Donald Cousens Parkway and Country Glen Road

Where is the construction taking place?

Construction will be in the boulevard on the south side of Donald Cousens Parkway west of Country Glen Road in the City of Markham.  

When will the construction occur?

Construction is planned to start at the end of April and finish in July 2026. 

Will there be any impact to surrounding homes during construction?

Due to the nature of the work, there may be some construction-related noise and dust from the equipment and trucks, however every effort to minimize this will be made.  

Work is scheduled to occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-877-464-9675.

What impact will there be on traffic?

The road will be open during construction but temporary lane restrictions will be in place Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

What work is being done?  

York Region will remove the soil in the boulevard and replace it with an engineered soil blend that will help reduce stormwater runoff and support healthy tree growth. Trees will be planted in the reconstructed boulevard to help manage rainfall and snow melt (stormwater) and increase shade/canopy cover.   

What is low impact development?

Low impact development means building in a way that works with nature and helps reduce harm to the natural environment, including water, trees and wildlife.

Low impact development practices, like rain gardens and bioswales, use plants and soil to soak up rain and melting snow. This helps reduce flooding, keeps local rivers and streams healthier, and makes communities more resilient as the climate changes. 

Why is the low impact development project happening?

Low impact development has become an important part of York Region’s road projects to address the quality and quantity of stormwater entering nearby natural water systems. This pilot project combines street trees with stormwater management practices and could serve as a model for future road projects.  

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainfall or snow melt that flows over the ground on roads, sidewalks, parking lots and buildings instead of soaking into the soil. This water flows into ditches and storm sewers which lead to rivers and lakes and can cause flooding when the system is overwhelmed due to heavy rainfall or quick snow melt. 

Why do we need to manage stormwater?

Managing stormwater helps reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain or quick snow melt and it helps protect water quality. Stormwater can pick up pollutants like oil, litter and fertilizers as it flows over the ground but isn’t treated before it enters lakes and rivers. 

What are street trees?

Street trees include trees, shrubs and plants planted along roadways and medians. They have many benefits like improving air quality, supporting biodiversity and reducing urban heat. To learn more, please visit york.ca/StreetTrees 

What type of trees will be planted?

Three types of trees will be planted:

• Accolade Elm (Ulmus ‘Morton’)
• Shademaster Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)
• Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

How do trees help with stormwater management?

Trees soak up rainwater and melting snow which helps reduce the amount of water flowing into lakes and rivers during heavy rain or snow melt events. Their roots also spread through the soil, creating small spaces that help water soak into the ground, slow water flow and reduce flooding.

What will happen after construction ends?  

The Region will monitor the health of the new trees and the stormwater management approach.