Category: Uncategorized

Categories
Community Community Events History Uncategorized

revitalizing the historic Quaker Meeting House and Cemetery fence in Newmarket

Over the last few years, the fence at the historic Quaker* Meeting House and Cemetery – located at 17000 Yonge Street in Newmarket — had deteriorated and it was due for a makeover. A staple in the community, we wanted to restore the fence back to its original form to continue to honour those buried in the preserved Quaker cemetery.

So, on Saturday October 20, more than 40 volunteers from vivaNext, RapidLINK – a consortium composed of Aecon Construction and Dufferin Construction Company – and the Quaker Meeting came together to scrape, sand, prime and paint this fence. An incredible community initiative, it was truly a sight to see – cars driving by even honked to show their support.

It was a beautifully sunny fall day marked by a few sun showers, but the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of our many volunteers! All hands were on deck to restore this fence – which surrounds a cemetery containing more than 200 years of history – in record time.

This fence is now completely rejuvenated thanks to the efforts of this group and we can mark this date and add it to the interesting history of this place that dates back to the 1800s.

The historic Quaker Meeting House and Yonge Street Friends Burial Ground in Newmarket was bought, established and built by Quakers Timothy Rogers, Asa Rogers and William Doan from 1807-1810. The burial ground occupants include many of the earliest Quakers from 1807 onward. The Quaker Meeting House is the first permanent place of worship in Newmarket and around 30 other Quakers like Barbara Horwath still gather there on Sundays and Wednesdays for worship.

“We are so thankful to all the people who came out to paint this old fence. It means so much to us and our community,” said Quaker Volunteer Barbara. “This Quaker Meeting House in Newmarket gives us an opportunity to meet other Quakers who support our beliefs and to be part of a community who shares similar interests including giving back to others.”

We were honoured to contribute to the community, and look forward to making a difference in many ways.

*Quakers (also known as the Religious Society of Friends) believe that a human being can have a direct communion with God without the presence of a minister, an institution or a holy book. Quakers got their name from Judge Gervase Bennet because they “trembled” or “quaked” when they felt the spirit of God within them.

 

Categories
Construction economic & financial economic benefits Going Green Live-work-play Rapidways suburban to urban transformation Transit Uncategorized Urban Planning

at Bathurst & Centre, the goal is more than just a rapidway

With the summer months now behind us, the rapidway project in the Bathurst & Centre community continues to make great progress, with all five vivastations under construction, utility upgrades complete, sidewalks and boulevards well underway, and base and final paving making great headway.

With the rapidway scheduled to open for service by the end of 2019, it’s a good time to remember what the goal of the project is: to design and deliver rapid transit projects that attract, move and connect people to York Region’s urban centres.

This goal translates into what’s called a “triple-bottom-line” contribution to our community – specifically social, environmental and economic benefits. They include:

  • Urban transformation. Emerging along the length of our rapid transit network, traditional suburban development is transforming into more compact urban neighbourhoods that include retail, entertainment, dining, places of worship, residential and offices. As the population of York Region grows and increases in density, we are building transit to service this population.
  • Connections. The new sections of rapidway will consist of 5 new vivastations along Bathurst and Centre, connecting people from Thornhill to Concord, Woodbridge and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and the subway to Toronto. It will also connect people to the rest of York Region via the Richmond Hill Centre Terminal at Yonge Street and Highway 7, and the future Yonge Subway Extension.
  • New businesses. As new developments provide new housing choices, the area attracts new employers – businesses that want to be located near transit in order to draw on a well-educated workforce.
  • Less driving, more moving. As York Region welcomes this new transit and cycling infrastructure and an increasing population, the result is more transit riders and reduced dependency on cars. Less time spent behind the wheel of a car can have great benefits to long-term health because people walk, run or cycle more – for exercise and to get from place to place.
  • Cleaner air. Every busload has the potential to replace 70 cars, and fewer cars on the road means reduced carbon emissions.
  • Building transit where the people are. The most popular transit routes go where people want to get on and off. People want to get to where the action is, so routes are planned where shopping, services, jobs, and higher-density housing is already along the way. The Bathurst and Centre neighbourhood is a perfect example of this as the community has a multitude of shops and amenities, multi-story condo buildings and residential streets – and busy Viva routes already service the community.

