How Will November Roadwork and Civic Events Affect York Region Commuters?

This report by Farshad Fazaeli is based on information published by York Region Transit (YRT/Viva), City of Richmond Hill (Events Calendar), York Region Transit and York Region.

Transit users and drivers across York Region are encountering a shifting network of lane restrictions, construction projects, and special-event diversions this November. Official bulletins from York Region Transit and the regional administration reveal that travel patterns will require ongoing adjustments from Richmond Hill to Markham and Newmarket.

Richmond Hill Civic Gatherings and Transit Rerouting

In Richmond Hill, civic activities will temporarily redirect major transit arteries. According to York Region Transit, the Richmond Hill Remembrance Day Parade will close Yonge Street between Crosby Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During this window, Route 99 Yonge and Viva blue will bypass the area using local streets. Southbound Route 99 buses will redirect via Crosby Avenue, Pugsley Avenue, and Major Mackenzie Drive before returning to Yonge Street, skipping stops 9786, 4692, 4693, 4694, and 7319. Northbound Route 99 buses will reverse that route, missing stops 2481, 2482, and 2483. Viva blue buses will divert around the corridor using Elgin Mills Road and Newkirk Road in both directions, missing key curbside stops along Yonge Street while calling at temporary boarding points on Elgin Mills Road east of Yonge Street.

On the same Sunday, local residents seeking community events can access the Mill Pond Gallery at 314 Mill Street. According to the City of Richmond Hill events calendar, the Richmond Hill Group of Artists is hosting a member gallery show and sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring original paintings by Olesya Betin. The show offers free parking and free admission for attendees.

Long-Term Construction and School Special Detours in Markham

Transit riders in Markham also face extended adjustments. York Region Transit reported that starting Tuesday, November 3, 2026, construction involving an eastbound lane closure on Church Street between Wootten Way North and Markham District High School has redirected several student routes.

Route 410, Route 411, and Route 416 school specials are following detours until further notice. Morning buses are serving a temporary stop on Church Street east of Russell Stover Court, opposite Markham District High School, bypassing stops 1851, 1852, 1853, and 1854. Afternoon return trips operate via Elm Street and Parkway Avenue to resume normal paths, bypassing stops 4707 and 4729.

Regional infrastructure work will also affect major traffic corridors in Markham later in the month. According to York Region, Metrolinx railway crossing rehabilitation will shut Kennedy Road between Steeles Avenue and 14th Avenue from 10 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Furthermore, urgent culvert rehabilitation keeps Warden Avenue closed from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive until repairs conclude.

Regional Network Updates in Newmarket and Beyond

Regional travelers heading through Newmarket must navigate major infrastructure work as well. According to York Region, Metrolinx rail work will close Davis Drive between Main Street and Prospect Street from 9 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Nearby, Bayview Avenue remains reduced to a single lane each way between Stonehaven Avenue/Silken Laumann Drive and Laurelwood Gate/Brooker Ridge until 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026, for culvert replacement.

These closures follow broader transit adjustments implemented on Sunday, November 1, 2026. York Region Transit confirmed that Route 52 Holland Landing and Route 425 have returned to normal routing along Yonge Street following the completion of road repairs between Holland Landing Road and Doane Road. Elsewhere, Route 50 Queensway remains detoured via Hawkins Street, Smockum Boulevard, and Highway 48 due to safety concerns and construction near High Street, a setup projected to last until a new bus loop opens in 2028.

Virtual Tools and How to Plan Ahead

While road networks adapt to heavy civil works, municipal programs are shifting to virtual platforms. The City of Richmond Hill has scheduled a free one-hour economic development webinar titled How to Make Your Business More Efficient in a Changing Market for Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The virtual session focuses on organizational systems, task prioritization, and operational adjustments for local small business operators and entrepreneurs.

For transit planning, York Region Transit advises passengers to consult the YRT Trip Planner or call customer service at 1-866-668-3978. Real-time emergency road updates are published on the York Region Public Notices directory and shared on social media feeds using the hashtag #onYRroads.

Sources

• York Region Transit (YRT/Viva): Route 99 – Yonge and Viva Blue Detour for Richmond Hill Remembrance Day Parade
• City of Richmond Hill (Events Calendar): How to Make Your Business More Efficient in a Changing Market (11/26/2026)
• York Region Transit (YRT/Viva): Routes 410, 411 and 416 Impacted by Construction
• City of Richmond Hill (Events Calendar): RHGA Member Gallery Show and Sale (11/08/2026)
• York Region Transit: Service Changes and Updates - York Region Transit
• York Region: Road Closures | York Region