YNSE — key facts

Infographic stating: 57,000 new jobs delivered through the YNSE construction, providing new opportunities for apprentices and businesses + 5,000 new jobs after construction. 94,100 riders each day by 2041. Up to 22 minutes of travel time savings. $7.8 billion in gross domestic product generated. 4,800 tonnes of yearly reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 7,700 fewer vehicle kilometres traveled per day during morning rush hour.

stay informed and involved

For project updates, public consultation opportunities, news about design and construction of the YNSE, and to sign-up for updates, please visit Metrolinx's project page.

Cornell Bus Terminal opens for service!

Viva bus driving in Cornell Bus Terminal

On September 4, Cornell Bus Terminal opened for service in the City of Markham. This new transit hub is integrated into the heart of Cornell Centre near Highway 7 and Ninth Line, providing a key connection point near Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Cornell Community Centre and Library.

Cornell Centre was one of the first municipalities in the GTHA and Canada to incorporate new urbanism and smart growth principles into the community planning which includes mixed-use, walkability, connectivity and transit accessibility.

Designed to connect and serve those who live in the Markham area and beyond, Cornell Bus Terminal provides convenient connections to numerous transit routes including 34 kilometres of bus rapid transit and the future Yonge North Subway Extension. For more information, visit Cornell Bus Terminal's project page.

Check out YRRTC's award-winning 2021 Annual Report

YRRTC's digital 2021 Annual Report is available, highlighting last year's accomplishments.

Key sections of the report include the next generation of rapid transit, the YNSE and other subways in York Region and the importance and benefits of transit-oriented development in York Region's growing communities. We're pleased to inform you that this annual report has received a Platinum Award in the Digital Media category from the 2022 MarCom Awards!

Screenshots on the 2021 YRRTC Annual Report.

introducing the newest members of our Executive Team — Gurpreet Uppal & Brian Shifman

YRRTC recently welcomed two new members of our Senior Management Team: Gurpreet Uppal as Vice President, Finance & Treasurer and Brian Shifman as Executive Vice President.

Gurpreet Uppal, Vice President, Finance & Treasurer

Gurpreet brings over 20 years of financial experience and has held senior finance leadership roles at large organizations such as Rogers Communications, Loblaws, and SCI Logistics, where she was responsible for leading strategic and finance transformation initiatives. With Gurpreet's extensive finance experience and background, she will provide strategic financial leadership to YRRTC.

An accomplished, results-driven executive leader and recognized community builder, Brian brought about transformational change at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce during an important time for connecting businesses and building communities.

With over 20 years progressive senior management experience in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, and an Executive MBA from Kellogg-Schulich, Brian will assume a leadership role in helping YRRTC move forward with our partners as we continue transforming York Region's urban centres with the next generation of subway and bus rapid transit.

Welcome to the team Brian and Gurpreet!

and the award goes to ...

Our Highway 7 West, bus rapid transit project in Vaughan and Richmond Hill has received the Silver Award for Infrastructure from the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP). We’re honoured to receive this national award for innovation and excellence in public-private partnerships, together with our design-build partner, EDCO [EllisDon Civil Ltd. and Green Infrastructure Partners Inc]. This strong partnership resulted in 12.6 km of dedicated lanes for bus rapid transit along Highway 7, Centre Street and Bathurst Street, with 10 stations, upgraded utilities and wide, tree-lined sidewalks, bike lanes and a multi-use path on the bridge over Highway 400.

Viva bus driving in its dedicated centre bus lane.

Over the last decade, York Region's rapid transit infrastructure has earned more than 30 awards in design, planning and construction.

Awards ad showcased on the the side of a Viva bus.

We're proud to have our commitment to excellence recognized, and it's a privilege to work with our partners and communities to build transit infrastructure to serve York Region for generations to come. You can find more information at vivanext.com/awards.

Questions? Reach out to us at contactus@vivanext.com or connect with us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.