End Traffic Gridlock in Vaughan (GTA) and make 407 affordable
The Issue
Traffic has become an everyday nightmare for many residents in Vaughan, where our roads have failed to keep pace with the rapid growth of the area. We like countless other residents, find myself stuck in seemingly endless traffic on Highway 7, struggling to reach my destination or enjoy time with my family without the stress of a daily gridlock ordeal. Adding to this issue, the exorbitant tolls on the 407 continue to pinch our pockets, forcing many to face the same congested routes just to save on travel costs.
Vaughan is one of the fastest-growing cities, yet our infrastructure lags behind. Major thoroughfares like Highway 7, Rutherford Road, Major Mackenzie Drive, Jane Street, and Keele Street are prime examples of this inadequacy. Urgent action from the City of Vaughan Council, the Regional Municipality of York, and the Government of Ontario is needed to address these issues promptly and effectively.
A coordinated approach is crucial to alleviating Vaughan’s traffic congestion. Here are the necessary steps we urge these bodies to take:
1. Improved Transit Options: Develop and implement enhanced public transportation routes and services. Increased funding for expanding bus and train services can provide a viable alternative to driving, thus reducing the number of vehicles on the roads [1].
2. Road Infrastructure Investment: Funding is needed for road expansions and improvements. Modernizing and upgrading intersections and traffic lights are necessary to ensure a smoother and more efficient flow of traffic. Frequent water logging at Jane St/Highway 7 had been frequent problem in every heavy downpour.
3. Toll Reforms on Highway 407: Engage with the operators of Highway 407 ETR to reconsider their toll policies. 407 is most probably the MOST EXPENSIVE TOLL ROUTE IN NORTH AMERICA and WORLD. Local commuters and regional officials frequently label it the world's priciest highway due to steep distance tolls, camera charges, and yearly price increases following its controversial 99-year privatization in 1999. Making the 407 more affordable especially for Vaughan residents encourages its use, which could help alleviate pressure on nearby highways [2].
4. Public Consultation and Engagement: Involve Vaughan residents in discussions and planning to ensure that solutions match our community's needs and challenges. Transparent communication between officials and the public ensures that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
5. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC): City council approved a massive 17-tower development master plan at Highway 7 and Jane Street, featuring 9,950 new residential units and a 73-storey skyscraper. [4]. There was no plan disclosed how traffic congestion will be resolved with the huge project.
The strain of traffic congestion doesn’t just affect our daily commutes; it impacts our businesses, our economy, and our quality of life. Let’s work together to build a more efficient and livable Vaughan.
Please sign this petition urging local and provincial authorities to make immediate and tangible changes. Together, we can demand better transit solutions and a brighter future for Vaughan's roads.
Organizer line: Let's Build a Better Vaughan
Initiated by Rohan Gupta, Resident, City of Vaughan, Ontario.
Email: gupta03rohan@gmail.com
Supported by Deven Sandhu, Resident and Candidate for Ward 4 Councillor, City of Vaughan.
Email:devensandhu4vaughan@gmail.com; www.devensandhu4vaughan.ca
References
1. City of Vaughan — Vaughan Transportation Plan: population and employment growth will increase travel and strain the existing transportation system. (https://www.vaughan.ca/about-city-vaughan/projects-and-initiatives/transportation-projects/vaughan-transportation-plan/about-vaughan-transportation-plan)
2. 407 ETR — 2026 light-vehicle rates: official toll and fee information, including variable rates by time, direction and zone (https://newsroom.407etr.com/2025-11-21-407-ETR-announces-2026-rate-schedule)_
3. Ontario Regulation 76/25: no tolls are payable on Highway 407 East beginning June 1, 2025. (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25076)
4. Council approves 17-tower development in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (https://www.yorkregion.com/news/vaughan-approves-massive-17-tower-development-in-city-centre/article_51478f39-dde4-57d6-917f-f5b28fdbcfde.html
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The Issue
Traffic has become an everyday nightmare for many residents in Vaughan, where our roads have failed to keep pace with the rapid growth of the area. We like countless other residents, find myself stuck in seemingly endless traffic on Highway 7, struggling to reach my destination or enjoy time with my family without the stress of a daily gridlock ordeal. Adding to this issue, the exorbitant tolls on the 407 continue to pinch our pockets, forcing many to face the same congested routes just to save on travel costs.
