MAJOR UPDATE: Traffic Signals Confirmed for 2027 & Doane Road Design Expedited!

Dear Neighbours and Supporters,

When we launched this petition in April, our goal was simple: demand immediate safety improvements at Leslie Street and Doane Road and stop the endless delays on our critical infrastructure. Thanks to the over 300 of you who signed, shared, and raised your voices, York Region has heard us loud and clear.

We were successful in bringing an abandoned project with an unknown future date back to life, placing it directly into the core focus of York Region.

Following a series of highly productive meetings with Salim Alibhai, Director of Capital Delivery - Transportation, I received written confirmation that Public Works staff are actively advancing our requests.

Here is what we have achieved together:

• Traffic Signals Confirmed: The Region is already undertaking the design work to install traffic signals at the Leslie Street and Doane Road intersection. These signals will be installed in 2027, addressing the immediate and temporary safety concerns at this location.
• Detailed Engineering Design Expedited: While the long-term construction date currently remains 2035, Regional staff are now proposing funds in the draft 2027 Capital Budget to begin the detailed engineering design for the Leslie Street and Doane Road intersection improvements next year.
• Expanded Scope to Highway 404: Crucially, they are expanding the scope of this 2027 design work to include the section of Doane Road connecting to the proposed Highway 404 interchange.

What this means for us:

While the Region hasn't built the entire road yet, they have met our most critical demand: we have officially stopped the delays. This is an ongoing process and an infrastructure improvement that may take years to complete, but successfully initiating the design phase in the coming year is the essential first step. Once the engineering design is completed and the corridor is ready for construction, it opens the door to new funding options, such as provincial government support and funding for municipalities to build the roads, bridges, water systems, and other infrastructure needed for communities to grow.

This also fully aligns with East Gwillimbury's new Official Plan. As explicitly stated in the document: "Doane Road is subject to the Environmental Assessment process initiated by York Region and underway at the time of adoption and approval of this Plan. The alignment and reconstruction of Doane Road, with a full interchange at Highway 404, is required within the planning horizon." Securing the Region's commitment to start the design now ensures we are perfectly aligned with the Town's official long-term vision. 

Next Steps:

I am feeling incredibly optimistic and grateful for the collaborative approach taken by Regional staff and leadership at this time. My core philosophy for community advocacy is simple: Make it right, make it happen, make it last. Because municipal infrastructure is a step-by-step process, I have formally withdrawn my September 10 deputation to Regional Council to allow staff the space to proceed efficiently with their technical and budgeting work. 

The Region now fully understands the residents' demands. While I am ready to return for a deputation anytime it is needed, our work is not entirely done. These design funds still need to be officially approved in the 2027 budget. Taking what we have brought to the table and officially securing it through the budget vote will be a critical task for our next Mayor and Council. It is our community's rightful expectation that our newly elected representatives ensure this project stays on track and does not get delayed again. 

Thank you again for your overwhelming support, feedback, and dedication to our community. Together, we are building a safer, better East Gwillimbury.

Please continue to share and sign the petition. We are keeping it active to ensure our demands are addressed completely and accordingly.

I will keep you posted on any further developments!

Best regards,

Shahab Aryan, P.Eng.

Your Community Advocate