York Region’s major highway, which dissects Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, is slated for a name change, which will reflect plans for a major reconstruction project.
“We’re considering a change because we are redesigning the roads,” said Steven Kemp, director of traffic management in York Region. Heavy development, such as new condominiums, will be erected along Highway 7 in the next few years, which was a key factor affecting the name change, Kemp said. “It will be very different than what it is today; we’re widening the road in each direction, and the new lanes will be used exclusively for Viva buses,” he said. Last month, York Region conducted a social media survey to get public feedback.
“It’s almost a 50-50 split,” Kemp said. “Some said we shouldn’t bother and that it is a waste of money, and the other half said we should change the name to reflect what we’re doing.”
It will cost the region $250,000 to replace the 180 signs along the highway. Popular names included Avenue 7 and York Avenue. Ultimately, the decision rests with regional council, slated for review in 2012.