The City of Markham is moving forward with one of its most ambitious trail infrastructure projects in years. Phase 4B of the Rouge River Trail, backed by a $10.6 million capital budget, will extend the popular multi-use pathway from 14th Avenue at Tomlinson Park southward to Donald Cousens Parkway.
The project includes approximately 1,520 metres of new paved trail, one pedestrian bridge spanning the Rouge River, and 253 metres of boardwalk through environmentally sensitive areas. Design work is already underway, with construction anticipated to begin later this year and full completion expected by August 2027.
A Long-Running Vision Coming Together
The Rouge Valley Trail has been a cornerstone of Markham's active transportation strategy since construction began in 2013. The trail follows the Rouge River through some of the city's most scenic green spaces, connecting Toogood Pond in the heart of Unionville to Milne Conservation Park and beyond.
Phases 1 through 4A are already complete, covering the sections from Main Street Unionville through Milne Dam Park, continuing to Markham Road, and reaching 14th Avenue. The Kennedy Road and Austin Drive extension was also recently completed, providing trail users with a safe crossing alternative at Kennedy Road.
Phase 4B represents the next critical link in what will eventually become a 15-kilometre continuous cycling and walking route through multiple communities, parks, and key destinations across Markham.
What the New Section Will Include
The 1,520-metre trail extension will feature a fully paved multi-use surface suitable for walking, running, and cycling. The new pedestrian bridge over the Rouge River will be a highlight of the project, providing a safe and scenic crossing point through the valley.
The 253 metres of boardwalk sections are designed to minimize environmental impact in sensitive riparian areas while providing an elevated, accessible pathway through wetland and floodplain terrain. The City is also incorporating infiltration galleries as a Low Impact Development strategy to manage stormwater runoff and protect the Rouge River ecosystem.
An additional $1.67 million has been allocated for contract administration and site inspection services during the construction phase, bringing the total Phase 4B investment to over $12.3 million.
Part of a Broader Active Transportation Push
The Rouge River Trail expansion is one of several active transportation projects in Markham's 2026 capital budget. Other planned initiatives include the design of active transportation facilities at nine locations across the city, the Rougeside Promenade extension between Warden Avenue and Scenic Drive in Markham Centre, and the Victoria Square Boulevard Phase 2 design.
The City is also expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure at various municipal facilities and continuing to invest in the Smart Commute Markham-Richmond Hill program to encourage alternatives to car commuting.
Markham Cycling Day, scheduled for June 14, 2026, will celebrate the city's growing cycling infrastructure and encourage residents to explore the trail network firsthand.
Why It Matters for Residents
For residents of Markham's eastern neighbourhoods, the Phase 4B extension means a continuous, car-free connection through one of the most beautiful natural corridors in York Region. The trail serves recreational users, daily commuters, and families alike, and the new pedestrian bridge will eliminate a significant gap in the current route.
The project also underscores Markham's commitment to building a more walkable and bikeable city, a key goal identified in both the Pathways and Trails Master Plan and the Active Transportation Master Plan.
Discover more about parks, trails, and outdoor activities in Markham at MarkhamBusiness.com.