In York Region, a number of urban centres like Bathurst & Centre are evolving into mixed-use communities. At vivaNext, we’re supporting that change by building a fast, convenient rapid transit system. As part of the Centres and Corridors initiative, York Region has a vision and best practices for new mixed-use development to make sure that it gets built in areas which are supported by higher levels of transit.

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

Categories
Construction Crosswalks Intersections Safety Traffic signals Uncategorized

heading back to school next week? >> take the steps to stay safe

For students heading back to school next week, it’s an exciting time. We’d like to remind you to make sure you always cross at a designated crosswalk.

check out our latest video with these safety messages

cross at the designated crosswalk

It can be tempting to cross between blocks, but it’s simply too dangerous. Drivers are not anticipating pedestrians crossing in the middle of the road and with lane closures in construction zones, it means extra caution is necessary.

be aware and alert

Students, always take the extra bit of time to go to the nearest crosswalk, put away distractions like earbuds and phones – and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking near construction areas. Follow sidewalk detours and safely get on your way.

drivers, slow down

For drivers, during the back-to-school rush, it’s very important to be aware of the increased volume of pedestrians out and about.

safety is a shared responsibility

Because construction can change as work progresses, it’s important for everyone – pedestrians, cyclists and drivers – to pay attention to posted signs in and around construction zones. Watch for signs and traffic barrels that indicate lane shifts and closures, as well as relocated sidewalks and bus stops. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility!

 

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

Categories
Going Green Innovation Uncategorized

visions of the future

Blogpost by: Sara Grilli

Cellphones, television and public transit all have something in common – innovation.  At the time of their initial release, they each took a simple task [i.e., communication, entertainment and travel] and turned it into something easier and more accessible.  As time marched forward, each has continued to innovate.  Cellphones are now smartphones, televisions became “smart” and our favourite shows can be streamed.  Transit has also changed, from basic buses to GPS-tracked high-capacity vehicles with payment by smartphone and WIFI at terminals.

For several years, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation has hired summer students in various fields of work such as engineering, communications, finance, etc.  As part of their summer experience and learning, we assigned a group project to the students.  This year, the guidelines were purposely vague.  We asked our 16 students to imagine what the future would look like.  This task was not to focus only on transit, but big picture ideas as well – such as environmental, social/health benefits and community engagement.  They were to brainstorm, research, and then present their ideas to their colleagues and managers.  Here are a few amazing ideas they brought forward:

  • Customized transit services, available at the right time and place for each individual
  • Environmentally conscious travel, with solar panels and a commitment to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions
  • A change to the economy, where businesses and agencies can not only rent ad space on public transit, but also rent space to provide services
  • Social benefits, helping people to foster happiness and wellbeing by increasing their daily social interactions
  • More community engagement, where people can easily connect to what’s around them

No matter what your vision of the future looks like, it’s about making changes for the better.  If our young people are seeing these types of changes, you can bet that at least some aspects of them will come true.  We hope so, and we hope to see our students use their innovative thinking to flourish in their chosen careers!

Say innovation! 13 of our summer students from 2018
Categories
Construction Uncategorized

another reason to get excited about paving >> CIREAM!

Here at vivaNext, we think paving techniques and processes are uniquely fascinating. This summer, crews have been paving a base layer of asphalt on Highway 7 West, Bathurst Street and Centre Street, using a method known as “CIREAM”, or Cold in-Place Recycled Expanded Asphalt Mix.

With CIREAM, the process for base-layer paving is reduced to one complete operation; rather than milling old asphalt and hauling it away, CIREAM is essentially recycling. Here’s how it works.

all aboard the paving train!

