Markham Sinkhole Closes Warden Avenue – Drivers Detour

A significant sinkhole has forced the closure of Warden Avenue in Markham, Ontario, prompting warnings for motorists to seek alternative routes.

The closure affects both directions of Warden Avenue south of Major Mackenzie Drive, according to the Region of York. Crews are currently assessing the damage and preparing for repairs.

The sinkhole developed after regional staff observed road depression during a routine patrol on Tuesday, following several nights of heavy rainfall. “Heavy rain, such as was experienced, can soak into the ground and wash away or weaken the soil underneath a road, which may lead to the formation of a sinkhole,” explained Melissa Pinto, a Corporate Communications Advisor with the Region of York.

Pinto stated that the condition deteriorated overnight, resulting in the formation of the sinkhole. The extent of the cavity beneath the roadway remains undetermined, leading to the precautionary closure.

According to data from the Province of Ontario, Pinto’s annual salary as a Corporate Communications Advisor with the Region of York was $103,613.03 in 2024, increasing from $109,366.82 in 2022 and $134,611.21 in 2021. She previously worked as a Teacher – Elementary at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, earning $112,758.94 in 2024.

The Region of York anticipates repairs could be completed by the end of Saturday, but this timeline is contingent on the complexity of the work and prevailing weather conditions. “York Region’s continued priority is public safety and we are working to safely reopen the road as soon as possible,” Pinto said.

Other Regional Municipality of York employees include Gabriel Wong, Director Housing Development and Asset Strategy, earning $176,646.82 in 2024, and Erin Mahoney, Chief Administrative Officer, with a salary of $342,971.46 in the same year.