Blog > How Will the Yonge North Subway Extension Affect Markham? Stations, Timing and Home Values
How Will the Yonge North Subway Extension Affect Markham? Stations, Timing and Home Values
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How will the Yonge North subway extension affect Markham?
The Yonge North Subway Extension will bring Line 1 about 8 kilometres north from Finch to Richmond Hill, with five new stations: Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech. Yonge Street is the boundary between Markham and Vaughan here, so the Thornhill side of Markham sits right along the line, and Metrolinx lists Royal Orchard station in Markham. Tunnelling was under way as of May 2026, but no official opening date has been published, and station work at Steeles is scheduled to run to 2030. The biggest effects for Markham are likely to be easier commutes, more high-density growth around the stations, and years of construction before then. Price effects will vary by street.
What the Project Includes
The extension continues Line 1 Yonge-University north from Finch station. According to Metrolinx, it includes three underground and two surface stations:
| Station | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Steeles | Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue (Toronto) | Underground |
| Clark | Yonge Street and Clark Avenue (Vaughan side) | Underground |
| Royal Orchard | Yonge Street and Royal Orchard Boulevard (Markham) | Underground |
| Bridge | Near Highway 7 and Highway 407, with a GO connection | Surface |
| High Tech | Richmond Hill | Surface |
Even where a station entrance sits on one side of Yonge Street, the walking area around it reaches into Markham. York Region’s 2022 Official Plan lists the Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard and Langstaff GO-Bridge station areas among Markham’s protected major transit station areas.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, helps Thornhill and Markham buyers measure the real walking distance from a home to a future station, because a few hundred metres can change both convenience and construction impact.
Where the Project Stands in 2026
- Tunnelling: A City of Toronto report dated 7 May 2026 confirmed tunnelling was under way, with the tunnel boring machine working from Richmond Hill.
- Stations, rail and systems: Metrolinx has been procuring the main contract to build the stations and install track and systems.
- Steeles station: The same report schedules station construction at Steeles to finish by July 2030, before systems and finishes are completed by other contractors.
- Opening: No official opening date has been published. Plan on the 2030s rather than the next few years.
Treat any marketing that promises a near-term subway with caution. Ask for the source and date of any timeline you are shown.
Construction Impacts to Expect
Large transit projects bring years of disruption before the benefits arrive. At Steeles, the City of Toronto report says Yonge Street between Steeles Avenue and Madawaska Avenue is planned to be fully closed to vehicles from September 2028 to July 2030, with a temporary diversion road to keep traffic moving.
Owners near station sites can expect noise, traffic changes and detours at various stages. Buyers planning to live near the line during construction should visit at different times of day and check the latest notices from Metrolinx.
Looking at homes near the future subway line? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286 to review walking distances, nearby applications and recent sales.
More Growth Around the Stations
Subway stations usually bring more housing and jobs nearby. York Region’s 2022 Official Plan sets minimum density targets for these station areas, measured in people and jobs per hectare:
| Station area | Minimum target |
|---|---|
| Langstaff GO-Bridge | 400, with 1,200 for the transit-oriented community |
| Steeles Subway | 300 |
| Clark Subway | 250 |
| Royal Orchard Subway | 250 |
That means more condos, mixed-use buildings and services along Yonge Street over time, while many nearby streets of detached homes are likely to stay low-rise. To understand how development proposals move through the City, see what new development applications near transit mean for Markham homeowners.
What It Could Mean for Home Values
Better transit can make an area more attractive to commuters, students and downsizers who want to drive less. Some of that interest may already be reflected in prices, because the project has been planned for years.
There is no published Markham data that shows how much the subway will add to home values, and the effect will not be the same everywhere:
- Walking distance matters. Homes within an easy walk of a station are likely to benefit most from convenience.
- Right next to construction is different. Homes beside station sites may face disruption for several years.
- Supply grows too. New condos near stations add choice for buyers, which can limit price growth for similar units.
The goal is to understand your specific street rather than rely on headlines.
What Buyers and Owners Should Do
- Map the distance from the home to the nearest future station entrance.
- Check nearby applications on the City of Markham and Vaughan planning pages.
- Plan for the construction years if you will live in the home before the line opens.
- Compare with today’s transit, including Viva on Highway 7. See whether bus rapid transit is expanding in Markham.
- Buy for today too. Choose a home that works for your family even if the opening date moves.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information.
Next Steps
- Explore Markham neighbourhoods: compare Thornhill and other areas by transit and lifestyle.
- Markham condos: review condo options near current and future transit.
- Request a free home evaluation: see how your home compares with recent sales nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stations are on the Yonge North Subway Extension?
Metrolinx lists five new stations: Steeles, Clark and Royal Orchard underground, and Bridge and High Tech at surface level. Bridge station will connect with GO service.
Which Yonge North subway stations are in Markham?
Metrolinx lists Royal Orchard station in Markham. Because Yonge Street is the Markham and Vaughan boundary, the areas around Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard and Bridge stations include Markham land, and York Region lists them as Markham station areas.
When will the Yonge North Subway Extension open?
No official opening date has been published. Tunnelling was under way in May 2026, and station construction at Steeles is scheduled to run until July 2030, so opening is expected in the 2030s.
Will the subway extension raise home prices in Markham?
There is no published Markham data showing a specific increase. Homes within walking distance of stations may benefit from better transit, while homes beside construction sites may face years of disruption.
How much does the Yonge North Subway Extension cost?
The project had an estimated cost of $5.6 billion as of 2021. Costs and contracts have been updated since, so check Metrolinx for the latest information.
Will Yonge Street close during construction?
A City of Toronto report says Yonge Street between Steeles Avenue and Madawaska Avenue is planned to close to vehicles from September 2028 to July 2030, with a temporary diversion road.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps Thornhill and Markham buyers and owners understand how the Yonge North Subway Extension could affect a specific home. That includes walking distance to future stations, nearby development applications, construction timing and recent sales on the street. The goal is to plan with clear facts, not headlines.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Buying or selling near the Yonge line?
Michael John Lau reviews station distances, nearby development and recent sales so you can plan with confidence.
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® · Markham, Ontario · (416) 700-0286
Disclaimer. Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Station details are from Metrolinx (16 October 2024). Construction status and Yonge Street closure dates are from a City of Toronto staff report dated 7 May 2026. Station area targets are from the York Region Official Plan 2022. The cost estimate is the 2021 figure reported publicly. Timelines can change. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice.