Getting Markham Moving and Building New Connections

MARKHAM, ON —  July 10, 2018 - Today, the City of Markham, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of York, has opened Aristotle Avenue, providing a direct connection from Highway 404 and Highway 7 to Allstate Parkway Business District. This new road will alleviate heavy traffic congestion in one of the region's most intensive employment areas.

“The City of Markham is proud to have initiated this project, working with area land owners and leading the design process,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This overpass is vital infrastructure, needed to tackle the number one issue facing residents in York Region, it will relieve congestion along Highway 7 and provide a safe option for cyclists and pedestrians. It has set a precedent as to how we can work together and achieve solutions for multi-jurisdictional projects.”
The Aristotle Avenue connection is part of a larger project to improve the Highway 404/Highway 7 interchange. With the construction of Norman Bethune Avenue, a new road crossing over Highway 404, north of Highway 7, neighbouring municipalities in York Region will be easily linked.

"Markham staff had a vision that this connection was required to support the employment district along Highway 404 and Highway 7, and started planning the designs for the midblock crossing over 10 years ago," explains Brian Lee, Director of Engineering at the City of Markham. "There are plans to have more midblock crossings in the future, which will better connect communities and allow alternative routes for cyclists, pedestrians and other forms of transportation."

During morning and evening rush hours, this transportation network improvement will allow approximately 500 to 700 vehicles per hour to detour away from the busy intersection at Highway 7 and Highway 404. It will significantly reduce delays due to traffic congestion and will improve overall safety conditions for all road users.

Aristotle Avenue, named after the famous ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, pays homage to Markham's diverse community, and celebrates the City's growing Greek population. As the most diverse city in Canada, the City of Markham thrives and continues to lead because of our diversity and focus on inclusion.

The entire project cost $58M and was jointly funded by the City of Markham, the Regional Municipality of York and the Town of Richmond Hill.

The City of Markham will host an official grand opening ceremony for Aristotle Avenue later this year.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684