The paving crew works a train of three connected machines – the cold milling machine, the cold recycler, and the paver:

  1. The cold milling machine removes the approximately 100 millimetres of the existing asphalt.
  2. The cold recycler machine then picks it up and blends it with an asphalt-concrete liquid. This mix is then put back on the road.
  3. The paver machine paves the new asphalt back onto the road. Finally a roller compacts the repurposed asphalt.

advantages + benefits

One of the big benefits of CIREAM is speed. It’s simply faster than regular paving because these three operations happen without having to haul away and dispose of the old asphalt, and it cures more quickly as well. Speaking of haulage and disposal, CIREAM is more environmentally friendly since the old asphalt is reused.

CIREAM paving turns cracked and uneven asphalt into a smooth surface for vehicles and creates an excellent base for future final paving.

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

Categories
Construction Rapidways Safety Signs and barrels Traffic signals Uncategorized Video

the value of patience – and safety

We know construction can be messy and disruptive at times, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work hard to transform the corridor to a complete street with wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, shade-giving trees, bike lanes and rapid transit.

check out our latest video with its brief but important safety messages

Because safety during rapidway construction is crucial, everyone must do their part. The important messages are: always cross at the designated crosswalk, pay attention to posted signs in and around construction zones, and obey the posted speed limit.

the reasons for bus rapid transit

Once construction of the rapidway is complete and the vivastations are open for service, Viva commute times will improve. Not only that, Viva buses can take advantage of priority traffic signals to help them stay on schedule.

Bus rapid transit also provides a viable option to get around as the population increases over the decades to come. It’s all part of a rapid transit network that connects the Region’s urban centres.

Your patience is appreciated!

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

Categories
Construction Safety Signs and barrels Uncategorized Video

let’s slow down and drive carefully, together

Blogpost by: Monica DeLuca

Summer’s here! And while summer means travelling with no worries of sliding on ice or wiping snow off the car windshield, it is also prime rapidway construction season. And while drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit riders are travelling around York Region, construction crews are out on the corridors daily working to upgrade utilities, widen the road to make way for the rapidway, construct vivastations and all the while ensuring that safety is a top priority.

To help keep everyone as safe as possible, it’s important to obey the posted speed limit in construction zones.

roadways under construction

During construction, lane closures are frequent and in the process of road widening and curb removal, uneven gravel surfaces are prominent. As a result, the roads are impacted and since driving conditions are not as smooth as anticipated; speed limits are reduced to prevent hazardous situations such as motor collisions.

workers are vulnerable

Making a conscious effort to slow down and abide by the posted speed limit contributes to the safety of those on the road including, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and construction crews who are often working in close proximity to the roadside.

be aware of machinery

While driving, it’s important to take note of construction machinery which is typically larger than other vehicles on the road. Be attentive to the different types of equipment as well as to changes and reduction in traffic lanes

We understand how exciting these summer months can be and how tempting it is to rush home after a long day, yet your safety is one of our top priorities, and at vivaNext we work hard to keep our community protected.

Safety is a shared responsibility. So the next time you’re driving near a construction site, slow down,  and be aware of the reduced speed limits in your area.

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

 

Categories
General Going Green Innovation Studies Uncategorized

keeping it green, one ride at a time

Blogpost by: Sara Grilli

As a society, most of us agree we need to do our part to take care of our environment, ensuring future generations can enjoy it.  Helping out the environment can start with small steps such as using a reusable water bottle, switching to paper straws and making a conscious effort to properly recycle materials that we use.

Another step we can take in the right direction is the way we travel.  Different transportation methods have different impacts on the environment.  Active modes of transportation such as walking and biking are the most ideal but are not always practical for long distance travel. Transit is the next best option that benefits the environment.

