GO Train expansion to Bowmanville included in Ford budget announcements

After nearly a decade of promises from successive provincial governments about an expansion of the GO Train all the way to Bowmanville, the Region of Durham is happy the project was included in the pre-election budget announced this week by the ruling Conservatives.

The GO Lakeshore East extension to Bowmanville, which will include four new stops (Thornton’s Corner and the former Knob Hills site near Ritson Road in Oshawa, a stop in Courtice and a terminus in Bowmanville), was part of $61.6 billion in transit promises (over ten years) made by the Ford government as voters gear up for the June 2 election.

This expanded rail transit service will help to reduce congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, while connecting people to education and job opportunities, a move that Durham Chair John Henry called a “significant milestone” for Durham.

“This … will help to transform the way we connect with each other for decades to come. Durham Region has worked closely with our local municipalities, Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation to bring this convenient transit option for travel within Durham,’ he said. “We were pleased to see this confirmation in the provincial budget and look forward to continuing this work with our partners. Together, we are helping to keep Durham on the right track, for generations to come.”

As Durham Region focuses on recovery from the pandemic, this long-anticipated project has the potential for major economic impacts,” Henry added. It will support the development of transit-oriented communities, increase housing supply, create jobs, and play a key role in investment attraction, he said.

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter was also pleased to hear the expansion was given budgetary go-ahead, adding he is looking forward to the start of construction. “Oshawa have been eagerly awaiting this project that will bring economic growth and jobs to our community and support active transportation and connectivity.”

Oshawa is also expected to agree to a non-disclosure agreement with Metrolinx on certain confidential project announcements going forward.

Metrolinx is proceeding with procurement for the project. For more information about the project and to view the business case, visit the Metrolinx Bowmanville Expansion website.