Fog Advisory and Transit Detours Impact Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham Residents This Week

This report by Farshad Fazaeli is based on information published by York Region Transit (YRT/Viva), Environment and Climate Change Canada (weather alerts) and Government of Ontario.

Dense Fog Expected Across York Region

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow Advisory for dense fog affecting Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham. The advisory, in effect from 5:15 AM EDT on Thursday, October 29, 2026, warns of near-zero visibility in some areas this morning. Travel is expected to be hazardous, with visibility potentially reducing suddenly. The forecast confidence for this event is high, indicating a significant impact level. Residents are advised to allow extra time for their commutes and to monitor official weather updates. This advisory comes as systems are being updated to reflect recent time zone changes, though the content of alerts remains accurate, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Ongoing Transit Disruptions Due to Construction

York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) riders in Vaughan and Maple are facing multiple detours due to ongoing construction. One set of detours, affecting routes 12 – Pine Valley, 26 – Maple, and 360 – Vaughan Mills/Wonderland, began on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and will continue until further notice. This construction is located on Edgeley Boulevard, north of Bass Pro Mills Drive. Northbound buses on these routes are detouring via Bass Pro Mills Drive and Jane Street to access Vaughan Mills Terminal, missing stop 4308. Southbound buses are following the reverse detour, missing stops 4320 and 6306. Alternative stops are available on Edgeley Boulevard at Bass Pro Mills Drive for northbound travel and south of Bass Pro Mills Drive for southbound travel.

Further construction is causing additional detours for YRT routes 10 – Woodbridge and 26 – Maple. This work is situated on Portage Parkway, between Applewood Crescent and Buttermill Avenue (westbound only), and on Edgeley Boulevard, north of Portage Parkway. These detours are in effect from Monday, October 26 to Thursday, October 29, 2026, and again from Monday, November 2, 2026, until further notice.

For Route 10 westbound buses, the detour involves Millway Avenue, Apple Mill Road, and Applewood Crescent, bypassing stops 3791 and 7164. Eastbound Route 10 buses are not affected. Route 26 southbound buses are detouring via Pennsylvania Avenue and Millway Avenue, missing stops 7161 and 7162. Northbound Route 26 buses follow a reverse detour, missing stops 3773, 3805, and 3806. Temporary alternative stops are provided on Apple Mill Road, Portage Parkway, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Millway Avenue. YRT advises passengers to plan ahead and allocate extra travel time, and to contact them for trip planning assistance.

Preparing for Challenging Driving Conditions

With the combination of dense fog and ongoing road construction, drivers in the affected areas should exercise extreme caution. The Ontario government advises several measures for safe winter driving, which are relevant during periods of reduced visibility and potential slippery conditions. These include checking weather forecasts before leaving, clearing all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof of your vehicle, and slowing down. Drivers should avoid using cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy pavement, and steer gently to prevent skidding. Maintaining extra space between vehicles is crucial, as stopping distances increase on slippery roads. It is also important to focus on the road and be aware of surfaces that may appear black and shiny, indicating ice, especially in shaded areas, on bridges, and overpasses. Using full lighting in poor visibility is recommended, and if conditions become too dangerous, pulling over safely to wait for improvement is advised.

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada and transit updates from York Region Transit. The combination of dense fog and multiple construction-related detours means that travel, particularly during morning hours, could be significantly impacted. Planning routes in advance, checking for real-time updates, and allowing considerable extra time for travel will be essential for navigating the affected areas this week.

Sources

• York Region Transit (YRT/Viva): 12 - Pine Valley, 26 Maple, 360 Vaughan Mills/Wonderland
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (weather alerts): YELLOW ADVISORY - FOG, Vaughan - Richmond Hill - Markham
• York Region Transit (YRT/Viva): 10 - Woodbridge, 26 - Maple
• Government of Ontario: Winter driving | ontario.ca