A bigger step in making environmentally-friendly choices is building infrastructure that makes it easy to choose transit. Transit and communities built close to transit provide a multitude of benefits to the environment including:

  • Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: One bus can replace up to 70 cars on the road.
  • Alternative Fuels: The number of buses using alternative fuels increased significantly in the past 10 years, according to the U.S Federal Transit Administration. In April, the Government of Ontario committed to investing in a new pilot program that will allow York Region to purchase six, forty-foot electric battery-powered buses.
  • Air quality: The more people use transit, the fewer cars there are on the road which will significantly improve the air quality.
  • Protecting land: The Oak Ridges Moraine Act [2001] and the Greenbelt Act [2005] together protect 69% of York Region’s land. By building compact, transit-oriented development where growth should be, in our city centres, we help conserve the remaining 31% from suburban sprawl.

We have more projects to come, both bus rapid transit and subway, and they all contribute to making the environment better. We only have one earth; let’s do our part to take care of it.

Categories
Construction Rapidways Safety Signs and barrels Traffic signals Uncategorized

school’s out for the summer

Blogpost by: Katherine Yasinska

With the rising temperatures, it’s clear that summer is here! Summer brings barbecues, beach days and trips to the zoo. And now that school is over for the summer, kids and their families will be spending more time outside and on our roads.  It also means that the construction of our rapidways – on Highway 7 West in Woodbridge, Bathurst & Centre in Thornhill, and on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill and Newmarket – is in full swing.

Summer is our favourite season, not only because of the beautiful weather, but also because it means our vision of efficient and reliable transportation is becoming closer to completion every day.

safety in construction areas is key

Children of all ages are trading in their backpacks and pencils for bikes and basketballs. With school over for the summer, kids and their families will be spending more time outside and on our roads. That’s why we’d like to remind motorists to drive carefully and exercise caution in order to keep kids safe and sound!  In construction areas, safety should be even more top of mind – for everyone.

have fun and keep safe this summer

It’s inevitable that drivers can get distracted from time-to-time. The warmer weather and busy summer schedules may create even more distractions, which is why it’s so important to remember to be alert and cautious.

safety is a shared responsibility

When you’re driving through a construction zone or driving through a neighborhood filled with kids playing outside, it’s important to give your undivided attention to the road, pay attention to construction signage, and be alert for pedestrians, construction workers, and cyclists.

Summer brings many fun activities, but it also requires more attention to help everyone enjoy their summer. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility.

 

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

Categories
Construction Rapidways Safety Signs and barrels Uncategorized

read, set, signs!

pay attention to posted signs in construction zones

Blogpost by: Ashni Bhoolaton

Summertime means replacing our winter tires and boots with bikes and running shoes. It also means that it is a busy season as construction ramps up for all the vivaNext projects. As the streets become livelier, the safety of everyone is a top priority.

To assist in getting the message out, you will notice signs and barrels out on rapidway construction routes to guide and raise awareness. To find out even more, check out our latest video: Pay attention to posted signs.

When it comes to vivaNext rapidway construction, signs and markers are the main method of communication to the public. So it is very important for pedestrians, transit riders, cyclists and drivers to keep an eye out for the vivaNext construction signs. It’s important take the time to read and understand them because they’ve been specifically designed and placed for your safety.

sidewalk closures

There are hazards to be aware of on construction sites and proper protective equipment is required to be worn by construction workers and project team members at all times.

It is really important for members of the public to stay out of these construction zones and follow posted signs to stay in designated safe areas. If sidewalk closures occur between intersections, there will be signs posted at the beginning of the sidewalk to help you get to your destination.

cross at designated crosswalks

It may be tempting to cross the street between intersections but during construction, large equipment, lane closures and traffic shifts are constantly changing which makes it difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians crossing unexpectedly.

relocated bus stops

When roadwork takes place near bus stops, they have to be relocated for your safety. Follow the signs for directions to the nearest temporary bus stops.

VivaNext’s blue signs are created to help guide you around our roadwork. Keep your eyes out for signs placed along the construction corridor to help keep construction zones as safe as possible for everyone.

Safety is a shared responsiblity. Remember to watch your step, keep informed, plan ahead, be alert and stay safe.

 

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.