TORONTO, July 14, 2026 – The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham will take place in Markham Centre from August 14 to 16. The City of Markham says race preparations and the event itself will affect travel around Markham Centre and Unionville GO Station, as track construction, material deliveries, road controls and changes in pedestrian and vehicle traffic take place. Residents and commuters should plan ahead.
This will be the first Indy racing event held in Markham’s core area. During the event, Markham Centre is expected to see large numbers of spectators, staff and vehicles. For residents living in Downtown Markham, near Unionville GO Station, or those who regularly use Enterprise Boulevard, Unionville Gate, Kennedy Road South and nearby roads, the impact will not be limited to the three race days.
The City of Markham says track preparation and related facility construction will take place in the weeks before the event. Material deliveries and construction activity are expected to significantly affect access to Unionville GO Station and its parking areas. Since construction is also underway at Unionville GO Station, the temporary parking area on the east side will remain closed, and some spaces in the main parking lot will also be affected. The city advises passengers to allow extra travel time and follow on-site signs and traffic staff instructions.
For Markham residents who commute by GO Train every day, the most important issue will be whether pick-up and drop-off areas, parking spaces and walking routes at Unionville GO Station change. If parking availability is reduced, passengers may need to leave earlier, arrange carpool drop-offs, use another station, or check alternative parking options such as Mount Joy GO Station.
The race will also create noise impacts. The City of Markham reminds residents that from August 14 to 16, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Indy race engine noise may be heard in parts of Markham, with noise levels potentially similar to those at a large concert. Test runs before the event, support races and track preparation may also cause intermittent noise. The city recommends that outdoor workers and residents who are sensitive to noise consider using hearing protection.
For nearby businesses, a major event may bring more customers, but it may also create challenges with parking, deliveries, employee commuting and customer access. Restaurant, retail and service business owners should confirm road closures, pedestrian entrances, delivery times and staff scheduling in advance, rather than adjusting business plans only when the event is about to begin.
Markham is home to many Chinese residents and businesses in the Greater Toronto Area. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is not only a major sports event, but also a test of the city’s traffic management, public safety, business capacity and daily neighbourhood operations. Residents and businesses can continue to monitor updates on roads, parking, noise and public transit through the City of Markham and official event channels.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
