Here’s a question for you – when you hear the word highway, what comes to mind? Like most, you probably think of a lot of traffic moving at high speed along a roadway that is designed purely to get you from one place to another as quickly as possible. There may be the occasional stop along the way, but highway stops tend to be more functional than appealing destinations in and of themselves. A highway is for vehicles, large and small – but typically, not a great place for people.
A highway probably doesn’t bring to mind a welcoming, human-scaled streetscape, where people feel comfortable strolling along wide, beautifully-landscaped sidewalks and boulevards. Most highways don’t offer attractive shopping destinations, with store-fronts and restaurants near the sidewalk.
So why the question? Highway 7 is evolving and we want your thoughts and ideas about changing its name to something that better reflects its future.
Highway 7 is one of the most important roads in York Region and is the connector between urban areas in three of our municipalities. It stretches from Highway 50 in the west, across Vaughan and Richmond Hill to east of Donald Cousens Parkway in Markham. And certainly, in the past Highway 7 was all those things associated with the word “highway” – it carried a lot of traffic, and wasn’t designed to be a comfortable, attractive destination for pedestrians or local residents.
But change is coming quickly to Highway 7, and in the not-too-distant future there will be many sections of Highway 7 where people will want to shop, dine and relax. It’s all part of a larger plan – York Region is planning a system of regional centres and corridors, which follow the Province of Ontario’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The vivaNext plan for rapidways and great transit connections along Highway 7 is also a big part of the change, with construction already underway for wide, welcoming boulevards and beautiful transit stations.
So, York Region is looking for suggestions for re-naming Highway 7. Considering the future transformation of Highway 7, what do you think it should be called?
It’s not a contest, so there are no rules – they’re just looking for your ideas. You can make your suggestions to York Region via Twitter (www.twitter.com/YorkRegionGovt), Facebook (www.facebook.com/YorkRegion), or you can post an idea here and we’ll forward it.
It’ll be interesting to see the name ideas people have for one of our most important streets. Tell us what you think!
4 replies on “When is a highway not a highway?”
oh cool I just found this page and so far I really like the idea 🙂 too bad by the time the work is done I wouldn’t need to take the bus that often…
@ Asby Aalders’ comment: … isn’t markham still part of york region?…
I’ve always been fond of “Victory Road”. Perhaps in memoriam of some kind? Or maybe commemoration of the first of many efforts toward linking so many locations and people in York Region.
I’m surprised this sort of “contest” isn’t advertised more widely. This seems like it could be more constructive if more people (students?) were involved.
I think I like to name Highway 7 as Route 7.Since it connects York region all the way to Durham, why not call it Route 7. Travelers will not be be too confused or lost because the number 7 is still there.Like if you will be asked which way are you taking, then I’ll just say I’ll take route 7.
My other choice is Yorkham 7 or Yorkham Road, or just Yorkham since it stretches from York region to Markham and also Durham region. We get the York and Ham from Markham and Durham.Please forward my suggestions. Thanks!
DaleA: Hi Asby,
Thanks for the four name suggestions – we’ll be sure to send your message to York Region.
Southern Cross Boulevard
It’s the most important road linking all the municipalities in Southern York Region.
Despite being a boulevard, it could be referred to as a destination as well, which is one of the aims of Highway 7’s redevelopment. “We’re heading down to the Southern Cross to eat dinner.”
DaleA: Hi Wilson,
Thanks for the name idea and your reasoning behind it – we’ll forward your entire message to York Region for their consideration!