The Region of Durham and local municipalities ask province to reaffirm commitment to Lakeshore East GO Train extension

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham, along with the Municipality of Clarington, City of Oshawa and Town of Whitby are asking the Province to reaffirm its commitment to extend GO Train service east to Oshawa and Bowmanville. Just this week, Durham Region and local municipalities passed unanimous resolutions asking the provincial government to move forward with the GO Train Lakeshore East extension, resolve all pending negotiations and begin construction on this long-awaited project.

The resolutions are in response to an announcement that Metrolinx was reviewing its transit projects. On November 29, the Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation, said that Metrolinx has been “asked to assess the status of transit projects and determine the feasibility.” This review would include stations that have not yet been built including the proposed stations along the Lakeshore East corridor.

The Region of Durham and local municipalities have supported the Lakeshore East extension for nearly 30 years. In fact, the extension is embedded in land use, transportation and transit plans for each jurisdiction. In 2016, Durham Region and local municipalities worked closely with Metrolinx to develop a business case for the expansion. The key findings of an independent study looking into the benefits of the expansion and are available on the City of Oshawa website. As the study outlines, the GO rail expansion would generate $1.1 billion in transit-oriented development in the area and create a projected 21,000 jobs.

“We want to reiterate how important this project is for Durham Region, our residents, the economy and way of life. We are committed to working with the provincial government and Metrolinx on this project,” said Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry. “We are confident that we have a strong business case that demonstrates the monumental impact this extension will have on this part of Ontario.”

On December 6, Regional Chair John Henry also authored a letter signed by the Mayors of Clarington, Oshawa and Whitby that reiterated the local support and commitment for this extension. The letter was sent to the Minister of Transportation.

Durham Region and local municipalities hope to set up a meeting with Minister Yurek to identify next steps and answer any questions.

Local Mayors express support for the GO Train extension:

“Clarington residents have waited for a long time for two new stations. This project is a sound investment in this area and will act as a catalyst for further growth.”

- Adrian Foster, Mayor, Municipality of Clarington

The City of Oshawa strongly supports the GO Train Lakeshore East extension through central Oshawa to Bowmanville given the substantial economic and environmental benefits it will bring. The extension will spur significant public and private investment including the creation of 21,000 permanent jobs, 6,000-person years of construction employment and will unlock the potential for $1.1 Billion of new urban development. For those reasons it has been embedded in the City’s land use and transportation plans. We have demonstrated our commitment to this project in Durham Region and now need the Province and Metrolinx to fulfill their commitment to deliver this transit service by 2024.”

- Dan Carter, Mayor, City of Oshawa

“Reducing local traffic congestion and helping Whitby residents move more easily through our Town are priorities for our Council. This project not only helps to address these priorities, but would also have a significant and positive impact on our local and regional economy.”

- Don Mitchell, Mayor, Town of Whitby

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.