Vaughan is one of the fastest-growing cities, yet our infrastructure lags behind. Major thoroughfares like Highway 7, Rutherford Road, Major Mackenzie Drive, Jane Street, and Keele Street are prime examples of this inadequacy. Urgent action from the City of Vaughan Council, the Regional Municipality of York, and the Government of Ontario is needed to address these issues promptly and effectively.
A coordinated approach is crucial to alleviating Vaughan’s traffic congestion. Here are the necessary steps we urge these bodies to take:
1. Improved Transit Options: Develop and implement enhanced public transportation routes and services. Increased funding for expanding bus and train services can provide a viable alternative to driving, thus reducing the number of vehicles on the roads [1].
2. Road Infrastructure Investment: Funding is needed for road expansions and improvements. Modernizing and upgrading intersections and traffic lights are necessary to ensure a smoother and more efficient flow of traffic. Frequent water logging at Jane St/Highway 7 had been frequent problem in every heavy downpour.
3. Toll Reforms on Highway 407: Engage with the operators of Highway 407 ETR to reconsider their toll policies. 407 is most probably the MOST EXPENSIVE TOLL ROUTE IN NORTH AMERICA and WORLD. Local commuters and regional officials frequently label it the world's priciest highway due to steep distance tolls, camera charges, and yearly price increases following its controversial 99-year privatization in 1999. Making the 407 more affordable especially for Vaughan residents encourages its use, which could help alleviate pressure on nearby highways [2].
4. Public Consultation and Engagement: Involve Vaughan residents in discussions and planning to ensure that solutions match our community's needs and challenges. Transparent communication between officials and the public ensures that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
5. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC): City council approved a massive 17-tower development master plan at Highway 7 and Jane Street, featuring 9,950 new residential units and a 73-storey skyscraper. [4]. There was no plan disclosed how traffic congestion will be resolved with the huge project.
The strain of traffic congestion doesn’t just affect our daily commutes; it impacts our businesses, our economy, and our quality of life. Let’s work together to build a more efficient and livable Vaughan.
Please sign this petition urging local and provincial authorities to make immediate and tangible changes. Together, we can demand better transit solutions and a brighter future for Vaughan's roads.
Organizer line: Let's Build a Better Vaughan
Initiated by Rohan Gupta, Resident, City of Vaughan, Ontario.
Email: gupta03rohan@gmail.com
Supported by Deven Sandhu, Resident and Candidate for Ward 4 Councillor, City of Vaughan.
Email:devensandhu4vaughan@gmail.com; www.devensandhu4vaughan.ca
References
1. City of Vaughan — Vaughan Transportation Plan: population and employment growth will increase travel and strain the existing transportation system. (https://www.vaughan.ca/about-city-vaughan/projects-and-initiatives/transportation-projects/vaughan-transportation-plan/about-vaughan-transportation-plan)
2. 407 ETR — 2026 light-vehicle rates: official toll and fee information, including variable rates by time, direction and zone (https://newsroom.407etr.com/2025-11-21-407-ETR-announces-2026-rate-schedule)_
3. Ontario Regulation 76/25: no tolls are payable on Highway 407 East beginning June 1, 2025. (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25076)
4. Council approves 17-tower development in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (https://www.yorkregion.com/news/vaughan-approves-massive-17-tower-development-in-city-centre/article_51478f39-dde4-57d6-917f-f5b28fdbcfde.html
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Petition created on October 4, 2026