• Stouffville’s Council is calling on York Region to conduct a full traffic study of Bloomington Road.
  • Mayor Iain Lovatt says the Regional road is a vital corridor facing rising truck and commuter traffic.
  • He and Councillor Hugo Kroon stressed safety, citing past collisions and growing traffic from fill and aggregate trucks.
  • Proposed options include widening the road, adding roundabouts, and upgrading signals.
  • A roundabout is already planned at Bloomington and York-Durham Line, set for 2026 construction.
  • Council wants York Region to prioritize any recommended upgrades in its 10-year capital plan.

 

With new development, population growth, and expanded fill and aggregate operations on the horizon, one thing is certain: Bloomington Road is set to see heavier traffic from both trucks and cars.

An approved motion from Mayor Iain Lovatt, introduced at Council’s Sept. 3 meeting, described Bloomington as “a vital transportation corridor within York Region, serving as a key route for residents, businesses, and emergency services.” It stated that the anticipated increase in traffic “necessitates proactive measures to ensure the road’s capacity and safety.”

Backed unanimously by Council, Stouffville is now asking York Region to initiate a comprehensive traffic study for the busy corridor. The study would examine current and projected demand and consider a range of options for improvements and expansion.

Lovatt pointed to the rising number of trucks on Bloomington, stressing that improvements are needed to protect motorists and surrounding neighbourhoods. In addition to intersection and right-of-way upgrades, possible roundabouts, and enhanced signalling and traffic management systems, he suggested the road could be widened to four lanes between Highway 404 and York-Durham Line.

“There is increased truck traffic not only for pits in Stouffville, but also in Durham,” he said. “We have yet to do a traffic count of the trucks that cross York-Durham Line, but they’re not insignificant and they keep increasing.”

The motion specifically calls for York Region to examine the feasibility of a roundabout at Woodbine Avenue and other intersections where warranted. If the study confirms a need for upgrades, Council wants the Region to prioritize resulting projects in its 10-year capital plan.

Ward 1 Councillor Hugo Kroon pointed to past accidents on Bloomington and its intersections, saying such improvements would help prevent future collisions..

“I’ve been clear for years that roundabouts save lives, and that’s why it’s very important that we talk about roundabouts in the appropriate locations,” he said. “Woodbine and Bloomington is obviously the next one that we have to look at, and we are going to work very hard with the Province and the Region to make sure that comes forward.”

York Region already has a roundabout planned for Bloomington and York-Durham Line. Following a 2023 request for proposals, R.J. Burnside & Associates was awarded a $557,000 contract to design a two-lane roundabout for the intersection.

”A roundabout being planned for 2026 construction at York-Durham Line and Bloomington…is going to make a huge impact at the intersection, especially for those that are trying to turn left in the morning,” Lovatt said, noting congestion already occurring today. “You can wait three lights sometimes there.”

Kroon also pushed for red-light cameras at all signalized Bloomington intersections, saying they could also be considered for Stouffville Road.

“ It’s coming to the point where people are ignoring [red lights],” he said. “We know about the successes of speed cameras in town and the impact that they are having, and I believe the impact of stoplight cameras will be just as positive.”

The motion also asks York Region to consult with local communities, stakeholders, and other authorities to ensure any expansion reflects the concerns of those most affected. It further calls on the Region to minimize disruption for residents and businesses during eventual construction.

Lovatt asked for the resolution to be forwarded to York Region immediately in the hopes it will be considered at Regional Council next month.